Author: The South Sudan Herald

South Sudan Opposition Names New SPLA-IO Spokesperson The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has appointed Lt. Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba as spokesperson of its military wing, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). The decision comes as South Sudan faces heightened political and security tensions. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino Confirms Appointment Letter The appointment was confirmed through an official letter signed on Wednesday by Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM-IO. Oyet is also a former First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. In the document, Oyet said the decision followed the SPLM-IO…

South Sudan Ceasefire Deal Under Fresh Pressure JUBA — South Sudan’s Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS 2018) is facing renewed strain after monitors reported 76 new alleged violations. The figures have raised questions about how consistently signatories are translating commitments into stability on the ground. CTSAMVM Findings in Upper Nile and Jonglei The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) said the alleged incidents were recorded in parts of Upper Nile State and north-eastern Jonglei State. The reports referenced clashes involving SPLA-IO and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).…

South Sudan Peace Building Initiative in Juba The Christian Agency for Peace and Development (CAPaD), partnering with the Canadian Embassy in Juba through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), has launched a peace building initiative to restore trust between Murle and Dinka Bor youth. The initiative is framed around peace and security, with an emphasis on conflict prevention and approaches designed to support sustainable peace building among affected communities. Murle–Dinka Bor Tensions and Community Priorities By engaging young people and local communities, the project targets long-standing tensions linked to cattle raiding, road ambushes and communal violence. Organisers say the…

South Sudan Reshuffle Removes Lakes State Governor President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a presidential decree relieving Lieutenant General Rin Tueny Mabor Deng of his duties as Governor of Lakes State. The announcement came late at night and formed part of a broader government reshuffle with multiple dismissals and reassignments. Rin Tueny had led Lakes State since 8 June 2021. His exit after nearly five years has immediately triggered speculation among citizens and commentators about where he may be deployed next within South Sudan’s political and security architecture. Rin Tueny’s Mandate: Stabilising a Volatile Lakes State When President Kiir appointed…

US long-term visa processing paused for 26 African states The United States has begun suspending the processing of long-term visas for nationals of 26 African countries. The measure targets residence-linked categories, including family reunification and employment pathways, and is presented as a temporary pause to reassess how such visas are granted. Washington frames the decision as a procedural immigration review US officials describe the suspension as an administrative step to allow a deeper review of the visa allocation system. While the language is technical, the policy also signals a sharper focus on eligibility checks tied to self-sufficiency and potential public-cost…

University of Juba Clinic receives targeted medical donation A Chinese medical team has donated essential medical supplies to the University of Juba Clinic as the facility faces rising hepatitis B and C cases, university officials said. Around 200 patients are currently receiving care at the clinic, according to the same officials. University representatives described the donation as part of an ongoing partnership designed to strengthen healthcare services for students, staff, and surrounding communities that rely on the campus facility for treatment. Hepatitis caseload adds pressure as patient numbers grow At a handover ceremony held on Tuesday, Dr. Chan Deng Malual,…

UN Security Council consultations on South Sudan Civil society activist Edmund Yakani says he welcomes an upcoming United Nations Security Council meeting focused on rising security and political tensions in South Sudan. His comments come as Council members prepare closed consultations on the country’s evolving situation. According to the account, the session was requested by the United States. The discussions are expected to cover recent political developments and the government’s current posture toward the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS. International solidarity as clashes intensify Yakani argues that international solidarity matters as fighting escalates in parts of…

Jonglei Fighting Drives Mass Displacement Renewed fighting between South Sudan government forces and opposition troops, compounded by reported airstrikes, has forced large-scale displacement in Jonglei State. A latest humanitarian update estimates that around 180,000 people have fled across four counties, reflecting a rapidly deteriorating emergency (OCHA). The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said mass displacement has been recorded in Nyirol, Uror, Akobo and Duk counties after intensified clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition since late December (OCHA). OCHA Update Cites 180,000 Displaced as of 19 January In…

South Sudan leadership debate gains new warning NAIROBI — South Sudanese anthropologist Jok Madut Jok says the government could face a catastrophic “circle of isolation” if a major crisis erupts. He links that risk to what he described as a deepening leadership void and a gradual mental disengagement among some of the President’s support bases. Kuirthiy TV interview frames a ‘politics of silence’ Speaking on Sunday on Kuirthiy TV, hosted by Kuir E Garang on Facebook, Jok argued that widespread silence and localized resentment are building a dangerous national mood. In his account, some communities may one day refuse to…

Jonglei State Fighting Rekindles Pajut Town Dispute Rival narratives are shaping the latest developments in Pajut Town, a strategic location in Duk County, Jonglei State. County authorities and the opposition SPLA-IO offered sharply different accounts of Monday’s events, including whether fighting occurred and which side currently holds the town. Duk County Commissioner Reports Local Youth Casualties John Chatim Ruei, the commissioner of Duk County, said renewed fighting broke out on Monday over control of Pajut. Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, John Chatim Ruei reported 48 local youth killed and 34 injured during hours of clashes, with treatment organized for the wounded…