Author: The South Sudan Herald

Strategic Lifeline to Kenya Eastern Equatoria State broke ground this week on the Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a 220-kilometre spine that channels goods and people from South Sudan to Kenya’s frontier market. Governor Louis Lobong framed the project as decisive for commerce, security and national cohesion, stressing that smoother access to Mombasa port can temper soaring commodity prices. Community-Funded Approach Without central budget allocations, Rhino Star Construction began works using its own machinery and loans, while residents have been asked to donate fuel, maize or even chickens to keep graders rumbling. Lobong reminded gathered chiefs that, in his words, ‘there is no…

Accusations Rock Jonglei Leadership Speaker Amer Ateny Alier released a text accusing Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok of pressuring female officials into sex and isolating rival politicians. She warned that she may disclose more evidence publicly unless the presidency intervenes. SPLM Dismisses ‘Baseless’ Claims Acting SPLM Secretary David Anyang Nyuon branded the allegations defamatory, insisting Governor Riek “resembles their fathers and deserves respect.” He demanded a public apology and threatened defamation proceedings should the Speaker refuse to retract. Governance and Power-Sharing Concerns The Secretariat rejected suggestions of administrative malpractice, noting the governor has ordered no reshuffles since his appointment. It…

Alleged Abuse by SSPDF Troops Rumbek East County officials say two soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces were arrested after an alleged assault on Rev. Stephen Mangar Machar, parish priest of Pacong Catholic Church. Commissioner Zechariah Malual Anyuon confirmed the detention at Mabor-duang barracks and insisted that clergy, medics and aid workers must be protected by security units. First-Hand Account of the Incident Speaking to reporters, Rev. Machar recounted being stopped at Bahr el Naam around 4 p.m. while travelling to Thonaduel County headquarters. He said soldiers insulted him, seized his mask, demanded his cap and attempted to…

Social Media Echoes and Their Consequences Trending feeds often amplify sharp opinions faster than verified facts. In this rush, policy debate about Dr. Bol Mel can morph into personal attacks that add heat but no light. Digital pile-ons may feel cathartic, yet they rarely adjust a budget line or draft a statute. They drain civic energy that could fuel measured reform. Understanding the Office, Not Just the Face Dr. Bol Mel serves as 1st Deputy Chairman of SPLM, a post that blends party stewardship with national coordination. The remit stretches far beyond the ceremonial image many critics picture. Decision-making involves…

South Sudan’s Prosecutorial Gatekeeping Public attorneys in South Sudan review all complaints before investigators act, a layer of scrutiny largely absent elsewhere in the region. They also validate every request for arrest, ensuring a judge signs off only after evidence meets Penal Code standards. Debate Escalates Into Warrant for Majur Yet these safeguards were bypassed after an online debate where Advocate Josephine Adhet accused Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador David Amuor Majur of intimidation, defamation and sexual assault. A warrant followed despite Majur’s diplomatic immunity, and prosecutors apparently heard no counter-evidence before police prepared to act. Is Position, Not Conduct, the…

Health Minister’s Emergency Hospital Tour On Tuesday, Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial walked the corridors of Juba Teaching Hospital after social networks lit up with images of overcrowded wards and scant supplies. Her visit drew attention to the facility’s dual role as the country’s top referral centre and medical training hub. She met Director General Dr. Anthony Lupai Simon in a closed session aimed at gauging service quality, stock levels and staffing trends. Both teams agreed that a transparent assessment was overdue amid mounting public complaints about long queues and unpredictable drug availability. Chronic Resource Gaps Surface Hospital insiders say…

Vice President’s Endorsement Juba’s inaugural Auto Show has earned powerful backing after Vice-President for Infrastructure Cluster Taban Deng Gai applauded the youth-led venture, calling it “a great initiative” and pledging open-door support for further steps toward private-sector expansion (Standard Zone News). Youth Vision Behind the Show During a meeting with show CEO Mandela Nelson Denis, Taban encouraged organisers to “organise yourselves and move step by step”, underlining how structured planning can turn entrepreneurial passion into bankable projects. Nelson Denis explained that the exhibition is only the visible tip of a broader strategy meant to create jobs, sharpen technical skills and…

Renewed Violence in Upper Nile State Fourteen people lost their lives on Monday in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, when government troops exchanged fire with fighters commonly called the White Army, the army confirmed Tuesday (The East African). Military spokesperson Garang Ateny said the militia staged three coordinated assaults near Nasir, a town already scarred by earlier battles that triggered First Vice-President Riek Machar’s arrest in March. The army reported four fatalities among its ranks and claimed ten attackers were killed during the engagements. Machar Detention Fuels Political Tension Machar, who leads the SPLM-IO party, remains in custody over allegations…

Fiscal Reforms Gain Momentum On 3 September 2025, Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng addressed staff in Juba, stressing that generous tax exemptions erode South Sudan’s fiscal space and delay essential infrastructure upgrades (Eye Radio). He reminded employees that the reform agenda comes directly from President Salva Kiir, who reportedly told senior officials, “Tax me too,” underscoring a desire for equal burden-sharing in domestic revenue mobilisation (Eye Radio). Leadership Signals Tougher Controls Deng noted that exemption certificates are sometimes traded informally to importers at cut-rate prices, a practice he labelled “selling the flag,” because the state forgoes duties without any corresponding…

Revenue reform takes centre stage Speaking in Juba, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Yien Gach said efficient revenue mobilisation underpins peace, macro-stability and long-term growth for South Sudan (Eye Radio). Expanding the tax base with technology Gach urged the South Sudan Revenue Authority to register more taxpayers and adopt digital platforms that track payments in real time. He argued that technology curbs manual loopholes and reassures businesses that dues reach state coffers. Targeting leakages and illicit exemptions The minister warned that arbitrary waivers erode public finances. Only priority imports such as road-building machinery should qualify, he said, adding that every…