Fighting on in south Sudan despite truce

South Sudanese rebels accused the army of attacking their positions yesterday hours before a ceasefire deal agreed by the government and rebels comes into effect.
Rebel spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said "simultaneous attacks have been launched" by the army on rebel positions in the northern oil state of Unity, and in the volatile eastern Jonglei region.
But army spokesman Philip Aguer denied the claims.
Government and rebels pledged on Thursday to halt fighting within 24 hours and end five weeks of bitter conflict that has left thousands dead, but both sides have said they doubt the other can fully control the forces on the ground.
The ceasefire was due to go into effect at around 1730 GMT.
US President Barack Obama, whose country provided crucial backing on South Sudan's path to statehood, described the deal as "a critical first step toward building a lasting peace".
UN chief Ban Ki-moon praised mediation efforts and called on both sides to "immediately implement" the agreement.
Up to 10,000 people are believed to have been killed in the fighting pitting forces loyal to Kiir against a loose coalition of army defectors and ethnic militia nominally headed by Machar, a seasoned guerrilla fighter.