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| Africa Subsaharan |
| S Sudan government forces, rebels clash over key town |
| 2015-06-29 |
| [Iran Press TV] Government forces and rebels in South Sudan have resumed battling over a key northern town after the collapse of the latest peace talks. Fighting between the two sides was reported in the city of Malakal located in the Upper Nile State, in the northeast of South Sudan, close to the international borders with the Republic of Sudan. South Sudanese government and anti-government rebels claim full control over Malakal, a strategic area known as the gateway to South Sudan's oil fields. Over the past 18 months, Malakal has changed hands a number of times in the conflict. South Sudan plunged into chaos in December 2013, when fighting erupted between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and defectors led by his former deputy and current rebel leader Riek Machar around the capital Juba. The festivities that ensued have left tens of thousands of people dead and forced millions of people from their homes. Both army soldiers and rebel forces have been accused of widespread atrocities during the violence. The two sides have held several rounds of peace talks, but the negotiations have so far failed to produce a lasting truce deal between the conflicting sides. |
| Posted by:Fred |