South Sudan has recently made headlines due to ongoing conflict and violence within the country, including heavy fighting in the disputed Abyei region and accusations of ethnic killings and war crimes involving paramilitary forces. The conflict between Sudan's armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread displacement, hunger, and reports of atrocities. Additionally, the country is facing the risk of creating the world's largest hunger crisis, as warned by the top U.N. food official.
South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the east, Sudan to the north, and the Central African Republic to the west. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after years of civil war but has since been plagued by internal conflicts and political instability. The country has a diverse population with various ethnic groups and has struggled with issues such as poverty, food insecurity, and lack of basic services.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to cut the UK's international aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP has drawn widespread criticism. Opponents argue this prioritizes military spending over humanitarian commitments, risking lives in vulnerable regions and undermining the UK's global reputation in development.
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Farmers in South Sudan are turning to excelsa coffee, a climate-resistant species, to combat poverty and adapt to climate change. With global coffee prices soaring due to adverse weather, this rare variety could provide a sustainable solution for local communities and the international coffee market.
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Recent reports highlight alarming climate trends, including record low global sea ice and extreme heat waves affecting regions like South Sudan and Australia. February 2025 marked a significant shift with cooler temperatures globally, yet the impacts of climate change remain severe, prompting urgent calls for action to mitigate future risks.
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Ugandan special forces have been sent to Juba, South Sudan, to support the government against a potential rebel advance. This deployment follows escalating violence between government troops and the White Army militia, raising concerns over the fragile peace established in 2018. The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave Juba amid these tensions.
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As the Trump administration approaches a deadline for new travel restrictions, a draft list categorizing 41 countries into red, orange, and yellow sections has surfaced. The red list includes 11 countries facing full bans, while others face varying degrees of restrictions based on security concerns.
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On March 23, 2025, Sudan's military reported significant advances against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, including the recapture of the presidential palace. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and widespread displacement, with humanitarian crises escalating across the nation.
