Author: The South Sudan Herald

Historic South Sudan Court Showdown Juba’s special court is preparing to open proceedings against First Vice President Riek Machar and seven SPLM-IO members on charges of treason and murder. The hearings promise to rank among the most scrutinised in the nation’s post-independence history. Defence Team Declares Readiness Kur and Co. Advocates, speaking Sunday, confirmed that every brief, motion and exhibit has been organised according to South Sudanese statutes and international conventions. “We stand fully ready to defend the accused through legal means and objective arguments,” the statement asserted. Clashes That Sparked Arrests Machar was detained in March after White Army…

State Policy Drives Administrative Reform The flag-raising in Rumbek Central County formalised Abyei-Ajok as a payam, under a decree signed by Governor Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor. Cabinet Affairs Minister Mathiang Deng Monydit told residents the move follows “the legal policy empowering the governor to create new payams,” reinforcing state authority. Community Voices on New Opportunities Local leaders welcomed immediate appointment of an administrator to streamline service delivery. Paramount Chief Malok Malual Malok praised the decision as “service to the people,” while MP Dr. Paul Akol Paul warned spelling errors like “Abin-Jok” could erode cultural heritage for future generations. Speakers urged…

Peace Agreement Progress The 2018 Revitalised Agreement, cornerstone of South Sudan’s fragile transition, is still “alive” according to Western Equatoria Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona. He told stakeholders in Yambio that visible steps are underway to translate clauses into concrete governance reforms. Opening a two-day workshop on constitution making, Marona stressed that the state is “moving forward to restore peace and stability”, rejecting any suggestion of looming chaos as committees draft a permanent charter. Constitution-Making Roadmap Facilitated by Support Peace Initiative Development Organisation and backed by UNDP, the seminar unpacked the Constitution-Making Process Act 2022 and gathered diverse voices ranging…

Late-Evening Assault Shocks Salam Neighbourhood Witnesses say the party began peacefully before a group allegedly linked to Hai Kamshin barged in around 9 p.m. Music cut short as bottles flew, sending guests scrambling. State police later confirmed the confrontation left 22-year-old Moatasem Mohamed Adam fatally wounded. Victims and Medical Response Two others sustained serious injuries: a 19-year-old whose shattered teeth required emergency dentistry, and a 7-year-old girl treated for bruises at Wau Teaching Hospital. Doctors there report both patients are stable yet remain under close observation for possible complications. Swift Arrests and Ongoing Investigation Major Santino Odul Mayen told reporters…

Record-Breaking Scoreline electrifies Juba Ten crisp strikes from El-Merriekh SC Bentiu silenced Juba National Stadium, eclipsing the single-match goal record since the league’s inauguration last year and handing Lion Hunters a humbling 10-1 defeat. Bentiu’s ruthless formula on display Coach Simon Kuol’s high-press blueprint forced turnovers inside the first third, yielding five goals before halftime. Forward Mangok Akol later observed that “the boys smelled space and kept attacking until the whistle.” Second-half substitutions preserved pace rather than protection; midfield anchor James Gatluak noted the desire “to make an opening statement for the whole country.” Table dynamics after matchday one With…

Central Equatoria Unveils Rural Land Push Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede has rolled out a sweeping land allocation exercise in Diggala, Rejaf Payam, positioning the rural belt at the heart of Central Equatoria State’s urban expansion strategy. Authorities say the move is designed to halt rampant land grabbing and streamline future development. Diggala Demarcation Targets Orderly Growth Survey teams have begun marking residential and institutional plots, following a blueprint that aligns with the state’s “Taking Towns to the Rural” theme. Officials emphasise that clear boundaries will reduce ownership disputes, fast-track approvals and encourage investors to plan with confidence. Institutions Receive…

Juba gathering spotlights new envoy At a vibrant thanksgiving hosted by Greater Bahr el Ghazal Women Leadership at Juba’s Radisson Blu on 13 September, Lakes State Governor Lieutenant-General Rin Tueny Mabor publicly congratulated newly appointed Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Adut Salva, urging her to keep peace at the centre of her mandate. A childhood forged in struggle Governor Mabor reminded guests of Adut’s early exposure to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, describing her as “a struggler from childhood” who earned her current post through long commitment rather than privilege, insisting that the appointment represents her legitimate right within…

Late-Night Home Assault in Yambio A Saturday night home invasion in Yambio, Western Equatoria, ended with Christopher James Ezekiel Ndukpo, a senior staffer at Yambio Teaching Hospital, suffering critical gunshot wounds, police confirmed. Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong said unknown assailants opened fire around 7:30 p.m., then fled, leaving investigators to comb the scene for clues. Police Investigation Underway The commissioner urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with detectives, assuring the community that arrests remain a priority as evidence is gathered. Family and Medical Updates Relatives say Ndukpo, eldest son of county health director James Ezekiel Ndukpo, has served…

Career Rooted in Public Service Dr. Vincent Taban Suru rose from hospital wards to the cabinet of Western Bahr el Ghazal, accepting the health minister portfolio under Governor Sarah Cleto Hassan Rial between 2020 and 2024. Colleagues recall his insistence on vaccination drives and rural outreach, credits that won him grassroots respect in a state still rebuilding its health infrastructure. Final Journey to India Minister of Health Sarah Cleto Hassan Rial confirmed that Dr. Taban died on 12 September 2026 while receiving care in India. No further medical details were released, yet the ministry emphasized that arrangements are underway to…

Fatal Beating Shocks Juba Community A broad daylight assault in Thongpiny left 26-year-old civil engineer Jacob Mathiang fatally injured. Witnesses say soldiers identified as bodyguards of Gen. Garang Ayii punched and kicked him around 2 p.m., inflicting severe head wounds that proved unrecoverable at a local hospital. Eyewitness Narratives and Soldier’s Explanation One detained soldier claims Mathiang labelled the group “stupid,” sparking an immediate attack. Another observer recalls the men halting their vehicle, confronting the engineer and fleeing once he collapsed. A bystander phoned Gen. Garang, prompting orders for the assailants to return and transport the victim. Medical Efforts and…