Author: The South Sudan Herald

New Peacekeeping Ambitions Take Shape South Sudan has opened a fresh chapter by selecting a 1,057-strong unit for anticipated UN operations, signalling Juba’s drive to project professionalism beyond its borders. Defence officials underline that the move fits the government’s post-conflict roadmap and could generate valuable remittances for soldiers’ families. Historic Female Presence in SSPDF Cohort At Wun-Aliet Training Centre, northwest of Juba, more than 1,000 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces volunteers began induction this week, confirmed spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang. Eighty women passed the selective intake, marking one of the largest female contingents in the army’s peacekeeping history,…

Ambush Near Mogiri Leaves One Critical A vehicle transporting Bor Community secretary-general Mayom Ateny Wai came under fire Wednesday afternoon close to Mogiri, Central Equatoria. Witnesses say gunmen opened fire without warning as the group travelled from Bor to Juba, forcing the driver to accelerate through the hail of bullets. Madit Ateny Wai, the secretary-general’s brother, was hit three times, sustaining head and shoulder wounds. Hospital staff in Juba describe his condition as serious but stable after emergency surgery, while other passengers escaped with minor injuries. Deadly Pattern on Juba-Bor Corridor Eight Murle traders were reportedly killed in the same…

Rising Call for Civic Education on Federalism Minister of Federal Affairs Lasuba Ludoru Wongo has launched a fresh media drive to explain federalism to South Sudanese. In an Eye Radio interview, he argued that only sustained civic education can counter myths that have clouded the reform since independence. Some critics, he said, intentionally distort the model for political mileage. Yet nationwide consultations show a clear popular preference for shared power between Juba and the states, mirroring structures in Ethiopia and Nigeria. Historical Shadows Fuel Doubts Misconceptions often revive the memory of Kokora, the 1980s decentralisation drive that triggered ethnic unease.…

Federal Debate Reaches New Milestone Juba’s Ministry of Federal Affairs has confirmed a nationwide conference designed to deepen understanding of federalism in South Sudan. Minister Losuba Loduro Wongo told reporters the event seeks consensus on a governance model that balances autonomy with cohesion after years of heated public debates. Voices Across Society to Be Heard Organisers promise dedicated sessions for youth, women, and community leaders, recognising their pivotal role in shaping any future federal arrangement. “This platform should let every citizen see their reflection in the new structure,” Wongo stated, highlighting the inclusion strategy. Global Lessons, Local Adaptation Panels will…

Political Reshuffle in Juba President Salva Kiir shook South Sudan’s political landscape by replacing four senior SPLM-IO lawmakers in the transitional legislature on 16 April, arguing the move would “invigorate parliamentary performance,” according to a statement read on state television. The reshuffle removed First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel, Council of States Speaker Deng Deng Akon, chief whip Faruk Gatkuoth and secretary general Regina Kaba, all close allies of detained First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar. Opposition Voices React SPLM-IO representative to the United States, Isaac K. Gang, labelled the dismissals “the final nail in the coffin of the Revitalized Peace Agreement,”…

Jonglei State Signals Humanitarian Reset On Wednesday in Juba, Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok confirmed Jonglei’s plan to work closely with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, aiming to clear bottlenecks that slow food, medicine and shelter to communities battered by years of recurrent floods. “Food must reach the people who need it most,” the governor insisted, underlining a policy shift toward performance-based partnerships that reward agencies able to document transparent, inclusive distribution networks. Floods Amplify Urgency for Equitable Relief Weeks of heavy rain have submerged croplands along the White Nile, displacing whole villages and heightening…

Governance Reshuffle in Jonglei State The office of Governor Dr Riek Gai Kok confirmed on Tuesday the establishment of Pawuoi Payam, carved from the larger Nyuak Payam in Twic East County. Aluel Town, a growing market hub, becomes the seat of the new administrative unit. The state decree cites the Transitional Constitution and the 2009 Local Government Act, mandating consultations with chiefs and residents to decide how many bomas will fall under Pawuoi’s jurisdiction. Unity Question Within Nyuak Communities Daniel Majok, a spokesperson for Nyuak Payam, said opinions split quickly. Awulian, the smallest of three communities, gains autonomy, while Darchuek…

Sudden Political Upheaval in Juba President Salva Kiir’s mid-week decrees removed several senior SPLM-IO figures from parliament and the Council of States, triggering fresh tension inside South Sudan’s delicate unity government formed under the 2018 Revitalised Agreement. The dismissals affect Speaker Deng Deng, First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel, and Chief Whip Farouk Gatkuoth, all close allies of First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar. Presidential Decrees Spark Opposition Alarm Acting SPLM-IO foreign relations chair Reath Muoch Tang condemned the move as “a systematic campaign to dismantle the peace agreement,” insisting no prior consultation occurred within the coalition. Muoch argued that unilateral changes…

Presidential Decrees Reshape Western Equatoria An evening decree read on national television swiftly removed Western Equatoria’s deputy governor, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, after barely ten months in office. President Salva Kiir appointed opposition figure Justin Joseph Marona, signaling a recalibration of power inside the unity administration (SSBC broadcast). Badagbu is a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, the party that shares power with the SPLM-IO under the 2018 accord. Observers said the dismissal reduces SPLM-IO influence in a strategic border state vital for agricultural recovery and cross-border trade. Ambassadors Recalled Amid Foreign Policy Reset Kiir’s pen also reached beyond…

Commissioner Enforces Local Government Act Bor County commissioner James Gai Makor invoked powers under South Sudan’s 2009 Local Government Act to sack three chiefs of Goi Boma on 12 August. His order followed a signed letter in which the chiefs rejected their area’s transfer into the newly formed Chueikeer Payam. Chiefs Voice Community Concerns Speaking from Bor, dismissed chief Angeth Noon said the letter reflected a wider village mandate rather than personal opposition. “Our people fear being dragged into unresolved clashes inside Chueikeer,” he told local reporters, insisting the community first wants peace talks before any new administrative alignment. Historical…