Sudan Peace talks: Rebels optimistic as fresh talks resume

The United Nations is launching talks between "all key civilian and military stakeholders" in a bid to solve a political crisis triggered by the October military coup.

The Central Committee of Sudanese doctors say seven civilians have been killed by security forces. UN Security Council members urged "utmost restraint."

Sudanese pro-democracy protesters suffer one of the deadliest days since thousands started taking to the streets in October to denounce the military takeover. Also, sanctions on Mali's military junta continue to bite. The UN's mission in the country has also suspended all but medical evacuation flights. And hosts Cameroon finish top of Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde.

A major Sudanese protest group has refused to meet with the UN's local representative. The group accuses the UN mission of siding with the military following last year's coup.

On tonight's show we focus on Sudan, where demonstrators once again have taken to the streets to call for the release of prisoners incarcerated for taking part in the recurring protests since last October's military coup. The latest demonstrations come just a day after the UN human rights expert Adama Dieng arrived on his first official visit to Sudan.

Six months later, they joyfully celebrated their independence. Ten years on, the South Sudanese are still struggling to establish peace, deal with human rights abuses committed since independence, write an inclusive constitution, and focus on developing their country.

On his first tour of Israel as German chancellor, Olaf Scholz spoke alongside Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The trip comes as Europe's largest ground war in generations rages between Russia and Ukraine.

Negotiators are to sit down later on Monday as fighting continues. Previous talks agreed on humanitarian corridors to allow for the evacuation of civilians, but plans have so far collapsed.

Feminism – that’s still a taboo topic in many parts of society in South Sudan. With their radio show, Gendertalk211, a group of South Sudanese women are trying to raise awareness and talk openly about the issues affecting women in their community.

A new film paints a portrait of the woman known in South Sudan as the "mother of the nation". The film follows Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, who is the widow of revolutionary leader and national hero John Garang de Mabior, in her role as the country's vice president amid a fragile peace deal in the country. The portrait is remarkable for its intimate access as its director is also her daughter, Akuol de Mabior. She joined us for Perspective to tell us more about "No Simple Way Home".

Artist Assil Diab saw a cause for hope with the ousting of the former president in the war-torn nation. A revolution that ushered out 30 years of authoritarian rule. Two years on, a new leadership has failed to bring justice to so many lives lost.

EU leaders brokered the agreement that will see a joint border commission established. The two countries' leaders met for the third time in six months as tensions continue to flare in the region.