Ambushed in South Sudan (Full Length)

VICE News19 minutes read

South Sudan has been embroiled in a Civil War since gaining independence in 2011, with accusations of power consolidation by the dominant Dinka tribe and human rights abuses on both sides. Journalists face challenges in reporting due to restrictions, with a recent military-led tour showcasing government successes and a subsequent deadly ambush causing chaos and retreat back to Juba.

Insights

  • The conflict in South Sudan involves government forces and rebels, with accusations of power consolidation by the dominant Dinka tribe, leading to human rights abuses and a challenging reporting environment due to infrastructure limitations and filming restrictions.
  • A series of events, from a press conference denying rebel advances to a military-guided tour showcasing normalcy and security, culminated in a disastrous ambush on the government convoy, resulting in over 20 soldiers' deaths, including a senior General, highlighting the vulnerability and disarray within the government forces.

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Recent questions

  • What caused the Civil War in South Sudan?

    Disputed power consolidation by dominant Dinka tribe.

  • Who is involved in the conflict in South Sudan?

    Government, rebels, and Dinka tribe.

  • How has reporting been affected in South Sudan?

    Challenging due to lack of infrastructure and filming restrictions.

  • What efforts have been made to promote peace in South Sudan?

    Press conferences and guided tours promoting peace and unity.

  • What challenges have government forces faced in South Sudan?

    Ambushes, lack of medics, and retreats during battles.

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Summary

00:00

South Sudan Civil War: Conflict and Challenges

  • South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but has since fallen into Civil War, with the cause being disputed.
  • The conflict involves the government and rebels, with accusations of power consolidation by the dominant Dinka tribe.
  • Thousands have died, and many civilians have fled their homes, with both sides committing human rights abuses.
  • Reporting from South Sudan is challenging due to lack of infrastructure and filming restrictions.
  • Journalists were summoned to a press conference denying rebel advances on the capital, promoting peace and unity.
  • A guided tour by the military showcased areas to portray normalcy and security, including a village previously attacked.
  • A surprise visit to the front lines revealed government forces claiming victory over poorly trained rebel forces.
  • The government's superior equipment contrasts with rebel successes, as seen in a garrison town controlled by the government.
  • A journey to the front line faced challenges, including a truck accident and rebel ambushes.
  • The government forces prepared for a battle to retake Bor, with a mix of trained soldiers and inexperienced volunteers.

17:57

Rebel Ambush Decimates Government Convoy Headquarters

  • The slow-moving Convoy, serving as the mobile headquarters for the assault, was a prime target for rebels, endangering the entire operation with generals on board.
  • An intense ambush unfolded as the Convoy reached the river, leading to chaotic exchanges of machine gun fire between government troops and rebels hiding in the bush.
  • Over 20 government soldiers, including a senior General and his bodyguards, were killed in the ambush, with wounded left without medics, and the dead gathered for transport back to Juba.
  • The Convoy's leadership made a vulnerable headquarters in Parak, leading to a rebel assault that caused panic and disarray among the troops, forcing a retreat back to Juba, marking the end of the troops' coherence for the day.
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