Riek Machar

Women hold their ration cards during food distribution in Minkaman, Lakes State, June 26, 2014. About 94,000 people have sought refuge in Minkaman after fighting broke out in neighboring states, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The world's youngest country turns three — but there's not much to celebrate

Three years ago, South Sudan became independent. But the hope of the new nation has given way to brutal realities — war, and now impending famine.

The world's youngest country turns three — but there's not much to celebrate
People displaced by the fighting wait to get clean water at a water point in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the United Nations (UN) base in Bentiu, Unity State.

A flood of South Sudanese refugees is overwhelming the UN camp in Bentiu

A flood of South Sudanese refugees is overwhelming the UN camp in Bentiu
south sudan

South Sudan remains on the brink of civil war

South Sudan remains on the brink of civil war
A South Sudan army soldier, in Malakal, on Monday, after government forces re-captured the city.

The fighting is getting worse in South Sudan, even as peace talks loom

The fighting is getting worse in South Sudan, even as peace talks loom
Salva Kiir and Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta

So far there are few signs of any progress in ending the violence in South Sudan

So far there are few signs of any progress in ending the violence in South Sudan
Displaced people stay in makeshift tents inside Tomping United Nations base

No good news out of South Sudan on this Christmas Eve

Things are not looking very good in South Sudan on this Christmas Eve. There are reports of newly-discovered mass graves, as well as mass killings and violence.

No good news out of South Sudan on this Christmas Eve
South Sudan's President, Salva Kiir, listens to a question during a news conference, Wednesday. He's accused of not listening to critics.

Was there a coup in South Sudan?

Africa's newest country, South Sudan, appears to be in the grip of a violent power struggle. Hundreds of deaths have been reported. The president accuses his former vice president of trying to stage a coup.

Was there a coup in South Sudan?