Hilde Johnson

South Sudanese rebels allied to ex-vice President Riek Machar sought to retake control of a key town on Monday, the army said, as hopes faded that an upcoming ceasefire deadline will be obeyed in the violence-wracked nation.

South Sudan's army fought on Sunday with the "White Army" ethnic militia, accusing rebels of mobilising the force.

South Sudanese rebels allied to ex-vice President Riek Machar sought to retake control of a key town on Monday, the army said, as hopes faded that an upcoming ceasefire deadline will be obeyed in the violence-wracked nation.

South Sudan's army fought on Sunday with the "White Army" ethnic militia, accusing rebels of mobilising the force.