Author: The South Sudan Herald

Poetry as a Mirror of Conflict The poem “The enemy stands at the gate” distills a decade of turmoil into haunting images of brothers at war. Its voice resonates beyond literature, spotlighting a nation where mistrust now wounds deeper than any foreign rifle. Artistic testimonies routinely emerge from conflict zones, yet this piece stands out for framing betrayal as an internal moral crisis, compelling readers to confront the intangible front lines within communities. Roots of Fratricidal Violence in South Sudan South Sudan won independence in 2011 amid global applause. By 2013, political rivalry between Salva Kiir and Riek Machar ignited…

Open Letter Sparks Debate An unexpected open letter from Ateny Wek Ateny, once the presidential press secretary, has placed President Salva Kiir in the spotlight, inviting a nationwide conversation about recent high-profile arrests in the capital, Juba. Dated 13 August 2025, Ateny’s nine-page appeal circulates on social media and local newspapers. In it, he respectfully urges the head of state to order the immediate release of businessman Akol Emmanuel Ayii and Major General Akot Lual, both held without formal charges. Profiles of Akol Ayii and Akot Lual Akol, chair of Trinity Energy, oversees interests in fuel distribution, mobile money and…

Historical Parallels Fuel Debate Quiet diplomatic leaks suggest that some Western capitals have floated the idea of relocating a portion of Gaza’s civilian population to South Sudan, a proposal that has landed in Juba’s corridors of power with startling speed. For many South Sudanese, the news evokes memories of their own displacement during decades of civil war, while policymakers weigh regional responsibilities against national fragility. International Law and Self-Determination Law scholars quickly note that the 1970 UN Declaration on Friendly Relations and Resolution 194 enshrine Palestinian rights to self-determination and return, making any forced transfer legally contentious and diplomatically risky.…

Juba Congress Sets the Stage In a tightly-run extraordinary congress in Juba, 38 delegates representing 16 local associations and three statutory committees gathered to vote for a new South Sudan Football Federation leadership covering the 2025-2029 cycle. Observers from CAF and FIFA described the atmosphere as orderly, with ballot boxes kept in full view and counting streamed on internal screens, a first for the young federation. Election Outcome and Key Positions Former SSFF chief Francis Amin Michael returned to the presidency after securing a clear majority. Makur Majok Koryom became first vice-president and Deng Abdelrhaman Guer second vice-president, reflecting an…

Lights Out in Jonglei’s Capital Since Monday, Bor, the dynamic capital of Jonglei State, has been plunged into darkness after its sole diesel-powered station halted for routine maintenance. The unexpected blackout has now stretched into a sixth day, straining households, clinics and the bustling river port economy. Economic Ripple Effects on SMEs Owner Peter Kajobe reports revenue losses as high-capacity printers sit idle in his computer centre. He now relies on a small generator burning costly fuel, shrinking his margins just when schools queue for exam papers. Cold-drink vendors, phone-charging kiosks and tailoring shops echo the complaint. Night-time trade along…

Eastern Equatoria Security Outlook Governor Louis Lobong Lojore says roads are safer, schools reopened and markets revived across Magwi County, arguing that the main triggers of the 2014 exodus are easing thanks to local ceasefire arrangements and joint patrols. Faith Gathering Highlights Hope Speaking during the ordination of three priests and four deacons at Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Loa, the governor used the pulpit to extend his invitation, blending spiritual renewal with social reintegration. Vice-President Josephine Lagu and Environment Minister Josephine Napwon echoed the call, urging congregants to ‘heal the land by returning’ while pledging stronger basic services.…

Historic Upgrade for Nimule Municipality Joyous ululations echoed across Nimule as Vice-President Josephine Lagu Yanga cut the ribbon on the town’s new municipality on Wednesday, officially raising the bustling border settlement to the same administrative rank as South Sudan’s major cities (Eye Radio). The legal proclamation, signed earlier this month by Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, converts the formerly county-managed town into a self-administered municipality with its own council, budget and mayoral office, a first for Eastern Equatoria’s southern corridor. Gateway Town Holds Strategic Value Straddling the White Nile and the busy Juba-Kampala highway, Nimule handles most goods entering South Sudan…

Historic Vote Reshapes South Sudan Football Francis Amin returned to football’s top seat in South Sudan after defeating incumbent General Augustine Maduot in a federation election that observers in Juba hailed as calm and credible. Amin captured 26 of the 38 ballots, securing leadership until 2029. Contested Ballot Draws Clear Winner Maduot, who steered the South Sudan Football Federation for four years, obtained 12 votes and quickly conceded. “Defeat will not send me away from the sport,” he told journalists, stressing his readiness to collaborate with the incoming administration. Promises of Grassroots Revival Campaigning under the slogan “Back to the…

Fatal Stabbing Shocks Rum-rol Community Police in Rum-rol, Madhol payam, confirmed the death of Abany Yor Kiir, allegedly stabbed by her co-wife Abuk Deng early Thursday. The two women are married to wounded veteran Majoth Kiir. Chronology of the Night Attack Witnesses say Abany was breastfeeding a one-year-old when the dispute flared. Investigators report that Abuk lured her co-wife outside before striking a single fatal blow to the abdomen. Swift Police and Judicial Action Youth chairperson Garang Lual labelled the act “despicable,” telling reporters the community was left numb. “Our priority is calm while the courts work,” he added. Madhol…

Independence Milestone and Early Hope When South Sudan raised its flag in July 2011, President Salva Kiir embodied liberation optimism. Oil wealth, international goodwill, and a unifying narrative promised rapid institution-building and inclusive growth across the Nile-fed grasslands. Conflict Years and Peace Efforts The 2013 political rift between Kiir and former vice-president Riek Machar quickly spiralled into national conflict, exposing fragile institutions and ethnic tensions that had simmered since wartime alliances. Mediated talks in Addis Ababa produced the 2018 Revitalised Agreement. Cease-fire violations persist, yet the unified command structure and formation of a transitional parliament are notable steps credited to…