Author: The South Sudan Herald

Veteran Economist Passes in Cairo Othom Rago Ajak, former governor of South Sudan’s central bank, died on Wednesday in Cairo after a brief illness, his family said. He was 70. His daughter, Buchay Ajak, disclosed that preparations are underway to fly his remains to Juba for burial next week. Architect of Post-Independence Monetary System Appointed governor in January 2017, Ajak guided policy during a volatile period marked by currency shortages and inflation, championing measures that calmed markets and reinforced public confidence. The Bank of South Sudan hailed him as “a dedicated public servant and economist whose contributions were instrumental in…

Judicial Capacity Building in Juba At a three-day workshop in Juba, Justice Stephen Simon, Director of Land and Registration at the Supreme Court, reminded judges and magistrates that continuous learning is essential to keep pace with sophisticated, technology-driven offences. New Crimes Require New Expertise Simon observed that financial fraud, cyber threats, and other evolving crimes demand fresh analytical tools. He argued that only updated jurisprudence can safeguard public confidence, urging participants to embrace training “until they die.” Lifelong Education Becomes Formal Policy According to the official, the judiciary’s new leadership has embedded compulsory, career-long courses into its policy framework. Every…

South Sudan Suicide Surge 2025 A new survey by Community Empowerment for Progress Organization reports 507 suicides nationwide from January to August 2025, a figure observers call unprecedented. Civil society leaders say the data, drawn from police logs and community monitors, likely understates the reality, yet still signals a mental-health emergency. Economic Stress Fuels Despair Central Equatoria recorded 301 suicides—almost 60 percent of the total—amid rising prices, wage stagnation and widespread displacement. In Upper Nile, cases climbed to 15 percent of the national share. Analysts link the uptick to shrinking farm yields and disrupted trade routes. Women and Youth Bear…

Night Clash Leaves Two Dead in Mayom County Gunfire erupted during a late-night social gathering in Mankien Payam on Tuesday, killing two young men and wounding another, authorities in Mayom County reported on Wednesday. Witnesses said the dispute began between two individuals but quickly drew in rival youth factions from Mankien’s Chiengbolkang and neighbouring Kueyiel’s Chiengkuring communities. Commissioner Confirms Details and Arrests Commissioner James Lily Kuol told Radio Tamzaju that each side lost one life; a second Chiengbolkang youth survived gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment. Kuol confirmed several arrests but withheld numbers while investigators review statements and recover spent…

Crops Trampled, Tempers Ignite in Aweil West Riang-Angon village in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr El Ghazal felt the crackle of flames this week, after farmer Bol Ngor Bak allegedly torched two huts when roaming cattle trampled his sorghum and groundnuts. Swift Police Detention of Suspect Police inspector Atak Wol Kiir said officers captured Bak moments after villagers chased him across dusty lanes; the 50-year-old, now held in Aweil town for his own safety, reportedly offered no clear explanation during questioning. Villagers Scramble to Rescue Livestock Witnesses described chaotic scenes as neighbors rushed into the burning byre, pushing cows and goats…

Presidential Decree Reshapes Jonglei Cabinet President Salva Kiir issued a Wednesday evening decree reshuffling Jonglei State’s cabinet, bringing eight new faces into key portfolios and naming a fresh Bor County commissioner. The move marks the first adjustment since Governor Riek Gai Kok took office in March 2025. Those relieved include ministers for cabinet affairs, finance, education, animal resources, housing, health and labour, alongside Bor’s commissioner. Justice Kuony Yien Nyuon, Donge Gai Donge and six other SPLM figures step into the vacated posts. Leaked Document Aligns with Final Line-Up A leaked list dated 5 August circulated on social media before the…

Rumors Ripple Across Social Media Social platforms lit up this week with claims that South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam had been freed. The speculation traveled fast, feeding political intrigue in Juba and among the diaspora. Activist Clarifies the Custody Situation Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation, moved quickly to correct the narrative. He told reporters the two officials were merely relocated from National Security Service cells to a guarded apartment as a procedural measure. “They remain in legal custody awaiting court proceedings,” Yakani stressed, adding that…

New York Week Ahead From 22 to 27 September 2025, the United Nations will hold its 80th General Assembly in New York, themed ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights’. South Sudan intends to seize the moment. President Salva Kiir has selected Vice President Josephine Lagu Yanga to lead the delegation, signalling both confidence in her stature and an emphasis on continuity. Historic Delegation Choice Lagu Yanga becomes the highest-ranking South Sudanese woman ever to address the Assembly, a milestone that appeals to domestic audiences pushing for broader gender representation. Her presence also maintains continuity…

Voluntary Disarmament Wave in Nimule A rare scene unfolded in the border town of Nimule as 418 self-identified gang members handed over machetes, spears and hammers to security forces. Officials stress that no decree forced the act; the youths simply announced they were weary of violence and sought a fresh start. Church-Led Talks Inspire Surrender The Jerusalem Episcopal Council convened a two-day dialogue that mixed scripture, personal testimony and mediation methods. According to Mayor Caesar Longa Fuli, the sessions convinced rival groups that community safety outweighed street reputation, sparking the collective decision to disarm without external pressure. Resource Gap Threatens…

Main Terminal Closure Spurs Upgrade On 17 September, Juba International Airport management shut its primary arrival terminal, launching a renovation drive designed to modernise South Sudan’s sole international gateway. Service, Efficiency and Passenger Comfort Airport Manager Mosety Kat Monyjok explained that the facelift targets smoother passenger flow, enhanced efficiency and a refreshed travel experience, aligning with June’s broader upgrade roadmap. Traffic Diverted to Terminal 2 All arrivals now funnel through the recently built Terminal 2. Check-in counters, security screening and baggage belts were reconfigured overnight to keep traffic moving with minimal disruption. Nighttime Flights Expand Capacity Last month saw airlines…