Since the SPLA regained control of Bentiu, the state capital, on 10 January, government forces have made steady progress against the rebels. While the north and west of Unity saw the most clashes in the first month of South Sudan’s conflict, Abiemnom, Rubkona, Guit, and Pariang counties are now firmly under government control, though there is still a rebel presence in Mayom county. In February and March, the conflict in Unity centred on the southern and central counties of Koch, Leer, and Panyijar: areas that—along with Mayendit county—are the main areas of rebel support in the state. Following the SPLA’s attack on Leer at the beginning of February, much of the rebel movement fled into the bush. This gave the conflict a new tempo, as detached rebel units intermittently clashed with SPLA forces, but neither side engaged the other in pitched battles. While the SPLA is now in control of much of the state, it remains highly unlikely it will be able to return Unity to pre-conflict level of security without a political solution—the territory in question is simply too large, and the enemy elusive. In the meantime, Unity state is struggling with a humanitarian emergency that the oncoming rainy season threatens to exacerbate.
Source: Small Arms Survey
Country: Sudan, South Sudan