Since a peace agreement was signed in August 2015, the situation nationally has improved a little. However, security issues are worsening in the south, where many missionaries with Africa Inland Church and other agencies work. This is partly due to divisions in the Government and also between local militias and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). The SPLA now has helicopter gunships. In addition, there is high inflation and a real threat of famine, which is leading to petty crime with gangs taking advantage of the situation.