Author: The South Sudan Herald

MTN MoMo Expansion Sweeps South Sudan MTN South Sudan has rolled out “Mata Fekir”, a campaign designed to push its mobile money service, MoMo, into every county. Executives unveiled the drive at Juba’s Pyramid Hotel, declaring cash-free payments the next frontier for daily transactions. Digital Finance Challenges and Opportunities Francis Matseketsa, CEO of MTN Fintech, called the launch a turning point, stressing partnerships with NGOs to build a digital system that leaves no village behind. He argued that trimming cash circulation will cut transaction costs and stimulate formal commerce. Regulators Endorse Cashless Vision Officials from the National Communication Authority praised…

German Funding Expands South Sudan Support Germany has released an additional 65 million US dollars through KfW, channelled to UNICEF and the World Food Programme, to strengthen resilience in South Sudan’s fragile communities amid conflict, floods and economic strain, humanitarian agencies confirmed this week. One Million Lives in Four Key Towns The Joint Resilience Project’s second phase aims to reach nearly one million residents in Juba, Torit, Yambio and Aweil, concentrating on densely populated urban and peri-urban zones where needs outpace existing services and displacement continues to reshape demographics. Classrooms, Clinics and Clean Water New financing will renovate classrooms, supply…

Cultural Pride and Historical Roots For generations, Dinka cattle herders have prized body mass as proof of prosperity and virility. Village ceremonies crown the widest waistline, echoing tales of legendary chiefs who could barely rise from their beds. Elders say the ritual cements clan solidarity and signals food abundance to neighbouring groups. Growing Medical Concerns Clinicians in Warrap and Lakes States report spikes in hypertension, heart failure, and sleep apnoea among contestants. “Extreme immobilisation combined with high-fat diets overloads the heart within weeks,” warns Dr. Nyaluak Deng, a Juba cardiologist. Two deaths last year underscored the danger, stirring debate across…

Supplies Nearing Empty A British-based aid organisation reports that warehouses holding special food for severely malnourished children are close to depletion in Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan (aid group statement). Staff on the ground describe shelves thinning fast, leaving treatment centres anxious about imminent stock-outs. Why the Food Matters The organisation says the high-nutrient product is central to medical protocols that help children regain weight and immune strength. Without regular rations, recovery times lengthen, and fragile youngsters risk relapsing into acute hunger, undermining years of progress against child mortality. Regional Repercussions Nigeria and Kenya combine large populations with seasonal…

Growing fear of empty warehouses Warehouses that once brimmed with ready-to-use therapeutic food, or RUTF, are edging toward empty across Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan, aid officials warn. The London-based organisation Action Against Hunger says its regional stocks have fallen by nearly half since January, compromising its capacity to treat children with severe acute malnutrition. Doctors on the ground confirm rising cases of oedema, the tell-tale swelling linked to extreme protein deficiency, a condition usually reversed with RUTF sachets within weeks. Drought, conflict and prices converge Meteorological data show the Horn of Africa logged five consecutive failed rainy seasons,…

South Sudan Faces a Perfect Economic Storm Currency free-fall, fiscal gaps and an oil shutdown have pushed South Sudan to its toughest economic test since 2011. Prices of food, fuel and medicine have surged, while non-oil revenue remains thin and public wages lag. Athian’s Brief but Notable Tenure Appointed finance minister in 2020, Athian Diing Athian stabilised the pound near 400 per dollar for almost two years. He reopened channels with the IMF and World Bank, unlocking roughly 500 million dollars that eased salary arrears and funded essential imports. Links with Bretton Woods Institutions Officials from the Fund praise his…

Bar Association Raises Alarm The South Sudan Bar Association issued an unusually direct public alert this week, naming Mariak Arwo Aruo Kuol as an unlicensed practitioner and advising citizens to avoid his services. Chairperson Arop Malueth Manon said the warning follows verification checks within the association’s membership roll. Impersonation Case in Gudele Court During hearings at Gudele’s local court, bar officials realised Mariak’s name was missing from the official advocates list. A criminal file for impersonation and fraud has now been opened, according to Arop, who urged litigants to immediately seek licensed representation. Pattern of Fraud Concerns The association regards…

South Sudan Youth Parliamentary Move South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly has inaugurated a Young Parliamentary Caucus, signalling fresh commitment to policy making driven by citizens under 40. Office Order No.4, signed by Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba on 20 August 2025, formally seats the 15-member bloc and aligns domestic rules with recent Inter-Parliamentary Union resolutions on youth participation. Inclusive Leadership Chart Hon. Daniel Abocha Ali of the SPLM chairs the caucus, assisted by Hon. Stephen Bol Ley of SPLM-IO. Portfolios span finance, foreign affairs, information, climate change, gender and youth, reflecting an effort to match legislation with the demographic realities…

Bor Forum Opens with Indigenous Peace Call A two-day Citizens Talk for Peace Forum, convened by UNMISS with Jonglei authorities, opened in Bor on Wednesday, urging community-driven answers to protracted violence. Gathering under the theme ‘Your Partner for Peace: The Neglected Responsibilities of Citizens,’ delegates aim to rebuild trust and reinforce collaboration between residents and state structures. Citizens and Officials Debate R-ARCSS Progress Opening remarks from UNMISS envoys and state officials reviewed progress since the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, noting tangible gains alongside persistent security gaps. Speakers pressed citizens to step beyond observing…

Residents’ Legal Notice Highlights Service Gaps A collective of residents from Gudele, Hai Referendum and Mia-Saba served legal notice on 26 August, alleging that key public services—roads, water, power and clinics—remain out of reach despite years of urban expansion. The petition, filed through Reign Legal and Consultancy Firm, named the national Ministry of Environment and Forestry among the institutions it views as neglecting basic service delivery. Environment Ministry Clarifies Its Mandate In a Wednesday press release, the ministry asserted that it designs and enforces environmental policy but does not build roads, dig boreholes or wire electricity networks (Environment Ministry press…