Release International

There are fears that an outbreak of sectarian fighting in southern Sudan could escalate and threaten the north-south peace deal.

At least 15 people are said to have died in clashes between northerners and southerners, according to the Sudan Tribune. The precise facts are unclear but violence seems to have been triggered by an attack on militia allied to southern Sudan's army in Rubkona in the south's Unity state.
Reuters reports that a soldier from the north's army, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), allegedly shot a militiaman linked to the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), the south's army. Several civilians were also killed.

Southern civilians then reportedly attacked and killed several northerner traders. The SAF has since denied that a northern soldier provoked the violence. Major General Elias Waya of the SPLA told Reuters he expected 'retaliation from the north'.

Against the uncertainty of recent days, the southern government has pledged to give the UN £16 million towards road-building projects in the south, says the BBC. The south currently has very little infrastructure-- but its new administration gained a share in national oil profits as part of the peace agreement. Tangible evidence of a 'peace dividend', it's hoped, will help sustain the hope of lasting peace which has seemed precarious for much of the past 18 months since the peace deal.

• Pray that recent fighting in Rubkona will not escalate further. Pray for an end to longstanding enmity between northern and southern forces.
• Thank God that there is now a real hope of progress for Sudan's hard-pressed southerners. Pray that evidence of this 'peace dividend' will come quickly.

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