South Sudan violence escalates after July clashes The UN has warned of escalating ethnic violence in South Sudan, as renewed fighting forces thousands to flee their homes in Unity State. A peace deal between Kiir and Machar in August last year had raised hopes of peace, until clashes erupted once again in July in the capital. Aid workers in Bentiu are concentrating their efforts on rehabilitating the displaced children, some of whom have witnessed atrocities. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES.