Prison Outbreak Raises Concerns

Introduction to the Issue

A recent outbreak in a prison has raised concerns among health officials and civil society activists. The prison, which is experiencing overcrowding, has seen a number of inmates fall ill. Initially, it was feared that the outbreak could be measles, but health teams have confirmed that it is actually chickenpox.

The Situation on the Ground

About 10 inmates are severely affected and are receiving treatment, including antibiotics and calamine lotion. The prison’s health teams are monitoring the situation closely, but they have warned that the infection could spread rapidly due to the overcrowded conditions.

Causes of the Outbreak

According to Dr. Terran Madit, the Director of Rumbek State Hospital, the cause of the outbreak is overcrowding. The prison is holding a large number of inmates, many of whom are being held without trial. This has led to unsanitary conditions, which have contributed to the spread of the disease.

Calls for Action

Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon has confirmed the outbreak and has blamed the excessive number of inmates. He is calling on the judiciary to expedite cases and reduce the number of people being held without trial. This, he believes, will help to ease congestion in the prison and prevent the spread of diseases.

The Need for Urgent Action

The situation in the prison is a cause for concern, and urgent action is needed to address the issue. The prison authorities, judiciary, and health officials must work together to reduce overcrowding and improve sanitation in the prison. This will help to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the health and well-being of the inmates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the outbreak of chickenpox in the prison is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The causes of the outbreak, including overcrowding and poor sanitation, must be tackled to prevent the spread of diseases. It is essential that the relevant authorities take immediate action to reduce congestion in the prison and improve the living conditions of the inmates. By doing so, they can help to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the health and well-being of the inmates.

Conflict Escalation in South Sudan

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has issued a warning to civilians in four counties in Central Equatoria, South Sudan, to evacuate the area immediately. This warning comes after the SPLA-IO accused the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) of launching intense attacks on opposition-held areas.

Background of the Conflict

The SPLA-IO, led by detained First Vice President Riek Machar, has been involved in a long-standing conflict with the government of South Sudan, led by President Salva Kiir. Despite a fragile peace agreement signed in 2018, tensions between the two groups remain high.

Recent Attacks

On Tuesday, SPLA-IO military spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel released a statement accusing the SSPDF of launching assaults on opposition-held areas in Morobo County. According to Gabriel, the attacks began at 5:00 am and targeted the SPLA-IO positions of Yaribe and Yondu. The goal of the attacks, Gabriel claimed, was to capture a key cantonment site in Panyume Payam, Morobo County.

Aerial Attacks on Civilians

After the ground offensive was repelled, government forces deployed aircraft to strike civilian areas. Gabriel stated that the aerial attacks targeted and destroyed civilians’ property and public buildings in Panyume. The SPLA-IO warned that continued fighting could put civilians in harm’s way and urged residents in Morobo, Kajo-Keji, Yei, and Lainya counties to evacuate the area.

Potential Escalation

The warning signals a potential escalation between forces loyal to President Kiir and those allied with Machar. The conflict has the potential to undermine the fragile peace agreement and put the entire region at risk. The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces spokesman, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Conclusion

The situation in South Sudan remains volatile, and the recent escalation of violence between the SPLA-IO and the SSPDF is a cause for concern. The warning issued by the SPLA-IO to civilians in four counties in Central Equatoria highlights the need for urgent action to prevent further violence and protect civilians. It is essential for both parties to adhere to the peace agreement and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community must also play a role in supporting the peace process and ensuring that the rights of civilians are protected.

South Sudanese Army Regains Control of Nasir

The town of Nasir, located near the Ethiopian border in South Sudan, has been recaptured by government troops from the White Army, a group of armed Nuer youths. This development comes after the White Army overran a South Sudan People’s Defense Forces base in Nasir on March 4, killing a senior general and several soldiers.

Background of the Conflict

The White Army’s attack on the base led to a surge in violence in the region, with the army fighting to regain control of the town. The conflict has been fueled by tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, whose forces Kiir’s allies accuse of backing the White Army to destabilize the region.

Visit by Chief of Defense Forces

Gen. Paul Nang Majok, the chief of defense forces for South Sudan, visited Nasir on Monday to commend the soldiers who recaptured the town. He was accompanied by Gen. Kong Thou, the commander of the operation, and other senior military officials. During his visit, Majok hailed the soldiers as "heroic and courageous" and commended their role in retaking the town.

Message from the President

Majok conveyed a message from President Kiir, thanking the soldiers for their bravery and sacrifice. "The president of the republic and the commander in chief has sent his greetings," Majok said. "We lost Gen. David Majur Dak, we lost our forces and our base — but now, you have managed to enter Nasir. You have given a big gift to the people of South Sudan."

Pursuing the White Army

Majok vowed to pursue the remaining White Army fighters, describing them as a "terrorist organization and outlaws." He also urged former SPLA combatants to disarm and join cantonment sites in line with the security arrangements under the 2018 peace agreement. Additionally, he called on local residents to return weapons seized from government troops, saying "We want our artillery, vehicles and other weapons back."

Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with nearly 200 people killed and 125,000 displaced since March. Human Rights Watch has accused the army of using improvised incendiary weapons in Upper Nile state, killing nearly 60 people over the past month. The 2018 peace deal between Kiir and Machar is under severe strain, with Machar being placed under house arrest on March 26.

Conclusion

The recapture of Nasir by government troops is a significant development in the conflict in South Sudan. However, the underlying tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar remain, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. It is essential for the international community to support efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, and for the parties involved to work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.