Author: The South Sudan Herald

A staggering $700 million has reportedly gone missing from South Sudan’s oil revenues, shaking the very core of the country’s long-standing corruption system. As Afrik.com reports, the scandal has already claimed high-level victims, including Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, the Governor of the Central Bank, and the head of the Revenue Authority. Attention is now turning to Petroleum Minister Deng Lual Wol, placed under arrested this evening amid the widening revelations of financial looting. A Collapsing Structure of Power According to Afrik.com, the patronage system that has dominated South Sudan’s oil sector for years is beginning to crumble. President Salva…

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced a sweeping series of presidential decrees, broadcast this evening on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), marking one of the most significant government reshuffles in recent years. The changes affect top positions across the political, security, and financial sectors. Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel Dismissed The most consequential decision concerns Benjamin Bol Mel, who has been relieved from his position as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. The presidential decree also confirmed his removal as SPLM First Deputy Chairman and his demotion from General to Private, effectively dismissing him from the National Security…

A National Conversation Begins A radio interview in Juba has thrust mental health to the forefront of South Sudanese debate. Médecins Sans Frontières urged authorities, teachers and chiefs alike to recognise psychological distress as a public health priority on par with malaria or cholera, warning that silence perpetuates suffering. Mental Health Stigma in South Sudan Doctors Without Borders, better known as MSF, says mental health care must leave the shadows. Speaking on Eye Radio’s Dawn show, supervisor Monyjok Monylang urged schools, clinics and village forums to normalise conversations that too often remain whispered or ignored. Conflict’s Invisible Scars Years of…

Conflicting Reports Now Confirmed Although reports of Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel’s arrest were first announced and later denied on social media, sources close to the dossier have now confirmed that the Vice President has indeed been placed under house arrest. According to multiple reliable sources within the government and security circles, the order was issued by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Paul Ngang Majok. The Vice President’s security detail and motorcade have reportedly been withdrawn, and he remains confined to his residence in Juba under close supervision. Mounting Corruption Controversies This dramatic development comes after a series of…

Rural Education Drive in Western Bahr el Ghazal On Wednesday, a convoy of volunteer teachers arrived at Gettan Primary School in Kpaile Payam, Wau County, signalling a grassroots response to years of learning setbacks across Western Bahr el Ghazal State. The initiative, founded by Dr. Mgbara Valentin Duku Uyaka, trains youthful educators and encourages pupils to view schooling as a reliable pathway to personal success rather than an elusive privilege. Classroom Impact and Learner Motivation Head teacher Baptist Ugala observed that pupils who once studied under trees now debate confidently in English, crediting the volunteers for restoring academic morale. “Our…

Derik Cultural Festival Returns in 2025 The vibrant Derik Cultural Festival is set for its fifth edition at the University of Juba from 15 to 22 November 2025. Organisers promise a week of music, debate and exhibitions reflecting South Sudan’s evolving cultural narrative. A Theme Centered on Women’s Legacy This year, the focus shifts to women under the banner “Women of South Sudan: A Legacy of Struggle and Inspiration”. Chairperson Mathiang Cirilo says the decision underlines a central belief: acknowledging women’s leadership is essential to any cultural renaissance. Pioneers in the Spotlight Four trailblazers headline the honours list. Education stalwart…

Nairobi Gathering Sets Ambitious Tone In Nairobi, nine young South Sudanese change-makers stepped onto a continental stage, joining hundreds at the 2nd All Africa Youth Congress 2025 themed “Africa: My Home. My Future.” The five-day meeting invited participants to imagine a self-reliant continent. Nurtured by the All-Africa Conference of Churches, the forum blended faith leaders, tech innovators and grassroots activists, underscoring how spiritual networks still shape civic debate across the continent (Standard Zone News). Self-Funded Delegation Symbolises Resolve Delegation members, aged 18 to 35, paid the 100-dollar registration themselves, topping AACC logistical support. Their gesture projected confidence from a nation…

Sudden Dawn Violence in Jonglei Gunfire shattered the pre-dawn calm in Pieri Payam, Uror County, on Monday when forces loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar reportedly attacked an SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang position, authorities told Radio Tamazuj. County Commissioner James Gatkhor Gatluak said the firefight began about 2 a.m., leaving one soldier dead and two wounded, one on each side, before calm returned. Disputed Main Battle Tank Local officials linked the skirmish to a dispute over control of a main battle tank long held by the Kitgwang faction. The tracked vehicle, a potent symbol of leverage in a region peppered with small…

Legal basis for bail decision Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech told lawmakers that South Sudanese law bars prolonged detention without charge, compelling him to order bail for the Freedom Hotel owner and staff after months in custody. Geng argued that directing prosecutors to file charges while allowing conditional release respects the constitutionally guaranteed presumption of innocence. Parliamentary scrutiny over release Several MPs accused the minister of yielding to “invisible hands”, yet he insisted no political figure influenced his signature. “The law does not let us cage suspects indefinitely,” he reminded the chamber, quoting article 19 of the transitional constitution. Online…

Unexpected reshuffle shakes traffic command On 11 November, Inspector General of Police Gen. Abraham Manyuat reassigned thirteen senior officers, including Maj. Gen. Kon John Akot, in a presidentially approved reshuffle (Radio Tamazuj). Akot, long-time director of South Sudan’s Traffic Police, was named Police Commissioner for Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and instructed to hand over within 72 hours. Akot rejects rumours of insubordination Speaking from Juba, Akot said he never challenged the transfer order and has remained at home since hearing the news online. “I saw no official letter,” he told reporters. “As a police officer, transfers are routine; the…