A roundup of a few key stories last week on social issues in Sudan and South Sudan:

Gender Officer accuses parents of settling rape cases for money (Catholic Radio Network, 2 June 2014) – An official in the Yei County government urges families and officials to follow legal procedures to settle cases of rape and early marriage, alleging that some families opt instead to profit from such situations by settling financially with perpetrators.

E. Equatoria state witnesses birth of headless goat (Sudan Tribune, 1 June 2014) – Residents in South Sudan’s Torit were alarmed following the birth of a headless goat kid last weekend.  The animal was born naturally but was reportedly dead when it was found with ears but no head.

1106 cholera cases in South Sudan, more towns affected (Radio Tamazuj, 2 June 2014) – The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Toby Lanzer, announced yesterday that the number of people being treated for cholera in throughout the country has increased to 1106.

Education ministry doesn’t know number of teachers (Eye Radio, 3 June 2014) – South Sudan’s Minister of Education, John Gai, announced plans to conduct a headcount of teachers throughout July. Citing difficulties in paying salaries and managing staff, the minister stressed the importance of assessing and recording the details of the teachers and locations as well as simply quantifying them. 

UNHCR, WFP reassure Maban refugees over food shortage (UNHCR, 2 June) – UN humanitarian agencies are struggling to bring food to stranded refugees in Maban County. Some refugees have opted to return to where they came from in war-torn Blue Nile state.