Today's top stories: A top South Sudan government official is denying unconfirmed reports that South Africa’s president tried to arrange a meeting between President Salva Kiir and former First Vice President Riek Machar; Women’s rights activist in Imatong State say they are using this year’s U.N. backed 16 Days of Activism campaign to advocate for the appointment of more women to local government positions where they can influence decisions and policies.