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South Sudan gov’t committed to peace deal: envoy

As the guns remained silent, President Salva Kiir said he was granting an amnesty, with effect from Wednesday, to the ex-rebels loyal to longtime rival Riek Machar who battled government troops in Juba over four days.

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“In a July 14 security message, the U.S. Embassy advised U.S. citizens that the government of South Sudan is scrutinizing the travel documents of dual nationals, with an apparent focus on South Sudanese government and political affiliation, particularly of male dual nationals”, spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said.

Supporters of Kiir and Machar fought a civil war beginning in December 2013 that left tens of thousands dead.

Commercial flights to and from South Sudan’s capital, Juba, have been canceled after fighting flared in the country, though charter flights have been evacuating aid workers and other foreign citizens.

A number of would-be travelers said South Sudanese are being denied from leaving the country.

The International Committee of the Red Cross released an update on conditions in the country on Tuesday after South Sudan Red Cross teams were able to reach seven areas of one area in the capital on Monday.

The UK is continuing to lead in the provision of humanitarian relief to respond to immediate needs in South Sudan.

Germany’s foreign office says those evacuated on Wednesday included three wounded Chinese peacekeepers from the United Nations mission in South Sudan and citizens from Britain, France, Poland, Norway, Australia, Canada, Kenya and other countries.

The United Nations said around 36,000 people had fled their homes for the perceived safety of UN bases, churches and aid agency compounds since the unrest erupted on Friday.

Some shops opened up on Thursday and more people were on the streets.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has announced the deployment of 47 troops to protect the US embassy and its staff. Mr Obama yesterday said that 130 more personnel were positioned in Djibouti, ready to deploy, if necessary.

About 42,000 civilians have been displaced by the violence in Juba, Ban’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said Wednesday in an e-mailed statement.

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“There is hardly any food in the market, and people are starving”.

OperationSankatMochan