MOSCOW (Sputnik) — An armed ethnic conflict erupted in South Sudan in December 2013, when President Salva Kiir accused Vice President Riek Machar of preparing a military coup, which was one and a half years after the nation gained independence from Sudan. Over a million people have fled their home due to the conflict.
"Last month’s return to violence underscores the need to seek accountability for the horrendous crimes committed and should bolster, not undermine, the pursuit of justice," Amnesty International South Sudan Researcher Elizabeth Deng said.
4 August 2016, 13:09 GMT
In July, the 2015 peace agreement in South Sudan between fighters loyal to Kiir and Machar collapsed. Three days of renewed fighting ensued, during which more than 300 people were killed. Reports of clashes between rival ethnic-based militias continue, despite a tentative ceasefire agreement. Due to the renewed violence, the UN Security Council (UNSC) extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan until August 12.
In August 2015, Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal that envisages the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity.
