Podcasts about Riek Machar

This week on The Horn, Alan speaks with Daniel Akech, Crisis Group's senior analyst for South Sudan, about the deepening political crisis in South Sudan and looming questions about President Salva Kiir's succession. They trace Kiir's rise from military commander to president following South Sudan's independence in 2011 and the breakup of the fragile coalition that had led the country to secession from Sudan, culminating in a devastating civil war in 2013. They examine how Kiir might manage the succession amid growing speculation that his health is declining. They look at Kiir's recent series of government shakeups that have sidelined presidential contenders, including Vice President Riek Machar, co-signatory of the 2018 peace agreement. They also discuss the rapid ascent of Benjamin Bol Mel, a wealthy businessman and increasingly influential but divisive figure who is widely seen as Kiir's potential successor, though he lacks popular support. Finally, they explore how regional actors might respond as South Sudan's political crisis deepens and the risk of renewed civil war looms.Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more, check out the Hold Your Fire! episode “South Sudan on the Brink of Another War” and Crisis Group's extensive analysis on our South Sudan country page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe now for an ad-free experience and much more content! Writer and researcher Joshua Craze returns to the program to talk about the situation in South Sudan. They cover the collapsed 2018 “peace deal,” the elite forces vying for power, the Nuer White Army, figures like Salva Kiir Mayardit and Riek Machar, how South Sudan's troubles have been impacted by the war in Sudan, external actors like the United Arab Emirates and Uganda, and the humanitarian crisis in the fragmented country.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of American Prestige, Writer and researcher ⁠Joshua Craze⁠ returns to the program to talk about the situation in South Sudan. They cover the collapsed 2018 “peace deal,” the elite forces vying for power, the Nuer White Army, figures like Salva Kiir Mayardit and Riek Machar, how South Sudan's troubles have been impacted by the war in Sudan, external actors like the United Arab Emirates and Uganda, and the humanitarian crisis in the fragmented country.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Au Soudan du Sud, les affrontements continuent dans plusieurs régions du pays entre l'armée gouvernementale, loyale au président Salva Kiir, et les forces de l'opposition du vice-président Riek Machar. Celui-ci est en résidence surveillée à Juba depuis fin mars et une douzaine d'autres figures de l'opposition sont, elles aussi, toujours détenues. Les autorités assurent pourtant vouloir poursuivre la mise en œuvre de l'accord de paix de 2018 et de fait, aucun combat n'a eu lieu dans la capitale depuis le début de cette crise. Mais les résidents d'un camp de déplacés d'ethnie Nuer, la communauté de Riek Machar, disent vivre dans la peur. Ce camp situé en proche banlieue de Juba abrite plus de 30 000 personnes. Voici le récit d'un déplacé qui dit avoir été pris pour cible en tant que Nuer par les soldats gouvernementaux. Pour sa sécurité, nous ne révélons pas son identité. Des motos trimballent toutes sortes de marchandises, dans cette rue qui file à travers les abris aux toits couverts de bâches en mauvais état. Nous retrouvons John derrière une palissade en bambou. À 55 ans, il compte à l'aide de ses doigts les années qu'il a passées dans ce camp de déplacés situé près de la Mission des Nations unies au Soudan du Sud, la Minuss, à Juba. Comme des dizaines de milliers de Nuer de la capitale, il a fui les violences en décembre 2013, quand la guerre civile a commencé. « Je suis venu ici quand le conflit est devenu ethnique, quand des personnes innocentes, sans lien avec la politique, qui ne sont ni soldats ni combattants, ont été ciblées parce qu'elles étaient Nuer. Alors que c'était un problème entre les politiciens à la base », explique-t-il.L'accord de paix de 2018 puis le retour de Riek Machar en 2020 au poste de vice-président n'a pas vraiment amélioré la situation dans le camp. Les casques bleus se sont retirés et la plupart des services humanitaires se sont arrêtés. En octobre 2024, John a décidé d'aller s'installer à l'extérieur du camp pour cultiver et chercher de l'or jusqu'à ce que des combats éclatent autour de Juba, la semaine du 24 mars. « C'est le gouvernement qui est allé provoquer des combats de partout. Ils ont attaqué les bases militaires où se trouvaient les soldats d'opposition. Ils les ont chassés. Puis, ils s'en sont pris à nous. Ils sont venus délibérément pour prendre nos abris. Et pour nous tuer, car nous sommes des Nuer. Ils sont venus la nuit. Nous étions à l'intérieur en train de discuter », se souvient-il.Les soldats commencent à tirer et John s'en sort en faisant semblant d'être mort. Quand les soldats passent à une autre habitation, il parvient à s'enfuir avec un jeune, blessé, laissant l'homme dont il partageait l'abri, gisant par terre, mort sous les balles de l'armée gouvernementale. « Voilà, c'est ce qui s'est passé. Ils ont tué ce gars et en ont blessé un autre. Moi, je me suis blessé sur des pierres en courant pieds nus, de nuit, je ne pouvais pas les voir », se remémore-t-il.Il est revenu vivre dans ce camp surpeuplé où les gens manquent de tout et ont peur. Cinq jeunes ont été tués depuis début mars aux abords du camp. Et d'autres résidents ont disparu. « Il y a le cas d'une femme qui est partie ramasser du bois de chauffe et qui n'est jamais revenue. Nous n'avons jamais trouvé son corps. Mais si vous demandez aux femmes du camp, elles vous diront qu'elles ont trouvé du sang sous les arbres », raconte-t-il. John cite aussi le cas d'un homme qui est allé là où il fabrique du charbon et n'est jamais revenu. Pour lui, tant que l'accord de paix ne sera pas appliqué entièrement, les casques bleus devraient revenir assurer la sécurité du camp.À lire aussiSoudan du Sud: Amnesty International dénonce la violation de l'embargo sur les armes

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Africa Report correspondent Crystal Orderson about the growing instability in Central and East Africa. They begin with the withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a costly SADC peacekeeping mission, just as DRC and Rwanda surprisingly sign a peace deal in the US. Attention then turns to South Sudan, where renewed tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar threaten to collapse the fragile 2018 peace agreement, raising fears of a return to full-scale civil war. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/702/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/audio-podcasts/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/ Listen live - 702 Breakfast is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/702 Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/  Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702   702 on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702  702 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkradio702  702 on X: www.x.com/Radio702  702 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@radio702  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Africa Report correspondent Crystal Orderson about the growing instability in Central and East Africa. They begin with the withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a costly SADC peacekeeping mission, just as DRC and Rwanda surprisingly sign a peace deal in the US. Attention then turns to South Sudan, where renewed tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar threaten to collapse the fragile 2018 peace agreement, raising fears of a return to full-scale civil war. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/702/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/audio-podcasts/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/ Listen live - 702 Breakfast is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/702 Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/  Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702   702 on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702  702 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkradio702  702 on X: www.x.com/Radio702  702 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@radio702  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since independence in 2011, South Sudan has only experienced one year of peace before descending into repeated transitional governments and conflict. Civil society voices blame political leaders, particularly President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, for derailing progress and fostering division. The population continues to suffer under the grip of a small elite maintaining the status quo. There is widespread disillusionment as hopes for democracy fade. Calls grow louder for genuine leadership and structural change to avoid yet another cycle of violence.

Matukio ya wiki: kukamatwa kwa mwenyekiti wa chama cha upinzani cha Chadema nchini Tanzania, Tundu Lisu, maadhimisho ya miaka 31 ya mauaji ya kimbari ya nchini Rwanda mwaka 1994, mafuriko jijini Kinshasa huko DRC, hali ya sudan Kusini kutokana na kukamatwa na kuzuiwa nyumbani kwa makamu wa kwanza wa rais Riek Machar, uchaguzi wa Gabon, na pia mzozo wa kibiashara kati ya Marekani na mataifa mengine ulimwenguni ni miongoni mwa Habari kuu za dunia zilizojiri kwa juma hili.

En RD Congo, des fortes pluies  – survenues le vendredi 4 avril - ont provoqué d'importantes inondations dans la capitale congolaise… Une partie de Kinshasa se retrouve totalement paralysé… De nombreux dégâts matériels, un premier bilan provisoire fait état de 22 morts. Des dizaines de milliers de personnes sont impactées.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Africa Report Correspondent, Crystal Orderson about the escalating tensions in South Sudan, where the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar raises fears of renewed conflict including the latest peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC, as efforts continue to address the region's instability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Africa Report Correspondent, Crystal Orderson about the escalating tensions in South Sudan, where the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar raises fears of renewed conflict including the latest peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC, as efforts continue to address the region's instability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanning in Suid-Soedan neem toe, veral na die arrestasie van die adjunkpresident Riek Machar, oud-opposisie van president Salva Kiir. Die vredesooreenkoms van 2018 is volgens berigte besig om te verbrokkel. Die spanning het verskeie ambassades in Juba genoop om hul burgers te vra om Suid-Soedan te verlaat, terwyl oproepe vermeerder vir 'n vreedsame oplossing vir die krisis wat dreig om die land weer in burgeroorlog te dompel. Die VN se sekretaris-generaal Antonio Guterres het sy eie pleidooi vir vrede so verwoord.

O líder sudanês das Forças de Apoio Rápido (RSF), Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, admitiu este domingo, 30 de Março, ter perdido o controlo da capital, Cartum, reconquistada pelo exército, garantindo que as tropas vão agir com "maior determinação" e rejeitando qualquer possibilidade de negociação. Segundo Ana Cascão, a investigadora especializada em geopolítica no Corno de África e no Médio Oriente, a reconquista de Cartum - "uma área crucial, que liga o oeste e o leste do país- foi um passo determinante para o controlo estratégico da região". RFI: Que impacto é que a reconquista de Cartum pelo exército sudanês pode ter na configuração do poder no Sudão e pode levar a uma solução política ou prolongar o conflito?Ana Cascão: Talvez começássemos pelo início da guerra, que foi há cerca de dois anos, em Abril de 2023. Esta é uma guerra atípica ou o início de uma guerra atípica no sentido em que começou na capital. Isto não é normal, diremos, começa na periferia e depois a capital sendo tomada pode ser considerada uma vitória. Neste caso, a guerra começou em Cartum, o que foi muito problemático porque as pessoas foram saindo, fugindo para outros países e para outras regiões do Sudão. E, portanto, podemos imaginar o impacto que isto teve ao longo da guerra, as Rapid Support Forces, ou seja, os paramilitares, foram ocupando vários locais na capital. Alguns são muito estratégicos e gostava de relembrar que, em Cartum, os bairros se juntam e depois continuam a ser unidos e, portanto, há muitas pontes, o que significa que ninguém consegue controlar toda a capital, mas partes da capital. O exército sudanês, chamado SAF -Sudanese Armed Forces-, foi sempre avançando para oeste, mais para perto do Mar Vermelho, sob controlo da capital podíamos considerar que estava a ganhar a guerra.Esta volta do exército sudanês à capital é, acima de tudo, simbólica no sentido de recuperar território que é importante para retomar o palácio presidencial, o Banco Central, que estão destruídos, mas é poder simbólico e também as pontes que ligam as três partes de Cartum. É a principal ou a mais importante foi exactamente porque recuperaram uma parte da cidade que é muito importante para ligar os dois lados, oeste e leste, do país.Pergunto-lhe se o facto de as forças rápidas terem sido expulsas pode afectar a dinâmica entre as diferentes facções militares?Não estamos a falar de uma força militar que não é organizada como um exército regular, como é o exército sudanês e outros na região. Estamos a falar de paramilitares que têm uma estrutura não hierárquica. Obviamente que há líderes militares, mas que funcionam por diversos grupos. Eles não vão desaparecer. Há uma força muito rápida, altamente armada e sofisticada. Não têm Força Aérea, que é a única desvantagem, diremos, mas têm muito poder de se movimentar pelo país. Segundo eles, estão a posicionar-se noutras regiões que também são muito importantes. E onde estão a haver grandes batalhas porque, normalmente, lá está o poder simbólico de conquistar Cartum, muito provavelmente, o exército está a perder noutras regiões estratégicas e, portanto, isto não é o fim da guerra. Pode ser o começo de uma guerra com contornos completamente diferentes.O que é que muda, qual é a novidade desta vez?A novidade desta vez porque temos que perguntar então por que foi possível agora, passados dois anos, e não antes. Porque os atores externos são extremamente importantes aqui e eu gostava de fazer aqui a ressalva que o Sudão é um país extremamente importante por diversas razões. Na região não só pela sua localização, tem vários vizinhos, mas também pelo Mar Vermelho, bem como com o Médio Oriente. É muito importante porque tem petróleo, que está no sul do Sudão. Mas, seja como for, é transportado através do Sudão. Tem muito ouro, por isso também há interesse. E tem uma costa no Mar Vermelho, do outro lado do Iémen, do outro lado da Arábia Saudita, que é muito importante em termos militares, além das rotas comerciais. E, portanto, é óbvio e acho que ninguém descarta que as forças rápidas foram apoiadas pelos Emirados, que têm um grande poder no Sudão desde sempre, mas que aqui, ainda mais em termos de apoio militar e logístico. E o governo do Sudão foi sempre apoiado pelo Egipto. O Egipto, que era um país seguro, e as Forças Armadas foram sendo treinadas pelo Egipto. E também temos aqui um actor que é a Rússia, que apoiava as forças, porque é aí que está o ouro, nas regiões controladas pelas forças paramilitares, mas que ao mesmo tempo está interessado no Porto, que é controlado pelo exército sudanês. Portanto, neste caso, a Rússia vai apoiando uma facção ou outra. E uma novidade é Irão que tem um grande interesse no Mar Vermelho pelo que está a acontecer: O genocídio em Gaza, os ataques do Iémen no Mar Vermelho e, portanto, há aqui uma jogada no Mar Vermelho entre as várias forças da região, os Estados Unidos também. Um Sudão seguro também é muito importante para o Egipto, por causa do Canal de Suez, e ter capacidade militar no caso do Iémen e dos houthisnão poderem atacar há o Sudão do outro lado. Portanto, há aqui todo um refazer de estratégia em que o exército sudanês está a beneficiar e por isso é que isto foi possível agora e não antes. Não é só pela capacidade militar que aumentou, mas também psicologicamente e moralmente ser apoiado por grandes poderes.Outra notícia tem que ver com a detenção de Riek Machar no Sudão do Sul. Esta detenção pode, a seu ver, desencadear um novo conflito armado? Está em causa um acordo de paz que agora deixou de ser respeitado?É outro problema grande na região. Isto só para dar um contexto histórico; o Sul do Sudão tornou-se independente do Sudão em 2011 e herdou bastantes problemas, não é? Portanto, houve uma guerra civil entre o Sudão e o Sul do Sudão durante várias décadas, com várias razões por trás, mas uma delas tinha a ver também com o facto de o Sul do Sudão ter muito petróleo. Isto é sempre uma coincidência com os recursos estratégicos. E quando o Sul do Sudão se tornou independente, o risco de haver uma guerra civil entre os vários actores era grande. Na altura, havia um líder que era o John Garang, o líder da independência do Sul do Sudão, que morreu tragicamente num acidente de avião, o que deu jeito ao Riek Machar e Salva Kiir que já eram pessoas muito importantes no sistema e que pertencem a etnias diferentes. E houve uma luta de poder já nessa altura. Podemos dizer que a guerra civil propriamente dita entre facções dentro do Sul do Sudão aconteceu pouco depois da independência e era sempre uma questão de como partilhar o poder entre estas duas forças. Há aqui dois níveis, que são os poderes, os movimentos e depois as personalidades das pessoas. Salva Kiir tendo-se tornado o presidente e Riek Machar mais tarde tornando-se o vice-presidente. E é isto agora que está em causa: a partilha de poder com o Presidente Salva Kiir, provavelmente não interessado que as forças aliadas ao Riek Machar tenham posições de poder muito, muito grandes.Esta detenção também não é nova. Já aconteceu mais vezes Riek Machar estaar nos países vizinhos. Mas há sempre uma possibilidade de um acordo, que é a divisão do poder político. É provável que a guerra civil, que nunca propriamente acabou, ainda que houvesse um acordo de paz, se torne muito mais frágil do que era anteriormente. E é um país muito complicado. O Sudão também é complicado, mas o Sul do Sudão, geograficamente, não há acesso a muitas das áreas, não é? Quer dizer, a maior parte da população vive ao longo do Nilo. O poder vai sendo partilhado pelas várias etnias que vivem aqui. Mais uma vez, tal como no Sudão, há aqui o envolvimento de outros poderes, neste caso, mais poderes regionais, como o Uganda, a Etiópia e o próprio Sudão também. Isto nos últimos anos. Já houve os ex-vizinhos que combatiam e queriam ajudar como mediadores nos conflitos dos outros, o que é bastante irónico.Quer o Sul do Sudão, quer o Sudão, estão a enfrentar das maiores crises humanitárias que observamos nas últimas décadas, em particular o Sudão, porque não há qualquer acesso a grande parte do território sudanês e no Sul do Sudão também, com o problema adicional de que muitos sudaneses do norte ultrapassaram a fronteira para o Sul do Sudão. E os RSF estão a ter reforços de recursos humanos para combater no Sul do Sudão. Não é por acaso que estas duas coisas estão a acontecer ao mesmo tempo. Poderá haver aqui uma reconfiguração desta região.De que forma é que a comunidade internacional, em particular a União Africana, as Nações Unidas, podem actuar para tentar mitigar a crise humanitária e impedir uma escalada ainda maior dos conflitos na região?É bastante limitada. Nós conseguimos ver e basta olhar para os últimos dez anos, para não ir mais para trás. A União Africana não tem poder para resolver muitos conflitos, ainda que tenha algumas missões ou mediadores para os vários conflitos, chamemos-lhe no Corno de África, mas sabemos que há sempre interesses dentro da própria União Africana e isso acaba por impedir a acção daquela que seria a organização que devia estar exactamente envolvida nestes conflitos, visto todos os países fazem parte dela, mas não têm poder para isso.As Nações Unidas, sabemos que há vários outros conflitos mais importantes, salvo seja, a acontecer no mundo, que tiram a atenção a estes conflitos, em particular o Sudão. As Nações Unidas, neste momento, nem estão a conseguir fazer a distribuição da ajuda básica. Portanto, imaginemos uns quantos passos à frente ou uns quantos passos acima, a achar que se poderia ter um processo de paz. Em particular no Sudão, as partes não se querem sentar - seja lá quem for o mediador.As Nações Unidas têm um poder simbólico de chamar a atenção e levar resoluções ou o Conselho de Segurança. Em qualquer dos casos, cada vez mais os países do Golfo, e eu estou a falar dos Emirados Árabes Unidos e da Arábia Saudita, que têm interesses vastos nestas regiões por várias razões geopolíticas e geo-económicas, provavelmente estão na linha da frente para serem os mediadores, com grandes trocas, obviamente financeiras.A nova moda das relações internacionais é o transacional, a transacção de favores. Mas, no caso do Sul do Sudão, isto não é novo. Os actores não são novos, conhecem-se, imagino que haverá algum tipo de solução interna com a ajuda de alguns mediadores da região, como, por exemplo, o Uganda. No sul do Sudão não me parece que haja, se conquistaram Cartum ou outras regiões, que haja interesse da parte das Rapid Support Forces ou mesmo do exército sudanês para começarem negociações no curto prazo, pelo menos. E até porque a ajuda humanitária é a prioridade número um, é a prioridade número um, independentemente de onde estão as batalhas a decorrer e a região, claro mais problemático é o Darfur. Isto é um grande problema em qualquer negociação futura; se o Darfur poderá vir a ser um novo país, tal como aconteceu com o Sul do Sudão ter independência do Sudão, algumas forças poderão pedir a independência do Darfur, que é uma região muito rica em todos os recursos e por isso é que há tantas batalhas no Darfur e não parece que o exército sudanês alguma vez tenha capacidade de vir a conquistar essa região.

Hamas makes peace efforts despite Israel 's Gaza bloodbath Israel has killed at least 29 Palestinians in fresh air strikes on besieged Gaza amid its carnage on the blockaded enclave. Meanwhile, Palestinian sources close to Hamas have said that talks were underway between the resistance group and mediators from Egypt and Qatar to revive a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal for Gaza. Rubio defends visa cancellation of Turkish scholar " US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed the revocation of Turkish PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk's visa and defended her arrest following an article she co-authored criticising Israel. Ozturk's friends and family say she was arrested following a campaign by Canary Mission, a pro-Israel website that blacklists pro-Palestinian students and activists. Without providing any evidence linking the Turkish student to violence, Rubio defended the decision, saying those who are “vandalizing universities, harassing students and taking over buildings” will not be granted a US visa. " South Sudan peace deal collapses after Machar's arrest " South Sudan's main opposition party has said that a peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war has collapsed, following the arrest of its leader, Riek Machar. The United Nations has warned on that the country was teetering on the edge of a renewed civil war following fighting in the north between an armed group allied to Machar and government forces. " Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan holds key talks during US visit " Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has held a series of high-level meetings during his two-day visit to Washington, engaging with US officials on critical bilateral and regional matters. Fidan met US Congressman Joe Wilson at the Turkish Embassy in the US capital. Fidan also received representatives of the American Coalition for Syria at the Turkish mission." Carney labels Trump's auto tariffs 'direct attack' on Canada Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that US President Donald Trump's auto tariffs are a "direct attack" on his country and that the trade war is hurting Americans, noting that American consumer confidence is at a multi-year low. Carney also said he needs to see the details of Trump's executive order before taking retaliatory measures.

Tension is rising in South Sudan after the Vice President, Riek Machar, was put under house arrest. He stands accused of involvement in recent battles with the military. Now, there are fears the 2018 power-sharing agreement is collapsing. So, could this lead to another civil war? In this episode: Patrick Oyet, Journalist based in South Sudan Daniel Akech, Senior Analyst for South Sudan at the International Crisis Group Abdullahi Halakhe, Horn of Africa Security Analyst Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Canada's government may need to respond to new US tariffs as early as next week, but the leaders are on the campaign trail.Trump Administration auto tariffs prompt mixed reaction in US.French president Emmanuel Macron says Trump's tariffs are a waste of time. Japan says it will consider all options to respond to Washington's auto tariffs. South Korea's wildfire crisis is getting worse. Amid fears of renewed civil war, South Sudan's main opposition party says its leader Riek Machar has been arrested. New Lancet report says USAID cuts will lead to millions of HIV-related deaths worldwide.

L'ONU déplore une situation alarmante au Soudan du Sud et s'inquiète de l'arrestation du vice-président Riek Machar par des forces loyales au président Salva Kiir. Le vice-président a été interpellé dans sa résidence par des hommes armés conduits par le ministre de la Défense et le chef de la Sécurité nationale. La correspondance régionale de Bastien Renouil.

Primeiro vice-presidente do Sudão do Sul foi detido ontem. Cinco ex-líderes africanos poderão mediar o conflito no leste da RDCongo. Abel Chivukuvuku critica Venâncio Mondlane. Milhares de manifestantes invadem as ruas na Turquia em protesto contra a detenção do principal opositor do Presidente Erdogan.

Yaliyomo ni pamoja na Mkutano wa ana kwa ana kati ya rais wa DRC Felix Tshisekedi na mwenzake wa Rwanda Paul Kagame mjini Doha Qatar, mapigano kule Sudan Kusini kati ya wanajeshi wa serikali na wapiganaji wa white Army waliotiifu kwa makamu wa kwanza wa rais Riek Machar, Niger kujivua uanachama wa franchophonie, mashambulio ya Israeli kule Gaza, sintofahamu ya sitisho la mapigano kwa muda mfupi kati ya Urusi na Ukraine ni miongoni mwa habari kuu za dunia zilizojiri kwa juma hili.

Sudan Kusini inakabiliwa na wasiwasi wa kujipata tena kwenye vita vipya, kufuatia mzozo wa hivi punde kati ya vikosi vya rais Salva Kiir na Makamu wake wa kwanza wa Riek Machar, baada ya kushambuliana kwenye jimbo la Upper Nile.Nini kinaweza kufanyika kuzuia mzozo mpya ?Wachambuzi wetu ni Dokta Brian Wanyama, kutoka Kenya na Hamdum Marcel akiwa Mwanza, Tanzania.

Mazungumzo ya ana kwa ana kati ya DRC na waasi wa M23 wanaosaidiwa na Rwanda kuanza jumanne ya Marchi 18, SADC kusitisha operesheni zake mashariki mwa DRC, mapigano kule Sudan Kusini kati ya wanajeshi wa serikali na wapiganaji waliotiifu kwa makamu wa kwanza wa rais Riek Machar, juhudi za kikanda kuyahamasisha mataifa ya Mali, Burkina faso na Niger kurejea tena kama wanachama wa ECOWAS, na sitisho la mapigano kwa muda mfupi kati ya Urusi na Ukraine, ni miongoni mwa yaliyojiri wiki hii

South Sudan's unity government, led by President Salva Kiir with former rebel leader, Riek Machar as First Vice President, is facing mounting tensions, and clashes between forces allied to the president and first vice president are threatening a fragile power-sharing agreement. Could the young nation be heading towards a new civil war? For the first time in 17 years, Libya is calling on foreign companies to explore oil in its territory. But will investors be forthcoming? And why South Africa's apartheid reparations fund remains largely unspent, 30 years after it was set up to compensate victims of gross human rights violations.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Producers: Sunita Nahar in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Blankspots redaktionspodd med Brit Stakston, Martin Schibbye och Rasmus Canbäck. Rasmus Canbäck är tillbaks från Armenien och berättar om lanseringen av sin bok om Nagorno-Karabach och hur människor i exil reagerade på att se sina historier dokumenterade. I nästa vecka kommer vi följa en annan huvudförhandling i Stockholms tingsrätt, den om de våldsamma upploppen under Eritrea-festivalen 2023, där det nu är åtta personer som står åtalade. Rättegången inkluderar bevisning från polisens kroppskameror och helikopterfilm. Martin berättar vidare om utvecklingen i Sydsudan där regeringen har gripit flera personer kopplade till vicepresidenten Riek Machar. Brit avslutar med att fråga Martin och Rasmus om de tror att Blankspot kommer lyckas samla in 1 miljon kronor igen. Med ett decennium bakom oss av läsarfinansierad journalistik startar vi nu en ny insamlingskampanj - 1 miljon kronor på fyra veckor - är det möjligt 2025? Fortsättning om hur det går följs upp under vårt firande den 8 april i centrala Stockholm. Kom och fira med oss! Mer info på Blankspot.se.

Blankspots redaktionspodd med Brit Stakston, Martin Schibbye och Rasmus Canbäck. Rasmus Canbäck är tillbaks från Armenien och berättar om lanseringen av sin bok om Nagorno-Karabach och hur människor i exil reagerade på att se sina historier dokumenterade. I nästa vecka kommer vi följa en annan huvudförhandling i Stockholms tingsrätt, den om de våldsamma upploppen under Eritrea-festivalen 2023, där det nu är åtta personer som står åtalade. Rättegången inkluderar bevisning från polisens kroppskameror och helikopterfilm. Martin berättar vidare om utvecklingen i Sydsudan där regeringen har gripit flera personer kopplade till vicepresidenten Riek Machar. Brit avslutar med att fråga Martin och Rasmus om de tror att Blankspot kommer lyckas samla in 1 miljon kronor igen. Med ett decennium bakom oss av läsarfinansierad journalistik startar vi nu en ny insamlingskampanj - 1 miljon kronor på fyra veckor - är det möjligt 2025? Fortsättning om hur det går följs upp under vårt firande den 8 april i centrala Stockholm. Kom och fira med oss! Mer info på Blankspot.se.

“Sudan is on the brink of a return to full-scale civil war - and this civil war could be on a much larger scale than we've seen in the past.”What's going on in South Sudan? This week alarm bells have been ringing after leading allies of the Vice President, Riek Machar, were arrested – and Machar's own home in Juba was surrounded temporarily by troops.It follows clashes between a militia called the ‘White Army' which fought alongside Machar during the civil war, with government troops in Upper Nile state, close to the Ethiopian border.The relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir has always been fractious and in 2013 a bloody civil war broke out after their political differences spiralled. 400,000 people were killed and 2 and a half million were displaced.So is the peace deal which ended that war in 2018 now under threat?Presenter: @Mpholakaje Guest: Daniel Akech Thiong of the Crisis Group.

Le comté d'Ayod, dans l'État du Jonglei, est dévasté par les inondations depuis six ans. Plus de 70 000 habitants, déplacés par la montée des eaux du Nil, ont trouvé refuge le long du canal de Jonglei. Coupés du reste du comté par l'eau, ces déplacés sont aussi isolés à cause de la situation politique volatile au Soudan du Sud : ils vivent dans un bastion de l'opposition armée du vice-président Riek Machar, entré en guerre contre le président Salva Kiir en 2013. Un accord de paix a été signé en 2018, mais pour les habitants de ces zones, il reste lettre morte et la crise humanitaire s'aggrave. De notre envoyée spéciale à Paguong, dans l'État du Jonglei,Des nénuphars flottent dans l'eau stagnante le long de la digue qui entoure le village de Paguong, où plus de 10 000 réfugiés vivent. Gatluok Chuol Dong, un officiel local, se remémore comment la communauté a été déplacée à plusieurs reprises par la montée de l'eau : « Les inondations nous ont poussés vers l'est. Nous avons dû abandonner notre bétail et migrer jusqu'au canal. Mais ses berges ne peuvent pas accueillir un grand nombre de personnes, donc nous avons décidé de chercher un endroit où construire une digue pour mettre nos enfants et nos anciens à l'abri. C'est ainsi que nous avons construit cette digue. »Propriétaire d'une demi-douzaine de vaches qu'elle trait chaque matin, Nyakuom Deng Jioknyang, 35 ans, mère de trois enfants, confie que la nourriture manque : « Nous avions beaucoup de vaches avant les inondations, mais beaucoup sont mortes, celles-ci sont les seules qu'il nous reste. » Elle montre une poignée de végétaux de forme ronde, coupés en deux, dont l'intérieur est rempli de grains blancs : « Ces bulbes de nénuphars, c'est ce qui nous permet de survivre. Nous les ramassons dans l'eau, les faisons sécher, les transformons en farine pour les cuisiner et les manger sans aucune sauce, explique-t-elle. Le lait des vaches, nous ne le donnons qu'aux enfants, car il n'y en a pas assez pour nous, les adultes. »De l'aide alimentaire doit être livrée bientôt par avion, c'est pourquoi la communauté coupe des arbres pour créer une « zone de largage » dans la forêt inondée.À lire aussiSoudan du Sud: Pajiek, un village de réfugiés climatiques sur le canal de Jonglei [1/3]« S'il y avait vraiment la paix au Soudan du Sud, les gens ne souffriraient pas comme maintenant »Philip Kuon Roha, le chef de l'administration locale, supervise les travaux. Avant le début de la guerre civile en 2013, il était enseignant à Ayod, la capitale du comté, aujourd'hui contrôlée par le gouvernement. D'enseignant, il est devenu combattant aux côtés des forces de Riek Machar, en guerre contre l'armée gouvernementale jusqu'à l'accord de paix de 2018. Un accord qui n'a selon lui pas été mis en œuvre :« S'il y avait vraiment la paix au Soudan du Sud, les gens ne souffriraient pas comme maintenant. Avant la guerre, nous étions à Ayod, nous n'habitions pas dans ce coin reculé, tout le monde vivait ensemble et travaillait. Les gens faisaient de l'agriculture et élevaient leur bétail. Mais quand les combats ont éclaté, tout s'est effondré. J'en appelle à la communauté internationale pour que cet accord de paix soit enfin mis en œuvre et que nous reprenions une vie normale. »L'officiel espère qu'une réconciliation entre les communautés sera possible, afin que les habitants des bastions de l'opposition puissent circuler librement.À lire aussiGuerre au Soudan: le Soudan du Sud sous le choc après les exactions de l'armée à Wad Madani

On Daybreak Africa: The world's newest nation won independence from Sudan in 2011 but plunged into a civil war two years later that killed some 400,000 people. A peace deal in 2018 brought together President Salva Kiir and his bitter rival, Vice President Riek Machar, but their feuding has repeatedly delayed efforts to write a constitution and hold elections. Plus, Ghana's main opposition demands an audit of the 2024 voters register ahead of the December polls. Experts say African-led medical research is needed to deal with continent's health issues. Pressure grows on Britain ahead of the Commonwealth summit to pay reparations for slavery. Tanzania's President tells Western diplomats to stop interfering in her country's domestic matters. US presidential candidates seek changes to social media content regulation. For this and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!

Delegates at the Kenyan-sponsored South Sudan talks in Nairobi say the gathering is not going through a crisis. This after the SPLM IO, loyal to the country's First Vice president Riek Machar, recalled its team from the talks. Kuel Aguer Kuel, former governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state and co-founder of the civil society group called People's Coalition for Civic Action, tells VOA's John Tanza, the delegates should forget their differences and focus on the search for peace in South Sudan

Mazungumzo ya amani yanayohusisha makundi ya waasi nchini Sudan Kusini na serikali yameanza rasmi jijini Nairobi, wakati huu taifa hilo likijiandaa kwa uchaguzi wa mwezi Disemba. Makundi haya ni yale yaliosusia mkataba wa amani wa mwaka 2018, wakati rais Salva Kiiri na hasimu wa wake wa kisiasa ambaye sasa ni makamo rais wa Kwanza Reik Machar walisaini mkataba wa amani.Soma piaKenya kuisaidia Sudan Kusini kupata suluhu ya utovu wa usalama wa miaka mingiKatika makala haya Benson Wakoli na wachambuzi wa kisiasa Fracis Wambete, ambaye na mhadhiri wa chuo kikuu cha Makerere nchini Uganda, pamoja na Abdulkarim Atiki, mchambuzi wa siasa za kimataifa kutoka nchini Tanzania wanajaribu kuangazia kufaulu kwa mazungumzo haya, skiza.

+++News+++Story of the Week: As South Sudan gears up for its independence anniversary, we take a look at how Africa's youngest nation is faring 12 years after its split from Khartoum. How close is the nation to reaching its democratic goals, and how is conflict in Sudan affecting influencing progress.

Rais Salva Kiir na makamu wake wa kwanza Riek Machar watawania urais kwenye uchaguzi huo

Rais Salva Kiir na makamu wake wa kwanza Riek Machar watawania urais kwenye uchaguzi huo

Back in 2018, the signing of a peace deal between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his longtime rival Riek Machar created hope and optimism. The people of South Sudan, an independent nation since 2011, were emerging from a brutal civil war. However, five years later, this peace agreement is mostly respected only in Juba, the young nation's capital. Elsewhere, the fear of conflict remains palpable – a fear that has been further accentuated by the conflict in neighbouring Sudan. FRANCE 24's team reports.

La signature d'un accord de paix en 2018 entre le président du Soudan du Sud, Salva Kiir, et son rival de toujours, Riek Machar, a suscité espoir et optimisme. Les habitants du Soudan du Sud, une nation indépendante depuis 2011, sortaient d'une terrible guerre civile. Pourtant, cinq ans après, cet accord de paix n'est globalement respecté qu'à Djouba, la capitale de ce jeune pays. Ailleurs, la crainte d'un conflit reste vive. Une peur qui s'est encore accentuée avec la guerre qui frappe le Soudan voisin. Un reportage d'Élodie Cousin.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has appointed a new defence minister replacing Angelina Teny, who he sacked earlier this month. The appointment of Gen Chol Thon Balok has announced in a presidential decree read on the national broadcaster, the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), on Wednesday night. Gen Thon is from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) of President Salva KiirMs Teny is from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) of First Vice-President, Riek Machar. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4090160/advertisement

On Daybreak Africa: Nigeria's rescheduled governorship and state assembly elections are set to take place March 18 and will witness 28 of 36 states electing new governors. Plus, South Sudan's international and regional partners are calling on President Salva Kirr and Vice President Riek Machar to exert more energy into implementing the 2018 peace agreement. For this and more, stay tuned to Daybreak Africa!

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Pope Francis on Friday became the first pope to visit South Sudan — fulfilling a yearslong hope to carry out an ecumenical trip to the war-torn country. Pope Francis had spoken about the possibility of the trip as early as 2017, fewer than four years after the outbreak of civil war in 2013. He has personally intervened to send aid to the country and to encourage South Sudan's leaders to reach a real and lasting peace agreement — including inviting President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his former rival Vice President Riek Machar for a retreat at the Vatican. The pope has called his February 3-5 visit to Juba, South Sudan's capital, a “pilgrimage of peace.” His Anglican counterpart, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, along with the moderator of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields, are visiting the newest African nation together. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253542/pope-francis-lands-in-south-sudan-fulfilling-yearslong-dream-of-visit-to-war-torn-country As CVS and Walgreens continue to seek federal approval to sell an abortion drug, 20 attorneys general whose states restrict abortion warned the pharmacy chains against fulfilling mail orders within their states. Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale of mifepristone through pharmacies if the companies receive FDA certification. Walgreens and CVS are both seeking certification to sell the drug but have not yet received approval or begun to sell it. A coalition of 20 attorneys general sent letters to the companies, warning them they cannot sell the drug in their states. Explaining their concern, the state officials cite research published in 2015 that found that abortion-inducing drugs are nearly six times more likely to cause complications for women than surgical abortions. They also note that abortions performed away from medical professionals carry an added risk. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253538/20-attorneys-general-warn-cvs-walgreens-against-abortion-pills-in-their-states Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron called a newly passed Minnesota abortion bill that enshrines abortion rights into law “the worst kind of barbarism.” The bill, titled the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, enshrines a constitutional right to “reproductive freedom,” ensuring the right to abortion in Minnesota up to birth for any reason, as well as the right to contraception and sterilization. Pro-life advocates fiercely opposed the bill, as it gained national attention and underwent several hours of debate in the state Senate. The pro-life advocacy organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America called the legislation “the most extreme bill in the country.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253535/bishop-barron-says-minnesota-s-new-abortion-law-is-the-worst-kind-of-barbarism Today, the Church celebrates Saint Blaise, a hard-working bishop dedicated to encouraging the spiritual and physical health of his people in Sebastea, Armenia. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-blaise-136

Des conflits intercommunautaires ont déplacé des dizaines de milliers de civils au cours de l'année 2022, dans différentes régions du Soudan du Sud. Et ce, alors que le pays tente de mettre un terme à la guerre civile qui avait éclaté en 2013, seulement deux ans après son indépendance. En août 2022, des centaines de femmes et d'enfants Nuer débarquent à Old Fangak, dans l'État du Jonglei, après avoir fui l'attaque des milices Shilluk sur leurs villages au bord du Nil. Cet assaut marque le début d'un conflit intercommunautaire, qui se résumait au départ à des rivalités politiques entre deux généraux, le Shilluk Johnson Olony et le Nuer Simon Gatwech. Mais, suite à cette attaque en août dernier, des milliers de bergers Nuer de la « White Army » sont à leur tour mobilisés et lancent une offensive brutale contre le Royaume Shilluk, dans l'État voisin du Haut-Nil. En vertu de l'accord de paix de 2018, un gouvernement d'unité nationale et de transition a été formé en 2020, réunissant Salva Kiir et son rival Riek Machar. Mais, malgré cette unité de façade, des voix s'élèvent pour dénoncer la continuation de la guerre à travers ces violences communautaires. « La plupart des affrontements communautaires au Sud-Soudan sont arrangés par des politiciens avec des calculs politiques précis. Il s'agit d'une guerre par procuration entre Kiir et son vice-président Machar », dénonce le père Paolino Tipo Deng, président de l'Initiative religieuse du Haut-Nil pour la paix et la réconciliation.  Le prélat estime que les Églises ont un rôle à jouer pour apaiser les esprits : « Les chefs religieux feront toujours de leur mieux pour éduquer et réconcilier les communautés divisées, et aussi éduquer tous les citoyens pour pouvoir éviter d'être victimes de manipulations et d'ambitions politiques égoïstes. » Mi-décembre, une autre offensive de la White Army visait cette fois les habitants de la région du Grand Pibor, les Murle, faisant des dizaines de milliers de déplacés et au moins 50 victimes. Pour l'activiste Bol Deng Bol, qui dirige le Jonglei State Civil Society Network, cette violence est le fruit des luttes de pouvoir qui se sont « intensifiées depuis la signature de l'accord de paix » de 2018. « Un autre facteur de cette violence, c'est le désœuvrement des communautés. Il n'y a pas d'hôpitaux, pas de routes, pas de jobs, rien du tout ! Les jeunes, qu'on appelle la White Army, n'ont rien à faire de positif. Et donc c'est un avantage utilisé par les acteurs politiques mécontents de la mise en œuvre de l'accord de paix. Ils se servent des jeunes pour saboter le processus de paix. » Le gouvernement sud-soudanais a nié toute implication dans les violences. Arrivera-t-il pour autant à stopper les cycles de vengeance ? Le mercredi 4 janvier, deux femmes et un enfant Nuer ont été tués « par de jeunes Murle armés », dans le nord du Jonglei, selon l'Association des Jeunes de Uror, un comté de la région.

The United States embassy in South Sudan is calling on South Sudanese leaders to create a conducive environment for the general elections expected to take place next year; Democratic Republic of Congo President, Felix Tshisekedi, has vowed to spearhead efforts to have an arms embargo imposed on South Sudan lifted; Around two dozen South Sudanese in the U.S. staged a “peace rally” in front of the White House Saturday to demand that President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar step down.

Displaced civilians in Leer County of Unity State recount horrifying rights abuses in the area following recent clashes between forces loyal to South Sudan's first vice president Riek Machar and a faction of the SPLA-IO loyal to his former chief of staff; Women leaders and lawmakers representing Jonglei State in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly say security operatives in Bor are harassing women and girls under the guise of implementing a decent dress code; As Sudanese mark three years today since former President Omar al Bashir was ousted, some say not much has changed. Others say the economic conditions have worsened and blame the military for undermining a transition to democratic and civilian rule.

The Kit-Gwang faction of the SPLM-IO is accusing forces loyal to South Sudan's first vice president Riek Machar of attacking its position in Unity State; The United Nations has commended recent steps taken to implement important provisions in South Sudan's peace agreement urging the parties to use the momentum to fully implement the deal and prepare the nation for elections in 2023; A South Sudanese political analyst says a recent agreement to unify government and opposition forces is not equitable. Professor Jok Madut Jok says South Sudan peace partners have much to do to realize the prospects of fair elections in 2023.

On Africa News Tonight: • Southern African countries and Rwanda agree to extend their military presence in Mozambique until mid-July to aid in the fight against insurgents. • South Sudan President, Salva Kiir and his rival, Vice President, Riek Machar, have sealed an agreement on a peace deal. For this and more, stay tuned to Africa News Tonight.

Viongozi hasimu wa Sudan Kusini Rais Salva Kiir na Riek Machar katika kile ambacho kimepongezwa ni mafanikio makubwa walikamilisha makubaliano Jumapili kuhusu kipengele muhimu cha kijeshi katika mkataba wa amani uliokwama na kuapa kunyamazisha bunduki zao

A peace deal in 2018 ended the civil war in South Sudan – the world's newest nation. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed in the war after fighting broke out in 2013 between the government forces of President Salva Kiir and those loyal to his vice president and rival, Riek Machar. So, as part of the peace deal signed to end the fighting, all these forces were to be united in one national army and police force. But this has become a sticking point – and over the past few weeks violence between the troops has flared again. And at the weekend, government forces surrounded the residence of Riek Machar in the capital Juba. So is there any hope of peace under the two rivals? And is this latest outbreak of violence a threat to the peace process? Presenter: Victoria Uwonkunda (@MsUwonkunda) Reporting: Nichola Mandil (@nichdimandil) #AfricaDaily

The U.S. State Department says it is concerned with growing tensions in South Sudan following recent reported clashes and has called on President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar to de-escalate the situation; A senior Uganda government official is calling on the leaders of the SPLM In-Government and SPLM -In Opposition to cease hostilities and recommit to implementing the revitalized agreement signed in 2018; And, the Norwegian Refugee Council or NRC says a reduction in food aid at refugee camps in Uganda has forced many South Sudanese refugees to make dangerous and expensive journeys back to South Sudan risking exposure to violence and extortion.

De twee aartsrivalen die elkaar letterlijk naar het leven staan in Zuid-Soedan ontmoeten elkaar morgen in de Ethiopische hoofdstad Addis Abeba. Dat gebeurt op initiatief van de regionale organisatie van Oost-Afrikaanse landen. Rebellenleider en voormalig vicepresident Riek Machar en president Salva Kiir ontmoeten elkaar voor het eerst sinds juli 2016. Toen moest Machar op dramatische wijze de hoofdstad Juba ontvluchten, waarbij hij bijna het leven liet. Sindsdien woedt in Zuid-Soedan een vernietigende burgeroorlog die een enorm vluchtelingenprobleem heeft gecreëerd. Te gast Nico Plooijer van vredesorganisatie Pax.

Zeinab Badawi speaks to, Angelina Teny, from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in-Opposition. The people of South Sudan have known little peace for many decades and independence in 2011 has brought them nothing but war, increasing poverty, starvation and suffering. The UN says the current spate of fighting amounts to ethnic cleansing and could spiral into genocide. The main rebel group is headed by former Vice-President Riek Machar, who is now in exile. His wife Angelina Teny is a senior member of the movement. How much responsibility do they bear for the suffering?(Photo: Angelina Teny in the Hardtalk studio)

Stephen Sackur speaks to Riek Machar, former South Sudanese Vice President turned rebel leader. For the people of South Sudan five years of independent nationhood have brought little more than impoverishment, violence and suffering. The world's newest nation is again racked by internal conflict. More than a million people have been forced from their homes and the country's president Salva Kiir, and his nemesis Riek Machar are again at each other's throats. Has South Sudan been betrayed by its leaders?(Photo: South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar gestures as he holds a press conference in Kampala, 2016. Credit: Isaac Kasamani/AFP,Getty Images)

It's been a momentous week in South Sudan, where a national unity government has been formed under President Salva Kiir as his old enemy, the rebel leader Riek Machar returned to the capital Juba for the first time since the civil war broke out in December 2013. Can these men now lead their country to a much longed-for peace? Imagine being fined four years' salary for having a second child. That's what used to happen in China. We meet a rare family in Beijing with two daughters. Cuba's Fidel Castro is celebrating his 90th birthday this year. Last week he effectively said goodbye to his key supporters, but there is no sign that his fellow revolutionaries, now well into their eighties, are going to retire any time soon. If you'd suffered the kind of radioactive contamination that came with the fallout of the accident at Chernobyl, would you risk building a nuclear power plant? Ukraine's neighbour Belarus is hoping that atomic lightning won't strike twice. And if you're going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in the French Pyrenees, you may find that a trip to a beauty spot in the nearby mountains can be as soothing, if not more, than a wander around town. Just don't try and catch a bus there, at least not until July.

In December 2013 South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, became engulfed in a civil conflict which has claimed thousands of lives and prompted fears it could lead to genocide. A fragile ceasefire was agreed just over a week ago between the government of President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar, who has led the rebel forces, but will it hold? In a Hardtalk exclusive, Stephen Sackur talks to President Salva Kiir in Juba.(Photo: South Sudan's President Salva Kiir sits after he signed a peace agreement with rebel leader Riek Machar. Credit: Reuters)