Author: The South Sudan Herald

Juba electricity expansion on the ministry’s agenda South Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Dams, Agok Makur Kur, says he is working to expand electricity supply across Juba and other parts of the country, pointing to both immediate actions and longer-term measures meant to ease persistent power shortages. Speaking during a field visit on Thursday, Kur framed the push as part of his first engagements since taking office, signalling a hands-on approach to assessing generation and distribution needs. Ezra Power Plant visit highlights capacity discussions Kur toured the Ezra Power Plant in Gondokoro, operated by the Israel Pact Group, saying the…

Government-backed election dialogue committee announced In Juba, activist Edmund Yakani welcomed the government’s newly created committee tasked with steering dialogue on election-related issues, describing it as a constructive move toward easing political tensions (Eye Radio). He said the process should remain inclusive and grounded in agreed national commitments. Presidency resolution sets framework for inclusive talks The initiative follows a letter from the Minister in the Office of the President, asking stakeholders and signatories to implement “Resolution Number Three” from a recent presidency meeting (Eye Radio). The resolution mandates a broad-based committee to guide dialogue on election preparations and related political…

2026 TNLA sitting reopens under Kumba’s chair The Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), Jemma Nunu Kumba, resumed work after leave and reopened the ordinary third sitting of 2026. Her remarks framed the new year as a moment to reinforce peace-minded politics inside the August House. New MPs welcomed from SPLM and SPLM-IO Kumba welcomed newly appointed parliamentarians from both the SPLM and the SPLM-IO. She used the occasion to place reconciliation at the centre of parliamentary culture, urging members to approach debates with what she described as “peace, love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.” Speaker praises deputies for managing…

Jonglei State clashes drive fresh displacement Nearly 8,000 people have been displaced into Twic East County after renewed fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Pajut payam, Duk County, and parts of neighbouring Uror County, local authorities said. County assessment details households and vulnerable groups A county assessment puts the number at 7,938 people, or 1,323 households, who fled after clashes erupted in January. Officials say 820 households arrived from Duk County, while 503 fled from Uror County. The displaced population includes more than 3,000 children under 18 and…

Digital-era peacebuilding in South Sudan South Sudan’s Undersecretary of Peacebuilding has urged peace actors to rethink their methods as artificial intelligence and social media rapidly reshape public debate and perceptions of stability, especially in election periods. The remarks were framed as a practical warning about fast-moving risks, not an abstract debate. Peace Hub launch in Central Equatoria State Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of a Peace Hub in Central Equatoria State, Pia Philip argued that peacebuilding must evolve in step with global trends. He presented adaptation as a continuous professional requirement, given how quickly information circulates and narratives can…

Economic Cluster decision on farming season funding South Sudan’s Ministerial Economic Cluster approved the release of 72 billion South Sudan Pounds to support preparations for the upcoming farming season. The allocation is framed as part of a three-month action plan for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Eye Radio). Meeting chaired by Prof. James Wani Igga According to a post on the official page of the Office of the Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, the decision was reached during the Cluster’s ordinary sitting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The session was chaired by Prof. James…

Juba Policy Dialogue on Official Statistics Speaking in Juba at the launch of a high-level Policy Dialogue on Official Statistics, Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior delivered a pointed message on governance: South Sudan should stop “governing by assumption” and plan with evidence (Eye Radio). The dialogue, organised by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), convened senior government leaders, technocrats, development partners and civil society to discuss how data and technology can better support national development (Eye Radio). Weak Statistical Systems, Strong Policy Intent Nyandeng argued that South Sudan’s statistical systems remain weak, limiting the state’s ability to translate policy…

Melut County teachers take grievances to the streets Teachers in oil-rich Melut County have staged protests over salaries they say have gone unpaid for two years. The educators accuse county authorities of diverting funds that were intended to cover their wages. Claims focus on county commissioner and unpaid arrears The teachers allege the county commissioner has withheld salary payments, linking the delay to concerns about being removed from office. One teacher said the commissioner pledged to clear arrears on Monday, Jan. 19, but did not, citing the risk of dismissal. Local taxes and 3% oil share cited in funding questions…

Turkana County policy change on refugee petitions Turkana County’s local government in Kenya has granted more than 200,000 South Sudanese refugees the right to petition the county assembly, a step described as a historic shift in refugee rights (Eye Radio; Nation Africa). Kenyan media reports say the assembly adjusted its Standing Orders, enabling refugee communities to propose ideas for laws or raise complaints about local services through a formal process for the first time (Nation Africa). Political participation and local accountability in Kakuma The change reframes how refugees are approached in the county’s civic space. Beyond being seen primarily as…

South Sudan Military Intelligence leadership reshuffle President Salva Kiir Mayardit has enacted leadership changes in South Sudan’s Military Intelligence, moving senior officers through a presidential decree with limited public messaging. The shift was implemented without ceremony, reflecting a low-profile administrative style around sensitive security institutions. Lt. Gen. David Ohucholi relieved as CMI The decree states that Lt. Gen. David Ohucholi has been relieved of his duties as Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI). No official explanation accompanied the decision, leaving observers to interpret it as part of routine command management within the security establishment. Lt. Gen. Abud Stephen Thiongkol returns to…