Gunfire erupted in South Sudan’s capital Friday, a day after a shootout between opposing army factions killed five soldiers.
Tito Justin, a reporter for VOA’s South Sudan in Focus program, said the shooting appears to be coming from an area near the presidential compound. It began shortly before President Salva Kiir and rebel leader turned-First Vice President Riek Machar were to hold a news conference at the site.
There was no immediate word on casualties or who was involved in the shooting.
Late Thursday, five soldiers loyal to President Kiir were killed in a clash with troops loyal to Machar. Each side accused the other of opening fire first.
The two leaders were due to meet Friday to discuss ways of avoiding unnecessary shootings and to discuss the establishment of joint security operations forces around the capital.
The government and the opposition signed a peace deal last August and recently formed a transitional unity government.
