Briefly: U.S. warns of attacks from Boko Haram sect

South Sudan broke away from Sudan last year after decades of civil war. But the two sides never agreed on how to share the oil wealth found in the region between the countries, and the border was never demarcated.

Meanwhile, Wednesday, fighting spread farther along the border when soldiers from both countries exchanged fire, killing 22 troops, a southern spokesman said Wednesday.

GUINEA-BISSAU

Coup leaders reach accord with opposition parties

BISSAU — Guinea-Bissau’s junta on Wednesday drew up an agreement with the main opposition parties for a two-year transition period before presidential and legislative elections are held.

The accord confirms the dissolution of institutions overthrown in a coup a week ago and the creation of a National Transition Council that will name an interim president and government.

A source at the meeting to draw up the agreement said soldiers will return to the barracks “once the new president is inaugurated.”

Soldiers ousted the government on April 12, aborting an electoral process that was meant to conclude on April 29 in a runoff election. They also arrested top government officials.

SWAZILAND

U.S. condemns crackdown on anti-monarchy protests

JOHANNESBURG — The United States slammed Swaziland’s heavy-handed clampdown on protests last week, when student and labor activists were blocked from marching against Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

“While every government has the right to take appropriate action to maintain peace and security, the government also has an obligation to protect the rights of citizens,” said Molly Sanchez-Crowe, spokeswoman for the U.S. embassy in Swaziland.

Swazi security forces blocked marches on April 11 and 12 and stopped a prayer meeting on Saturday, imposing a ban on gatherings of more than two people.

The activists were demanding democratic reforms in the tiny kingdom, which is suffering from a crippling financial crisis.

• From wire dispatches and staff reports