South Sudanese city of Bor destroyed

A week after the tragic death of over one hundred civilians crossing the Nile from Malakal, the South Sudanese city of Bor has been largely destroyed by fighting between those loyal to President Salva Kiir and supporters of former vice-president Riek Machar. Bor has been a flashpoint in the conflict, which began in December 2013. This is the fourth time in as many weeks that the city has changed hands, this time being reclaimed by government troops, apparently supported by the Ugandan army. After days of bombardment by tanks, artillery and gunships the government entered the town. Reports back have described the city of 25,000 people as a ‘scene of devastation’, it has been looted and largely destroyed. Aerial photos show that entire blocks have been leveled. The majority of Bor’s population have fled the city, leaving it near abandoned. The loss of Bor is the biggest defeat that Riek Machar has suffered since the start of the fighting; he now no longer holds any state capitals. Government reports claim that their soldiers have also reclaimed the oil-rich city of Malakal, another sight of severe fighting. Army spokesman Philip Aguer said “Malakal is finally in the hands of the SPLA… they (the rebels) were flushed out of the town”.

Reports from Sudan over the weekend seemed positive as negotiators on behalf of both parties announced that an agreement for a cease-fire was close. However, a Twitter account believed to be controlled by Machar ruled out a cease-fire unless political prisoners are released. These latest government victories could change the situation in Sudan.