Only a few days later , the rebels accused that a government takeover of Leer was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the second round of talks that were to start later in February . The rebels threatened to boycott the second round talks , demanding the release of four remaining political prisoners and the withdrawal of Ugandan troops . Later in February , the rebels attacked the strategic government controlled Malakal and the government admitted withdrawal and then , in March , the rebels admitted withdrawal , changing hands for the fifth time . In April , rebels claimed once again to have seized Bentiu and by 19 April South Sudan 's army admitted to have " lost communication " with commanders battling in Unity state . The 2014 Bentiu massacre occurred on 15 April in Bentiu when more than 200 civilians , all said to have been Dinkas , were massacred by Nuer rebels . A mosque , hospital , and church were targeted where civilians had sought refuge from the fighting . After the fall of Bentiu , Salva Kiir sacked Army chief James Hoth Mai and replaced him with Paul Malong Awan
2014 Bentiu massacre
2014 Bentiu massacre
South Sudanese Civil War