South Sudan President Kiir accused of burning town of Leer down and killing women and children

The South Sudan government is accused of having captured and burned rebel leader, Riek Marchar’s hometown, Leer, after signing cease fire agreement.

According to the AFA, Lul Kong, a rebel spokesman, accused the government of hunting down women, children, and the elderly, who hid in the bushes and surrounding swamps, and killing them. Kong went on to say that, "The latest destruction of Leer town...has no strategic, operational or tactical importance," and then accused President Kiir of having merely derived "satisfaction" from destroying Machar's home town.

South Sudan became independent from North Sudan in 2011, after being in civil war with them for decades. It’s a fairly new country. Over 800,000 citizens have left their homes, and many more have been killed.

At least 3.2 million people - more than a quarter of the population - face food shortages, the United Nations says, according to Reuters.

Peace talks, between Kir and Marchar, have been held and will resume in Ethiopia this week.