On South Sudan, Inner City Press Asks UN of Attacks in Mundri, Is Sent to A Non-UN Website

By Matthew Russell Lee, Exclusive series

UNITED NATIONS, February 11 -- In the UN's continued withholding of news and answers about South Sudan, the reports of the UN's own knowledge of abuses are now being withheld from its own impacted national staff.  So Inner City Press has published below from inside UNMISS.

On February 11, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Dujarric, UN transcript here:

Inner City Press: On South Sudan,  yesterday I'd asked you about Maridi, and today I want to ask you about Mundri.  Seems like, basically, there are offences in at least these two places, maybe more, by the SPLA against the SPLA-IO.  And I'm just wondering, were you able to get any… did you hear anything back?

Spokesman:  Again, you should also take a look at the website from the Joint Verification Mechanism.  They are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire.  So, their updates, I understand, are going up daily.  As soon as we get updates from the field, we share them with you.

 But this website is rarely updated. What IS the UN's job?

 On February 10, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Dujarric about Maridi, still no answer. Nor, from a week ago, about chemical weapons:

  UN Peacekeeping under Herve Ladsous hits new lows daily. On February 3 at a briefing in Juba largely triggered by leaks, UNMISS was asked about the use of chemical weapons in Mundri.

From the transcript:

"Answer: Please refer to the JMEC Monitoring and Verification Teams – I cannot comment."

 But Inner City Press is told by South Sudan sources that "fighting started early am the other morning around Katigiri and proceeded WNW towards Mundri.  Chemical agents were clearly within SPLA ammunition (mortar rounds, recoil-less rifles), the medics know the issue will be squashed."

  So Inner City Press in New York asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq about the deference in Juba to JMEC. From the UN transcript:

Inner City Press: in South Sudan, there are now people saying that chemical weapons were used in a place called Mundri.  And I wanted to know, I know that UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) has started holding briefings there.  There's a question by a, quote, unidentified journalist about the chemical weapons, and the answer was, “Simply refer to the JMAC (Joint Mission Analysis Centre) monitoring and verification teams.”  And I wanted to know, how is it that the UN has a near-billion-dollar peacekeeping mission there but can't speak about an issue as important as chemical weapons?  And what is the state of the UN's knowledge on the reported use of chemical weapons by the Government side in Mundri?

Deputy Spokesman Haq:  Well, I mean, the basic point is that, at this stage, we don't have a confirmation of the use of chemical weapons.  If we do, we would report that.  It's a matter of serious concern.  We have a peacekeeping mission on the ground.  If it can confirm these reports, it will.

Inner City Press:  So the answer there given only to refer to JMAC actually meant the UN is trying to confirm it, and if it can, it will.

Deputy Spokesman:  If we have any solid information to confirm this, of course, we would follow up on that. 

   So what the UN said in Juba is belatedly cleaned up by UNHQ. But they also refuse to answer basic questions in NY, here.

  Previously, after Inner City Press published, the UN did a partial read-out at its noon briefing. But it left questions unanswered. Inner City Press asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, UN transcript here:

Inner City Press:  the Yambio readout.  I have one just sort of factual question.  In that… can you confirm that the NGO compound that people have fled to is the A-D-R-A, or ADRA, compound?  And is it that the UN base in Yambio isn't large enough or set up to be the type of protection for civilians’ facility that's done elsewhere in the country?

Deputy Spokesman:  I wouldn't speculate on why civilians choose to go to one place or another.  The… remember, they are the ones who are estimated to have sought protection at the NGO compound.  I don't have the identification of that particular compound there.

Inner City Press: And it may… and this maybe… may or may not… I don't know if it's related, but there's a report in Radio Tamazuj that, in the UN base in Melut County in Upper Nile State, people don't have food.  Maybe your… your… that… that… since the beginning of the year, none has been delivered, and so there seems to be a… I know it's difficult to take care of this number of people, but is there some problem with… with actually… is there some snafu or breakdown in the delivery of needed supplies to these camps?

Deputy Spokesman:  I'm not aware of any particular problems at any individual compound that the UN Mission in South Sudan has.  We try to provide food and assistance for all of those who are seeking shelter in the UN compounds, and I'm not aware of whether any population is underserved at that point.

  Well, here it is. And here's the UN narrative Inner City Press published:

"at around 1040 am heavy fighting broke out in Yambio Town, details are unclear at this moment; according to earlier reports the SPLA Commandos at around 0530 am launched an operation against the Arrow Boys arm under the SSLM located in the Birisi area of Yambio township, the group in turn entered Yambio town and launched attack against the SPLA causing citizens to flee in panic.  Once the heavy shooting started a number of civilians around (40) forced their way into the UNMISS camp as vehicles were being processed at the main gate. They have since moved to the ADRA compound.

The Rwanbatt have now taken control of the main entrance and the citizens whom entered the compound have now moved to the adjoining ADRA compound. Alert status “WHITE” has been declared for Yambio town until further notice.

Point of note; the Arrow Boys under the SSLM are currently in peace negotiations with the government."

 Then, this UNMISS update:

"After shooting occurred in the early hours of the morning around 0530 hours; at 0830 hours the SPLA Commandos lunched operations against the Arrow Boys located in the areas of Birisi, Gangura, Yambio stadium, and the general areas of the Power Station and surrounding communities north east of UNMISS compound. A number of locals have taken refuge in the ADRA compound."

 For all the UN bragging it's ADRA doing the sheltering. From further inside UNMISS, from Inner City Press' sources:

"The Commandos attacked the arrow boys with whom they signed the peace agreement early this morning, and they engaged in battle at Uze river, the commandos have proceeded to Birisi, now the arrow boys have broken the bridge keeping the commando stranded in Birisi.  There was some random shooting in town and heading towards Uze again. One prominent civil servant has been shot dead and his driver.  All the youth and communities in Yambio have raised arms in any form to fight.

"The clashes began around 5 o’clock Thursday morning, according to a source. Gunfire has continued on and off until now, sources said. Casualties were reported though there are no concrete figures yet.

"Yambio market is reportedly empty with civilians seeking shelter in their homes or near the United Nations base in the town, a source said. That source said some people are afraid to reach the UN base because shooting has been heard in the area of the base.  The fighting took place mainly on the southern side of the town near the prison, according to sources. That area is near a frontline between the government-controlled Yambio town and Gangura Payam which is held by the South Sudan National Liberation Movement.

"The SSNLM is a militia led by ex-SPLA commanders from Western Equatoria. The SSNLM signed a preliminary peace agreement with the government in November, but the deal has yet to be finalized. Time for war."

So the UN knows this - but what do they say? Inner City Press obtained and on January 21 published this:

"On 19 January 2016 at about 21:22hrs in Juba, an UNMISS integrated patrol team was conducting operations when they were stopped by an SPLA vehicle containing eleven (11) armed soldiers.  The SPLA soldiers cordoned the convoy at gunpoint denying them permission to continue the patrol. After ten minutes of negotiation another three (3) SPLA vehicles arrived at the scene with about 30 armed soldiers. After 30 minutes the SPLA agreed to allow the UN patrol to return to UN House compound in convoy escorted by six (6) SPLA vehicles with about sixty (60) armed SPLA soldiers. During the negotiation SPLA soldiers reportedly advised that UNMISS should stop conducting night patrols without SPLA clearance otherwise there will be a consequences."

 So one side in South Sudan's civil war - in this case, Paul Malong's - orders the UN to stop patrolling at night, so it can do what it will. And the UN says nothing -- even when asked.

 At the January 20 noon briefing, Inner City Press asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, UN transcript here:

Inner City Press: On South Sudan, I wanted to ask you to confirm that UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) — yesterday in Juba an UNMISS patrol was stopped by several dozen SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) military people and I've seen a UN document that says that the SPLA told UNMISS to stop conducting night patrols without SPLA clearance; otherwise, there will be consequences.  Given the debate on the protection of civilians, will you confirm that this took place and what is the UN's response to the SPLA's request?

Deputy Spokesman:  No, I don't have any confirmation of that.  If we have any details from UNMISS down the line we will share that but, no, I don't.

  Inner City Press said, quite audibly, It's an UNMISS documents, but the UN did not transcribe it.

Back on January 11, Inner City Press asked Ban Ki-moon's spokesman Stephane Dujarric about the withheld situation reports, video here, transcript here.

  Even if that were true, what about civilians?

   Inner City Press published an internal UN Situation Report.

Back on December 9, the day after the UN belatedly confirmed ceasefire violations in South Sudan, only after Inner City Press published proof of the UN's knowledge and asked about it, then the UN Peacekeeping mission in the country shifted to either intentionally mis-reporting government actions in Yambio, or showing ineptitude in its response.

   Again receiving leaked UNMISS Situation Reports, Inner City Press found this paragraph:

"On 7 December 2015 around 20:00 hrs, heavy exchange of gunshots occurred in the area of Hai Kuba, Ikpiro in Yambio in Western Equatoria State. The shooting lasted approximately twenty to thirty minutes. Reportedly, the shooting started when the local authorities attempted to arrest three (3) local youths suspects."

But Inner City Press' sources said the arrests were political, of former Yambio Commissioner Angelo Bakote and 3 young men. So on December 9 Inner City Press asked, of protection, transcript here. Back on December 8 Inner City Press asked, video here, transcript here. 

For weeks amid fighting in South Sudan, Inner City Press has asked the UN why it refuses to report even what it knows. Even as Inner City Press has obtained, asked about and published emails showing the UN's knowledge of fighting, the UN spokesperson has repeated, Ask UNMISS.

   Inner City Press asked why UN Peacekeeping, led by Herve Ladsous, does not report on fighting of which it is aware, and how “no UN interest is involved” is consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims.

   Dujarric wouldn't even attempt an answer to this policy question (which Ladsous refuses, like other Press questions, to answer). Dujarric repeated, as if it were an answer, that he has not seen the email.

  So Inner City Press published it, here:

"From: Enoch Penney Laryea @un.org

Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2015 9:15 AM

To: SANTUR Abdulahi; Simon Agnew [WFP]; Christoffel Du Toit; Safari Djumapili [OCHA]; Ruiz, Domingo (FAOSS); Carlyne Romulus [at UNMAS] Sorin GIFEI [WFP], Shane Yates [UNCHR]; Abdikadir Tulicha; Sylvain Denairies; UNMISS-FHQ-J2;  John McCue (IOM); Gatluak Gatluak [and others at UNICEF], IMF

Subject: FW: Fighting in Busere - Western Bahr El Ghazal State

"Info received indicate that on 01 Dec 2015 at about 05:00 hours (LT) fighting erupted between SPLA and SPLA/IO at FIRKA and BUSERE (20 km South of Wau town). The fighting subsided around 10:00 hours. Military pickups and ambulances were observed transporting casualties along the airport road at high speed towards the military barracks. SPLA soldiers in the town were seen to be on high alert and on stand by mode.

"Comments: Reportedly the SPLA/IO group attacked SPLA at the affected area. When SPLA soldiers were sent to reinforce their colleagues they were also ambushed by the rebels leading to further casualties on the part of SPLA.

"Fighting is still ongoing as of 02 Dec 2015.

"No UN interest is involved at this time."

Again, why doesn't Ladsous' DPKO report this, and how is this “no UN interest is involved at this time” consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims? We'll have more on this.

Inner City Press obtained the UN Security Situation Report for November 29, and finds in this internal report, exclusively published here:

"On 28 November 2015 at around 22:45 hrs, in Yambio town near Tourist Hotel along the main road, a UN Agency national staff member was reportedly involved in a traffic accident. UN Security responded to the scene of the incident and found another civilian vehicle turned over with the driver apparently dead inside the vehicle whilst the UN agency staff member sustained visible injuries in his head. The local police on the spot attempted to arrest the UN staff member involved in the accident, however,
after negotiation UN Security transported him to UN clinic for the medical treatment."

 Can you say, impunity?

From September 29, 2015: An internal UN document leaked to Inner City Press, which is exclusively publishing it today, shows the high degree of dysfunction in the country, and in the UN.

UN's South Sudan Report, Sept 2015, Leaked to Inner City Press byMatthew Russell Lee

  Here are some quotes, the full document we have put online here:

Within South Sudan the inextricable link with the Government’s political party SPLM with the SPLA military has exacerbated the crisis and this bond is also a potential stumbling block to finding a peaceful solution in the future. Currently the Government cannot adequately protect its population or institutions and therefore by extension is also unable to provide adequate protection to UN personnel or assets. The fragmentation of the military from the beginning of the crisis, the misuse of national security agencies and the economic status resulting from the collapse of state structure and drop in income, has led to further political instability.

This assessment defines that the UN is not a primary target for direct violence. However, this situation could change if the economic situation declines further, the military armed conflict continues and tensions rise within PoC sites.

Currently there is no mainstreaming of Security within the planning of UN activities/ programmes. Therefore, the policy that defines that security needs to be involved at all levels of management to ensure security is considered/ mainstreamed into all activities or programmes is not applied, specifically in UNMISS.

The high prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use within the PoC sites has exacerbated violence and criminal behaviour directly impacting upon UN and AFP personnel working or living within or adjacent to the PoC sites. The smuggling of weapons into the PoCs poses a potential Direct Threat to UNMISS and AFP staff.

 Continued accusations by government actors or affiliates that the PoC sites are sanctuary for supporters of the SPLA in Opposition also make the PoC sites a target; this point was actively demonstrated in the attack in the Bor in April 2014 resulting in the death of 55 IDPs within the UNMISS site.

Prior to December 2013, the UN was well regarded by the South Sudanese for its role in the drive towards independence from Sudan, for its humanitarian interventions and for efforts to protect civilians. But the ongoing crisis in South Sudan has also negatively impacted on sentiments and threats directed to UN personnel in the course of their work, for example IDPs insisting that national staff not from their preferred ethnic group are removed from programme activities in POC sites and some Ugandan UNPOL having to wear civilia clothes and be removed from POC duty due to active UPDF military support for the
Government of South Sudan.

In March 2014, a labelling error was discovered whilst transporting containers loaded with duty equipment for the UN Ghanaian peacekeepers in Unity State which brought strained relations to even a lower point. The error was exploited to galvanise hostility towards the UN in favour of the government by falsely presenting the UN as supplying weaponry to the opposition. It took elaborate interventions, investigations
and communications to clear the false impression that this created.

[ICP note: the same type of "labeling" or "clerical" error occure this months with weapons headed to MONUSCO. This is what UN Peacekeeping has become under Herve Ladous, who linked peacekeepers' rapes to "R&R, here.]

On 26 August 2014 under suspicious circumstances a UN contracted helicopter crashed near Bentiu in Unity State, killing three (3) aircrew and injuring one (1) other, underlining the threats involved in working within South Sudan. Investigations into the cause of the crash were inconclusive.

There have been increasing reports of criminal acts occurring within the Protection Of Civilian (POC) sites; also there have been a number of serious assaults against the UN and other humanitarian workers, sometimes involving weapons which
has resulted a few times of hospitalisation of personnel. These incidents have, and continue to affect not only the civilians seeking refuge at UN sites, but also the ‘safety and security’ of individual UNMISS and Agencies Funds and Programmes (AFP)
personnel.

"In February 2015 there was an alleged sexual assault of a Canadian INGO by a subcontractor for a UN Agency in UNMISS Bentiu team site."

[ICP note: the UN and UNICEF have not addressed this; the head of UN Peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous, has linked rapes to R&R.]

As the fighting also continues at a pace within Sudan on two fronts – Darfur and Nuba Mountains (South Kordofan in particular) the impact for the whole border region cannot be ignored. Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) are also carrying out
aerial bombing campaigns in the Nuba Mountains but also extending into South Sudan in November 2014 to hit alleged JEM targets in Raja, Western Bahr el Ghazal which killed 24 people including women and children.

South Sudan lacks an adequate air traffic control system, countrywide. The government took control of the country’s airspace from Sudan in 2011, but to date has not issued any “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAMs.). There are areas, however, that the government has declared a “no fly zone” (i.e. over the Presidential Palace in Juba), suggesting that the government reserve the right to fire upon an aircraft that violates this airspace.

The SPLA-io has reportedly mined the roads to the north of
Bentiu resulting in several incidents of vehicles being destroyed and civilian casualties. This is of particular concern to the UN as these routes are a vital corridor in delivering humanitarian aid.

The existing EU sanctions delivered in July 2014 had little impact on the deescalating of the crisis."

We'll have more on this.

On South Sudan, Inner City Press Asks UN of Attacks in Maridi, No UN Response

By Matthew Russell Lee, Exclusive series

UNITED NATIONS, February 10 -- In the UN's continued withholding of news and answers about South Sudan, the reports of the UN's own knowledge of abuses are now being withheld from its own impacted national staff.  So Inner City Press has published below from inside UNMISS.

 On February 10, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:

Inner City Press:  onSouth Sudan, you gave this readout about the roads and money, but there reports by the SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] in Opposition that the Government has attacked their cantonment site in Maridi and children are dead, et cetera, so people there have said that there was no UN response, no UN anything.  What… are you aware of it?  And what is the UN's role when this fighting occurs?

Spokesman Dujarric:  Obviously, the UN is where it can be in South Sudan and doing an enormous amount in order to protect civilians.  I have not gotten a report from the field on this particular incident.

Inner City Press:  But once something like the SPLA-IO, which is a party to the agreement, makes such an allegation, does UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan] send anyone out?

Spokesman:  I think if want to go into the granular details, you can call UNMISS.  What I'm telling you is I have not received any update from them.

Inner City Press:  Right, but it has to do with protection of civilians.  I don't really consider it that granular.

Spokesman:  Okay.

  But still no answer. Nor, fomr a week ago, about chemical weapons:

  UN Peacekeeping under Herve Ladsous hits new lows daily. On February 3 at a briefing in Juba largely triggered by leaks, UNMISS was asked about the use of chemical weapons in Mundri.

From the transcript:

"Answer: Please refer to the JMEC Monitoring and Verification Teams – I cannot comment."

 But Inner City Press is told by South Sudan sources that "fighting started early am the other morning around Katigiri and proceeded WNW towards Mundri.  Chemical agents were clearly within SPLA ammunition (mortar rounds, recoil-less rifles), the medics know the issue will be squashed."

  So Inner City Press in New York asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq about the deference in Juba to JMEC. From the UN transcript:

Inner City Press: in South Sudan, there are now people saying that chemical weapons were used in a place called Mundri.  And I wanted to know, I know that UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) has started holding briefings there.  There's a question by a, quote, unidentified journalist about the chemical weapons, and the answer was, “Simply refer to the JMAC (Joint Mission Analysis Centre) monitoring and verification teams.”  And I wanted to know, how is it that the UN has a near-billion-dollar peacekeeping mission there but can't speak about an issue as important as chemical weapons?  And what is the state of the UN's knowledge on the reported use of chemical weapons by the Government side in Mundri?

Deputy Spokesman Haq:  Well, I mean, the basic point is that, at this stage, we don't have a confirmation of the use of chemical weapons.  If we do, we would report that.  It's a matter of serious concern.  We have a peacekeeping mission on the ground.  If it can confirm these reports, it will.

Inner City Press:  So the answer there given only to refer to JMAC actually meant the UN is trying to confirm it, and if it can, it will.

Deputy Spokesman:  If we have any solid information to confirm this, of course, we would follow up on that. 

   So what the UN said in Juba is belatedly cleaned up by UNHQ. But they also refuse to answer basic questions in NY, here.

  Previously, after Inner City Press published, the UN did a partial read-out at its noon briefing. But it left questions unanswered. Inner City Press asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, UN transcript here:

Inner City Press:  the Yambio readout.  I have one just sort of factual question.  In that… can you confirm that the NGO compound that people have fled to is the A-D-R-A, or ADRA, compound?  And is it that the UN base in Yambio isn't large enough or set up to be the type of protection for civilians’ facility that's done elsewhere in the country?

Deputy Spokesman:  I wouldn't speculate on why civilians choose to go to one place or another.  The… remember, they are the ones who are estimated to have sought protection at the NGO compound.  I don't have the identification of that particular compound there.

Inner City Press: And it may… and this maybe… may or may not… I don't know if it's related, but there's a report in Radio Tamazuj that, in the UN base in Melut County in Upper Nile State, people don't have food.  Maybe your… your… that… that… since the beginning of the year, none has been delivered, and so there seems to be a… I know it's difficult to take care of this number of people, but is there some problem with… with actually… is there some snafu or breakdown in the delivery of needed supplies to these camps?

Deputy Spokesman:  I'm not aware of any particular problems at any individual compound that the UN Mission in South Sudan has.  We try to provide food and assistance for all of those who are seeking shelter in the UN compounds, and I'm not aware of whether any population is underserved at that point.

  Well, here it is. And here's the UN narrative Inner City Press published:

"at around 1040 am heavy fighting broke out in Yambio Town, details are unclear at this moment; according to earlier reports the SPLA Commandos at around 0530 am launched an operation against the Arrow Boys arm under the SSLM located in the Birisi area of Yambio township, the group in turn entered Yambio town and launched attack against the SPLA causing citizens to flee in panic.  Once the heavy shooting started a number of civilians around (40) forced their way into the UNMISS camp as vehicles were being processed at the main gate. They have since moved to the ADRA compound.

The Rwanbatt have now taken control of the main entrance and the citizens whom entered the compound have now moved to the adjoining ADRA compound. Alert status “WHITE” has been declared for Yambio town until further notice.

Point of note; the Arrow Boys under the SSLM are currently in peace negotiations with the government."

 Then, this UNMISS update:

"After shooting occurred in the early hours of the morning around 0530 hours; at 0830 hours the SPLA Commandos lunched operations against the Arrow Boys located in the areas of Birisi, Gangura, Yambio stadium, and the general areas of the Power Station and surrounding communities north east of UNMISS compound. A number of locals have taken refuge in the ADRA compound."

 For all the UN bragging it's ADRA doing the sheltering. From further inside UNMISS, from Inner City Press' sources:

"The Commandos attacked the arrow boys with whom they signed the peace agreement early this morning, and they engaged in battle at Uze river, the commandos have proceeded to Birisi, now the arrow boys have broken the bridge keeping the commando stranded in Birisi.  There was some random shooting in town and heading towards Uze again. One prominent civil servant has been shot dead and his driver.  All the youth and communities in Yambio have raised arms in any form to fight.

"The clashes began around 5 o’clock Thursday morning, according to a source. Gunfire has continued on and off until now, sources said. Casualties were reported though there are no concrete figures yet.

"Yambio market is reportedly empty with civilians seeking shelter in their homes or near the United Nations base in the town, a source said. That source said some people are afraid to reach the UN base because shooting has been heard in the area of the base.  The fighting took place mainly on the southern side of the town near the prison, according to sources. That area is near a frontline between the government-controlled Yambio town and Gangura Payam which is held by the South Sudan National Liberation Movement.

"The SSNLM is a militia led by ex-SPLA commanders from Western Equatoria. The SSNLM signed a preliminary peace agreement with the government in November, but the deal has yet to be finalized. Time for war."

So the UN knows this - but what do they say? Inner City Press obtained and on January 21 published this:

"On 19 January 2016 at about 21:22hrs in Juba, an UNMISS integrated patrol team was conducting operations when they were stopped by an SPLA vehicle containing eleven (11) armed soldiers.  The SPLA soldiers cordoned the convoy at gunpoint denying them permission to continue the patrol. After ten minutes of negotiation another three (3) SPLA vehicles arrived at the scene with about 30 armed soldiers. After 30 minutes the SPLA agreed to allow the UN patrol to return to UN House compound in convoy escorted by six (6) SPLA vehicles with about sixty (60) armed SPLA soldiers. During the negotiation SPLA soldiers reportedly advised that UNMISS should stop conducting night patrols without SPLA clearance otherwise there will be a consequences."

 So one side in South Sudan's civil war - in this case, Paul Malong's - orders the UN to stop patrolling at night, so it can do what it will. And the UN says nothing -- even when asked.

 At the January 20 noon briefing, Inner City Press asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, UN transcript here:

Inner City Press: On South Sudan, I wanted to ask you to confirm that UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) — yesterday in Juba an UNMISS patrol was stopped by several dozen SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) military people and I've seen a UN document that says that the SPLA told UNMISS to stop conducting night patrols without SPLA clearance; otherwise, there will be consequences.  Given the debate on the protection of civilians, will you confirm that this took place and what is the UN's response to the SPLA's request?

Deputy Spokesman:  No, I don't have any confirmation of that.  If we have any details from UNMISS down the line we will share that but, no, I don't.

  Inner City Press said, quite audibly, It's an UNMISS documents, but the UN did not transcribe it.

Back on January 11, Inner City Press asked Ban Ki-moon's spokesman Stephane Dujarric about the withheld situation reports, video here, transcript here.

  Even if that were true, what about civilians?

   Inner City Press published an internal UN Situation Report.

Back on December 9, the day after the UN belatedly confirmed ceasefire violations in South Sudan, only after Inner City Press published proof of the UN's knowledge and asked about it, then the UN Peacekeeping mission in the country shifted to either intentionally mis-reporting government actions in Yambio, or showing ineptitude in its response.

   Again receiving leaked UNMISS Situation Reports, Inner City Press found this paragraph:

"On 7 December 2015 around 20:00 hrs, heavy exchange of gunshots occurred in the area of Hai Kuba, Ikpiro in Yambio in Western Equatoria State. The shooting lasted approximately twenty to thirty minutes. Reportedly, the shooting started when the local authorities attempted to arrest three (3) local youths suspects."

But Inner City Press' sources said the arrests were political, of former Yambio Commissioner Angelo Bakote and 3 young men. So on December 9 Inner City Press asked, of protection, transcript here. Back on December 8 Inner City Press asked, video here, transcript here. 

For weeks amid fighting in South Sudan, Inner City Press has asked the UN why it refuses to report even what it knows. Even as Inner City Press has obtained, asked about and published emails showing the UN's knowledge of fighting, the UN spokesperson has repeated, Ask UNMISS.

   Inner City Press asked why UN Peacekeeping, led by Herve Ladsous, does not report on fighting of which it is aware, and how “no UN interest is involved” is consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims.

   Dujarric wouldn't even attempt an answer to this policy question (which Ladsous refuses, like other Press questions, to answer). Dujarric repeated, as if it were an answer, that he has not seen the email.

  So Inner City Press published it, here:

"From: Enoch Penney Laryea @un.org

Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2015 9:15 AM

To: SANTUR Abdulahi; Simon Agnew [WFP]; Christoffel Du Toit; Safari Djumapili [OCHA]; Ruiz, Domingo (FAOSS); Carlyne Romulus [at UNMAS] Sorin GIFEI [WFP], Shane Yates [UNCHR]; Abdikadir Tulicha; Sylvain Denairies; UNMISS-FHQ-J2;  John McCue (IOM); Gatluak Gatluak [and others at UNICEF], IMF

Subject: FW: Fighting in Busere - Western Bahr El Ghazal State

"Info received indicate that on 01 Dec 2015 at about 05:00 hours (LT) fighting erupted between SPLA and SPLA/IO at FIRKA and BUSERE (20 km South of Wau town). The fighting subsided around 10:00 hours. Military pickups and ambulances were observed transporting casualties along the airport road at high speed towards the military barracks. SPLA soldiers in the town were seen to be on high alert and on stand by mode.

"Comments: Reportedly the SPLA/IO group attacked SPLA at the affected area. When SPLA soldiers were sent to reinforce their colleagues they were also ambushed by the rebels leading to further casualties on the part of SPLA.

"Fighting is still ongoing as of 02 Dec 2015.

"No UN interest is involved at this time."

Again, why doesn't Ladsous' DPKO report this, and how is this “no UN interest is involved at this time” consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims? We'll have more on this.

Inner City Press obtained the UN Security Situation Report for November 29, and finds in this internal report, exclusively published here:

"On 28 November 2015 at around 22:45 hrs, in Yambio town near Tourist Hotel along the main road, a UN Agency national staff member was reportedly involved in a traffic accident. UN Security responded to the scene of the incident and found another civilian vehicle turned over with the driver apparently dead inside the vehicle whilst the UN agency staff member sustained visible injuries in his head. The local police on the spot attempted to arrest the UN staff member involved in the accident, however,
after negotiation UN Security transported him to UN clinic for the medical treatment."

 Can you say, impunity?

From September 29, 2015: An internal UN document leaked to Inner City Press, which is exclusively publishing it today, shows the high degree of dysfunction in the country, and in the UN.

On South Sudan, Inner City Press Asks of Fighting in Maridi, Malakal, Leaked Sit-Rep of UNMISS

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, September 18 -- Since the South Sudan peace agreement was signed by President Salva Kiir, saying that he had reservations, fighting and re-supply has continued through the closed-down Juba airport and barges then headed to Malakal.  

 On September 17, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:

Inner City Press: I heard what you said from UNMISS about Maridi.  And I wanted to ask you, there was a [situation report] put out by UNMISS, I guess, yesterday, but it says there was fighting on 15 September there in Maridi between SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] soldiers and the local population.  Three civilians were shot in the incident, and people fled towards Maridi town for safety.  First of all, I'm kind of wondering why UNMISS didn't make this public at the time that the army was shooting at civilians.  But, two, is there any indication that this larger incident has anything to do with fighting?

Spokesman Dujarric:  I don't have any more details from UNMISS.  Obviously, there's been quite… there has been a number of incidents of violations of the ceasefire, a violation of the agreement rather that was signed, the IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority for Development] agreement.  The IGAD monitoring mechanism has reported them.  Their website is public and they've put them out.  As I get more information from the Mission, I'll share it.  Obviously, the Mission is also working very closely with the IGAD monitors in providing them logistical support as they can.

Inner City Press: I understand the ceasefire is one thing, but, the army killing civilians, isn't there sort of a UN role to report that?

Spokesman Dujarric:  I hadn't seen the [situation report].  I can look into it.

  More than 20 hours later, nothing. Inner City Press is publishing the UN situation report [sit-rep] here - it also reports on people needing to enter the UN's "protection of civilian" site in Malakal, but DOESN'T say if they were allowed in. We'll have more on this.

As New UNGA President Starts, His Team Takes Him to UN Censors' Club

 Back on September 14, Inner City Press asked more questions - toUgandan foreign minister Sam Kutesa, here, and to the UN Spokesman,transcript here and below.

 On September 14, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric to confirm that Riek Machar has been invited to the UN's meeting on South Sudan on September 29:

Inner City Press: one follow-up on South Sudan.  There are reports that Riek Machar says he's been invited and is coming to New York.  Can you confirm?  Has he been invited to the meeting on 29 September?

Spokesman:  I'll check.

 But on September 15, Dujarric did not announce anything. So Inner City Press asked again:

Inner City Press: Salva Kiir has now said he's not coming to the UN General Assembly debate.  Yesterday you said you'd check if Riek Machar has been invited.

Spokesman Dujarric:  Yes, the Secretary-General invited the signatories of the agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan for the high-level meeting he's having on 29 September, and we very much hope that it will be attended at the highest level, to ensure that the implementation of the agreement receives the fullest possible support from the international community.

Inner City Press:  Would it be disappointing if Salva Kiir didn't come?

Spokesman:  I think we would expect and hope the highest level.

  While some say Kiir doesn't want to leave the country, thinking there could be another challenge to his power, others say he does not want to appear as a mere equal to Machar, and so sends his "other" vice president. We'll be there.

  Meanwhile Paul Malong, about whom Inner City Press has been reporting for weeks, and Johnson Olony, about whom Inner City Press asked Gordon Brown at the UN, were proposed to go on the UN sanctions list, according to a leak whose source we can imagine, with a silence procedure running to 3 pm on September 15. Inner City Press asked:  doesn't Malong still have some support, even high in the Obama administration, as well as other capitals? Silence was broken. No sanctions, at least for now.

  Inner City Press also on September 14 asked, on South Sudan:

Inner City Press: On South Sudan, one, I was sort of waiting to have an update on, there's now reported fighting that's spread to Central Equatoria, [inaudible] Bakasura, Bentiu.  Does UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan] have any reporting…?

Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:  Obviously, the continued fighting in South Sudan remains of great concern to us, as well as the lack of adherence to the text that was signed by both parties.

Inner City Press:  All right.  There was an incident in which two international aid workers were apparently raped in Juba and went to the Tomping compound.  I wanted to ask what the UN did, because what I heard is that it was actually quite difficult for them to be admitted to this Level 2 hospital.  What's the UN doing about this?

Spokesman:  My understanding is that the two aid workers, who suffered huge trauma obviously were raped and our heart goes out to them, were admitted to UN hospital and were treated there.  I'm not aware of any difficulties.  I'm just aware that they were not UN staff members, that they were admitted to the UN hospital.

 Earlier, Inner City Press was informed by sources of airstrikes near Malakal -- and that these strikes are by Ugandan air assets. There are reports of strikes on Tunja, Panyinkang and Nyijuat Payam. While Salva Kiir's - or Paul Malong's -- forces have four helicopters based near the Kenya border, there are questions about trained pilots. Uganda air assets are in Paloich, a forty minute helicopter ride from the Malakal area. 

  On September 8, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric about airstrikes and fighting around Malakal, including emerging reports of possible use of chemical weapons and cluster bombs, previously alleged in South Sudan. Dujarric said he didn't have anything from UNMISS - but later on September 8 his Office sent Inner City Press this:

"Regarding your question on fighting in Malakal, we have the following information to share:

"The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported sounds of heavy mortar and gunfire from the south of Malakal town yesterday. UNMISS also reported shelling towards the south later in the evening, followed by small arms fire coming from the west bank of the River Nile towards Malakal. On Friday, an UNMISS patrol deployed to Malakal found the town deserted and devoid of civilians." 

What the UN Spokesperson's Office sent Inner City Press made no mention of who did the firing. But the sit-rep named Warjok and Lelo, and the SPLA and SPLA-IO: why didn't the UN Headquarters' answer? And what of UNDF aircraft? We'll have more on this.

   Earlier,  Inner City Press was informed by sources in South Sudan of more armaments coming in, from Uganda to Juba: 34 trucks with a UPDF (Ugandan Army) presence. From sources high in the UN, Inner City Press is informed of meetings convened by Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson seeking some UN role in the IGAD Working Group(s) to be convened in Addis Ababa.

  (This is delayed.)

 On September 4 after closed-door Security Council consultations, the Council's President for September Vitaly Churkin read out these Elements to the Press:

"We have discussed the situation in South Sudan, consultations which were initiated by one delegation, and I have some press elements.

"On the 4th of September during the UN Security Council consultations, Special Representative from the Secretary General, Ellen Loj, briefed the Council on the situation on the ground following the August 26th signing of the agreement on the resolution of the conflict of the republic of South Sudan. The Council welcomed the conclusion of the agreement and the stated commitment of the government of South Sudan and opposition to its implementation, including the issuance of orders to all forces under their command to cease military operation by August 29.

"In this regard the Council expressed deep concern at recent reports of fighting and called upon the parties to adhere to the ceasefire immediately and unconditionally. The Council reiterated its readiness to consider appropriate measures to ensure full implementation of the agreement without exception, and address any violations or failures of any party to implement those provisions, including through the implementation of an arms embargo and additional targeted sanctions.

"The Council called for further development of security arrangements by the parties and the security workshop planned to be conducted by IGAD in Addis Ababa in the nearest future. The Council expressed its deep appreciation and called for continued close engagement of IGAD and IGAD plus partners to facilitate the sustained solution to the armed conflict in South Sudan.. The Council confirmed its intention to update the mandate of the United Nations mission in South Sudan to support implementation of key tasks in the agreement."

 Inner City Press asked of Uganda's troops - they're dealt with in the Agreement, was the answer -- and of any UN role in the IGAD working groups. Even UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he didn't know about this.

  Inner City Press has put online here the SPLA-IO's press release about helicopter bombardments Inner City Press has reported on and asked the UN about. From the SPLA-IO press release: "Today the 4th of September at 1:00PM, four government gunships carried out aerial bombardment for the second day on our bases in Warjok and Detang at west bank of  Malakal. Now they are extending their military offensive on our positions southward, 30 minutes from Lelo."

  What is the UN's response to this? UN Peacekeeping under Herve Ladsous has stayed quiet about ceasefire violations and human rights abuses it has been informed of; a former Ladsous spokesperson (video here) now working for UN Human Rights is limiting information and access to scribes who do not challenge his boss(es). To this has the UN sunk.

  As the UN Security Council prepared to meet about South Sudan on September 4, Inner City Press asked UK Ambassador Matthew Rycroft about the role of Uganda. Rycroft replied that it is very important that regional players take their responsibility and become part of the solution, use their influence on parties in the interest of peace. Periscope video here. 

  Rycroft also said there are violations on both sides and that the UK would support an arms embargo. (He also said to wait to hear what SRSG Ellen Loj says, in the Council's closed-door session.) The UK is working on its position on the flying of the State of Palestine's flag at the UN, but is not ready to announce that position yet.

  On both August 31, after an exclusive report below, and on September 1 and 2, Inner City Press asked the UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric to confirm the continued fighting but he declined, including answering who runs Juba airport, as least as to the UN.

  On September 3, Dujarric belatedly offered this partial confirmation: 

"In response to questions that were asked at the briefing on the situation in South Sudan, I can say that the UN Mission [in South Sudan] (UNMISS) is reporting that two attack helicopters were firing rockets in the direction of the west bank of the River Nile in Malakal in Upper Nile State yesterday.  Heavy explosions, including mortar shells, as well as heavy artillery and small arms fire were also heard coming from Malakal towards areas located on the west bank.  UNMISS also reports instances of firing in Malakal earlier today.

"UNMISS condemns these violations of the Compromise Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict that, as you recall, came into force on 29 August and calls on the parties to take all necessary steps to meet their obligations.  The Mission continues to protect civilians in Malakal, including at its Protection of Civilians site and through regular patrols in the town and airport."

 Inner City Press on September 3 followed up, video here, transcript here:

Inner City Press: In South Sudan, I'm glad that UNMISS was able to confirm at least some of the shooting in Malakal, but there's a pretty troubling allegation that maybe you have something on or ask them about, it has to do with 17 bodies dumped in a stadium in Juba, Gudeli Football Ground.  These are considered to be executions, and many people see it as coming from the Government side.  And I'd like to know, it seems like it's a big… it's a large volume.  Does UNMISS… is UNMISS aware of this?  Do they…?

Spokesman:  I will check. 

  Eight hours later, nothing. There was this, from a Senior US State Department Official: "Secretary Kerry spoke with President Kiir today and expressed concern regarding recent ceasefire violations. President Kiir confirmed to the Secretary that he is committed to the implementation of the peace agreement and the ceasefire. The Secretary underscored that the United States would work to support the implementation of the peace agreement and continue to provide humanitarian aid."

  Early on September 2 Inner City Press was informed by sources in South Sudan of bombing of I/O positions in Tonga, Owashi and Werjwok (West of Malakal) and of movement of ammunition into the country through the Nimule crossing. 

  But when Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Dujarric about this at the September 2 noon briefing, he said he had no information.

  Inner City Press also asked the incoming President of the UN Security Council for September, Vitaly Churkin of Russia, about the fighting and bombing near Malakal. Churkin replied, "On South Sudan, we’ll monitor the situation. If the situation becomes much worse I’m sure it will be raised in the Council. But so far, we need to confirm whatever information will come out."

  But who is supposed to be confirming the information? Doesn't UNMISS of UN Peacekeeping, under Herve Ladsous, have a role? Is the role being played?

  Now Inner City Press is informed by sources of that Kiir's troops crossed to Lelo from Malakal, engaging I/O forces. Their gunships are to be stationed in Paloch for three days to continue with bombardment, which has already begun in Deteng and Ogwo.

The sources, citing internal UNMISS sit-reps like the one published below which Dujarric refused to confirm or deny, are questioning more insistently why UN Peacekeeping is "covering up what it knows about CPA II violations." They note that UN Peacekeeping boss Herve Ladsous has engaged in previous cover up, in South Sudan, DR Congo and elsewhere, including the Central African Republic even for the French Sangaris force.

 Whistleblowing sources exclusively provided Inner City Press with this "Restricted" UN document:

“RESTRICTED Ref: 045/SB/28/08/2015

Dear All, Information received from Host Government security organs indicate that effective today SPLA Air force will conduct night exercises at the Juba airport, starting from 2000 hrs. This exercise is to continue for the next few days (unspecified). UN/INGO Personnel are therefore advised to avoid the airport general area during the stated period. End”

  These sources emphasize to Inner City Press the role at the Juba airport of ENHAS, Entebbe Handling Services and its links to the outgoing President of the US General Assembly Sam Kutesa, relative of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and still, as Inner City Press confirmed, Uganda's Foreign Minister while UNPGA.

  Among with the reported skirmishes at Malakal, and according to the SPLM/A I/O in Bukieny, Ditang, Obuwa and Lelo and shelling from the government barges as they proceed along the Nile, sources tell Inner City Press of fighting at the ports of Adok and Tayar. "Some ceasefire," said one. But how long will the silence at the UN continue?

Background: Inner City Press published Salva Kiir's 12 page reservation docuemnt, here, just as Inner City Press earlier put online the August 17 Compromise Agreement, as first  obtained, here.

  On August 28, after some push back, the Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement welcoming Kiir's signing but not referring to any credible and effective mechanism to seek accountability. On the way in, only the Permanent Representative of Venezuela spoke - to confirm that his country's issues with Colombia are bilateral and may involved at the end UNASUR, not the UN. Afterward, no one else spoke.

  After publishing Kiir's 12 pages of reservations, Inner City Press on August 27 in front of the Security Council asked the Permanent Representatives of Angola and of the United Kingdom about Kiir's reservations.

  Angola's Ismael Abraao Gaspar Martins told Inner City Press, when asked one on one outside the Security Council, "I have seen them. These are very serious reservations, I think. This calls for the Council to monitor what is there, how it's going to be implemented and what actions we need to continue to do, to make sure they move forward, so the violence stops. If it has been adopted, it has to be applied."

 Earlier, on his way into the Syria meeting, Inner City Press asked UK Permanent Representative Matthew Rycroft about Kiir's reservations, specifically the "deletion" of provisions to disarm the SPLM-N, and groups in Darfur (on which the UK holds the Council's pen). Periscope video here.

  The 12-page reservation document says to delete the provision about disarming Darfur based armed groups including JEM, SLA-Minnawi, SLA-Abdulwahid, as well as the SPLM-North.

  It resists calling the Army the NDFSS and referring to the "Armed Opposition" instead of the SPLM/A-IO. It says the National Army will remain inside its headquarters, and would delete Juba from the list of cantonment areas. It says there is a need to reconstitute the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism.

  It says to limit the JMEC and delete the word "oversee" throughout.

 The article on reparation and compensation is to be removed.

 Who would be vice president(s) would be up to Kiir: no reward for rebellion, or "gambling" on who ministers will be. The rebels should not be governors in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile State. Power sharing should be 70-20, not 46-40.  Funds should be with the Minister of Finance. As always, follow the money -- Inner City Press would add, to Kenya Commercial Bank and beyond. We'll have more on this.

  Before Kiir signed, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni advised him to get the UN out of the country, saying having the UN is is a sign of weakness and that the UN preserves terrorism.

 Past 5 pm New York time on August 26, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon offered praise for Kiir signing, saying nothing of the reservation or of the UN being openly trashed by Museveni.

  It is to Museveni that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has been deferring on Burundi, still not having named a UN envoy as the UN Security Council called "imminent" two weeks ago. (Ban was in France on August 26, praising the country's ambassadorial corps without a single mention of French troops' alleged rape of children in the Central African Republic, covered up by Ban's (French) head of UN Peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous.)

  In fairness to Museveni, his reference may have been in part to Ladsous' MONUSCO failing to act on armed groups in Eastern Congo -- including the FDLR, which also impinges on Burundi. We'll have more on this. Here was Ban's August 26 statement:

"The Secretary-General welcomes the signature today by President Salva Kiir of the Agreement on the resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. This is a critical and necessary step towards ending the 20 month-long conflict that has devastated South Sudan and subjected its people to unspeakable suffering." full statement here.

  In front of the Security Council on August 26, there was loose talk about Kiir signing; an African diplomat told Inner City Press, "He signed! He was obliged!" with no mention of the reservations. The UN had no noon briefing  -- it said it woul only have one if something important happened, this was apparently not important - here are answers from August 24 and August 25, Inner City Press' South Sudan questions have been not been answered.

  On August 25, Ellen Loj, the head of the UN Mission in the country UNMISS told the UN Security Council that Kiir is expected to sign the agreement on August 26. Inner City Press asked, how might that impact the pending draft resolution on sanctions and an arms embargo?

  After consultations on August 25, Security Council President for August Joy Ogwu of Nigeria emerged with Elements to the Press including:

“The Council members expressed concern on the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation. They condemned the continuing fighting by the parties and underlined the need for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

  “They expressed optimism that President Salva Kiir would follow through on his commitment to sign the IGAD Plus Peace Agreement without reservation.

  “They stressed the importance of full implementation of the Agreement. Council members underscored the need to remain engaged on the situation in South Sudan. In this regard they expressed their readiness to act immediately if President Kiir does not sign the agreement tomorrow as he has undertaken."

  Inner City Press asked Ambassador Ogwu about sending the draft resolution's annexes to the African Union and IGAD, as an African delegation told Inner City Press about. Ogwu answered that speed is important, but also that it be concerted, a consensus, like an orchestra, it doesn't matter who writes the notes, but...  Here's fast transcript of Q&A from InnerCityPro, which also has analysis:

Inner City Press: Some members talked about sending the annexes to the AU or IGAD. Was there discussion of that? When you say immediately, does it include that? 

Amb Ogwu: We all understand the need for urgency, because the situation is urgent. But also there is the need for concerted action, for consensus. It is a stage and all the players must act as an orchestra, play the symphony, it doesn’t matter who writes the notes but it’s important to act in unison, act with one voice.

  In her national capacity, Nigeria's Ambassador Ogwu emphasized the need for an arms embargo, and to check where the weapons in the country are.

 Loj spoke of discouraging some from entering the UN's "protection of civilian" camps, without addressing the blocking of civilians fleeing fighting from the UN's Yambio camp, which Inner City Press has repeatedly asked about. Nor did she address if UNMISS' radio station, Radio Miraya, kept right on broadcasting amid a strike by media in the country to protect the assassination of journalist Peter Julius Moi.

  On August 18, Inner City Press asked UN Associate Spokesperson Maestracci, "do you have any comment on, or does the mission have any comment on, Salva Kiir having said at the airport on his way to Addis that 'if anybody among journalists does not know that this country has killed people, we will demonstrate it one day, one time'?" 

  By August 21, after South Sudanese journalist Peter Julius Moi was assassinated in Juba, Inner City Press asked the next UN Associate Spokesperson Eri Kaneko this question, video here:

Inner City Press: In South Sudan,  virtually all media there, the Union of Journalists in South Sudan and the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, have agreed to a media blackout in mourning and as a protest of the murder of the journalist Peter Julius Moi.  They’re saying that UNMISS’ Radio Miraya is going to keep broadcasting.  Is that the case?  Is Miraya part of sort of the media of South, what’s the position of the UN on this?

Associate Spokesperson:  I’m not aware, but I will look into that.

  Eight hours later and counting, there has been no answer. Video here.

  On both August 18 and 19 when Inner City Press asked, UN spokesperson Maestracci declined to confirm or deny any of the fighting in the country -- a pattern for UNMISS under UN Peacekeeping boss Herve Ladsous. On August 19, Maestracci told Inner City Press, "As soon as I have [information], I will give it to you." None came: also a pattern.

  But Inner City Press sources tell it of ongoing clashes in Upper Nile, in Pageri, East Equatoria, still ongoing. The Juba – Nimule road, the only "proper tarmac road" in the country, remains closed; limited communications within the fragmented phone networks confirm that civilians are being targeted.

   West Equatorial Governor Joseph Bakasoro is still detained.

  Also, here is UNMISS sit-rep for insiders, not meant for the public, apparently:

“Following attacks in Pageri on 18 Aug 2015 host country security forces have advised that there is still military operation in the vicinity of Pageri town (30 kms North of Nimule).

UN Security advises that:

·        UN/INGO travels on the Juba - Nimule road are currently restricted.

·        UN Security will re-assess the situation in the next 24 hours and will advise accordingly.

·        In the interim all missions should be cleared with UN Security until further notice.

·        Additionally, UN/INGO missions into Pageri are to be suspended until a clearer picture is established as there are reports of heavy host country security forces deployed in Pageri.” 

  ... This is how things are at UN Headquarters and elsewhere in the system, especially in UN Peacekeeping under Ladsous. The Free UN Coalition for Access is challenging this.

Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, Aug 17, online via Inner City P... by Matthew Russell Lee

  On August 19 after UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson briefed the Council behind closed doors - he stopped and told Inner City Press is was not a short consultation, only a scheduling misunderstanding - he stopped on the way out and spoke again.
 
  Inner City Press asked Eliasson the question the UN Spokesperson has for two days declined to answer: "Have the two sides started fighting again?"

  Eliasson to his credit answered: "There are reports, they are very worrying. And this is also why, it is important if there is this progress towards signing of an agreement, that it is accompanied by the need for a ceasefire. A diplomatic solution cannot be found if there is not a de escalation."

  Moments later New Zealand's Ambassador Gerard van Boheman stopped and spoke about the US submitted draft resolution that the US' Susan Rice had alluded to the day before, that that it "does deal with an arms embargo also posits additional sanctions, if the agreement is not signed. I think there’s general recognition that the situation in South Sudan is not good, there’s a recognition that the IGAD and that the IGAD plus countries have been doing all they can. We want to be able to support their efforts.”
 
  Ambassador van Boheman said that “it’s quite a technical resolution. So I think it will take quite a bit of work to get everyone on the same page.”  Could that timing be related to the 15 days from August 17 deadline for Salva Kiir to sign?

  Inner City Press also asked van Bohemen about Yemen, but that's another story.

 On South Sudan, from the UN's August 18 transcript:

on South Sudan, can the Mission there, or do you have anything on reported, an attack by the Government on the opposition in a place called Imatong?  And do you have any comment on, or does the mission have any comment on, Salva Kiir having said at the airport on his way to Addis that "if anybody among journalists does not know that this country has killed people, we will demonstrate it one day, one time"?  It's a comment that CPJ has criticized, and I wonder if the mission has seen it and what they think of it.

Associate Spokesperson:  So on Imatong — is that what it's called?

Correspondent:  Yeah.

Associate Spokesperson:  I actually do not have a statement.  On South Sudan and the comments on the media that were made by Salva Kiir, yes, the Mission told us they were very concerned about, over the curbing of the press freedom in South Sudan, including recent closure of media houses and threats to journalists.  And they've also reiterated the importance of independent, free and pluralistic press.

Question:  Is the Deputy… I just wanted to ask one thing.  I saw that the Deputy Secretary-General's schedule says appointments are internal.  Did he come back from Addis?  Is there some way…

Associate Spokesperson:  He is on his way back.

  On August 19, Inner City Press asked Maestracci again - still no information on Imatong, nor Upper Nile, Pageri or other attacks since. From the August 19 UN transcript:

Inner City Press: I wanted to ask about South Sudan.  I’d asked you yesterday about whether UNMISS could confirm reports of fighting and now there’s increased reports of fighting and counter charges by the Government and the opposition of fighting in Upper Nile State, also near the Ugandan border.  So I’m wondering if UNMISS, given its presence in the country, it seems important to know is this taking place and if so which side is instigating it?

Associate Spokesperson Vannina Maestracci:  We’re checking and we’re waiting for an answer.  As soon as I have one, I will give it to you.

  Nothing was given, but see above.

 Inner City Press asked DSG Eliasson of reports of fighting in South Sudan, he acknowledged the reports, Periscope video here. We'll have more on this.