South Sudan in crisis

The crisis started when fighting between soldiers loyal to South Sudan's president Salva Kiir and those loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar broke out in the capital Juba. Since the first shots were fired on December 15, the conflict has spread, bringing the world's youngest nation to the brink of civil war. Government soldiers battle a loose alliance of rebels and renegade army units. The rebels have brought some of South Sudan's oil fields under their control, denying the government of much-needed revenues.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening. According to the United Nations, at least 1,000 people have died. More than 200,000 have been displaced. While some cross the borders to Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya, others seek shelter in UN compounds across the country, as the international community struggles to assist them.

Peace talks between the two camps are underway in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. However, both sides have so far failed to agree on a cease-fire. Former Vice President Riek Machar's camp insists that the government first has to release 11 political detainees.