Violence continues in South Sudan

(Vatican Radio) South Sudan's central government on Sunday lost control of the capital of Unity State, a centre of oil production in the country. The fighting between government troops and supporters of former Vice President Riek Machar is raising fears of full-blown civil war in the young country.

South Sudan has confirmed that Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, is under the control of forces loyal to former Vice President Machar. President Salva Kiir has accused his former deputy of attempting a coup. South Sudan, which became independent in 2011 after a decades-long civil war with Sudan, has been plagued by tension between ethnic groups, government corruption and conflict along its border with Sudan.

The U.N. Mission in South Sudan said in a statement Sunday that all non-critical staff members in Juba are being evacuated.

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