Overview

• Germany has temporarily shut its embassy in Juba, citing escalating violence and safety concerns for its personnel.
• Clashes between South Sudanese government forces and a militia linked to the Nuer ethnic group have intensified near the Ethiopian border.
• The renewed conflict endangers the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a five-year civil war that killed 400,000 people.
• Reports indicate civilian bombings and attacks on UN operations, with fears the violence could spread to other regions and neighboring Sudan.
• International diplomatic efforts, including initiatives by Germany and other nations, have so far failed to mediate between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar.