This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25658535
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
South Sudan's Bentiu city residents flee government advance | South Sudan's Bentiu city residents flee government advance |
(35 minutes later) | |
Thousands of people are fleeing the South Sudanese city of Bentiu amid fears of a government offensive to recapture the oil-rich area from rebels, a BBC reporter there says. | |
Many people are taking refuge in a UN base in Bentiu, says Alastair Leithead. | Many people are taking refuge in a UN base in Bentiu, says Alastair Leithead. |
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks between the two sides appear to be deadlocked over the government's imprisonment of 11 alleged coup plotters. | Meanwhile, ceasefire talks between the two sides appear to be deadlocked over the government's imprisonment of 11 alleged coup plotters. |
At least 1,000 people have been killed in the conflict. | At least 1,000 people have been killed in the conflict. |
Nearly 200,000 people have been forced from their homes in the fighting, which has seen ethnic violence between the Dinka and Nuer communities. | Nearly 200,000 people have been forced from their homes in the fighting, which has seen ethnic violence between the Dinka and Nuer communities. |
The conflict broke out in mid-December when President Salva Kiir accused his ex-deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup. | The conflict broke out in mid-December when President Salva Kiir accused his ex-deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup. |
Mr Machar denied the allegation, and called for the unconditional release of 11 of his allies who were detained over the alleged plot. | Mr Machar denied the allegation, and called for the unconditional release of 11 of his allies who were detained over the alleged plot. |
On Wednesday, Mr Kiir offered to free them to take part in the talks, if the discussions were moved from Ethiopia to the South Sudan capital, Juba. | On Wednesday, Mr Kiir offered to free them to take part in the talks, if the discussions were moved from Ethiopia to the South Sudan capital, Juba. |
But this offer was immediately rejected by Mr Machar's allies. | But this offer was immediately rejected by Mr Machar's allies. |
Government troops are believed to be about 25 kilometres (16 miles) from Bentiu, capital of the oil-rich Unity state, our correspondent says. | |
Unity state is rich in oil, the main foreign exchange earner of South Sudan. | Unity state is rich in oil, the main foreign exchange earner of South Sudan. |