South Sudan's civil war claims more lives after President 'violates' peace deal

A statement from Mr Machar said the decree amounted to a “violation of the peace agreement and a clear message to the world that President Kiir is not committed to peace”.

As Mr Kiir signed the decree in the capital, Juba, more fighting was already taking place in Unity and Upper Nile, the two most bitterly contested states. The rebels and the government accused one another of starting the bloodshed; both sides agreed that scores of soldiers and insurgents had been killed.

The fighting has become an ethnic conflict between the President’s Dinka people and Mr Machar’s Nuers. In Unity state, the killing is particularly intense because the local Nuer population is divided between supporters of the government and of the rebels.

Britain has decided to send up to 300 soldiers to join a United Nations peacekeeping force in South Sudan. One of the main tasks of this contingent is to protect civilians. About 200,000 people now live for their own safety inside UN bases across the country.

In government-held areas, like Juba, the Nuer population stays under UN guard. In rebel held areas, Dinkas are the ones who seek protection.