South Sudan: Latest in pictures

Jul 12, 2016

A ceasefire call has raised hopes of an end to three days of deadly fighting.

PIC: South Sudan President Salva Kiir (C), followed by Vice President James Wani Igga (2nd R), leaves the conference room as artillery fire broke out near the presidential palace in Juba on July 8, 2016. (AFP)

South Sudan's president and his estranged deputy ordered a ceasefire Monday after a new day of heavy fighting in the capital that sent thousands fleeing and threatened a return to civil war.

President Salva Kiir's ceasefire order Monday evening was followed by a similar call from ex-rebel and Vice President Riek Machar, raising hopes of an end to three days of deadly fighting between the army and former rebels in the world's youngest nation.

Former Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) chief of general training and former in-opposition general Dau Athorjang (L) speaks during a press conference, pledging his allegiance to the SPLA on July 10, 2016 in Juba. That day, Athorjang called all his forces to not fight the government, stating that he has thousands of forces mainly based in Bhargazal region. He blamed the opposition forces for lacking control over their forces. (AFP)

Some of the at least 3000 displaced women, men and children taking shelter at the UN compound in Tomping area in Juba. (AFP/United Nation Mission in South Sudan)

A UN peacekeeper standing at the UN compound in Tomping area in Juba, where some of the at least 3000 displaced women, men and children have taken shelter. (AFP/United Nation Mission in South Sudan)

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an immediate arms embargo against South Sudan in response to an outbreak of heavy fighting that has left hundreds dead. Ban also appealed to the UN Security Council for targeted sanctions against South Sudanese leaders and commanders blocking implementation of a 2015 agreement to end a civil war. (AFP)

Plumes of smoke rise after South Sudanese government attack helicopters hovered over the Checkpoint district of the capital Juba, near the Jebel district which has seen some of the heaviest fighting, on July 11, 2016. (AFP)

First Vice President Riek Machar (L) delivers a speech to journalists next to South Sudan President Salva Kiir (C) and Vice President James Wani Igga (R) prior to the shooting outside the presidential palace in Juba on July 8, 2016. (AFP)