Author: The South Sudan Herald

South Sudanese Herders Released After 10 Months Twenty-seven young cattle keepers from Eastern Equatoria have spent nearly ten months in Ethiopian custody after crossing the border with firearms in December, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Addis Ababa charged them with illegal entry and possession of weapons, local diplomats confirm. Quiet Diplomacy Between Juba and Addis Ababa Foreign Affairs spokesperson Apuk Ayuel Mayen says the South Sudanese embassy in Addis Ababa maintained “continuous dialogue” with Ethiopian security officials to secure the youths’ freedom. Neither side disclosed legal details, but negotiators insisted the episode remain a strictly bilateral matter, avoiding…

Rumbek North Violence Toll At least 16 people were killed and 52 hurt during fighting on Sunday in Abut village, Rumbek North County, Lakes State, authorities confirmed. County Commissioner Moses Maker Magok said the confrontation involved rival clans of the Nielniel section of the Pakam community. Roots of the Clash The clash reportedly began after three men from Ayen cattle camp visited Padiangbor territory. Police say a Pan Ruop youth was fatally shot, prompting his peers to regroup and retaliate, swelling casualties before security forces intervened late afternoon. Medical Response Under Strain Rumbek State Hospital admitted nearly 30 gunshot victims,…

Architects of Instability: Mohandis’ Claim Veteran civic leader Rajab Mohandis maintains that South Sudan’s leadership engineered the nation’s political paralysis and economic ruin. Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, he argued that the crisis results from a calibrated strategy to disable institutions and tighten control, rather than administrative missteps. Erosion of Institutions and Peace Deals Mohandis recalled that accords fashioned before and after the 2011 referendum were discarded once power was secured. He said the SPLM’s internal framework has since been hollowed out, while security organs lost coherence, obliging authorities to depend on foreign troops for Juba’s basic protection. Courtroom Battles and…

Historic South Sudan Court Showdown Juba’s special court is preparing to open proceedings against First Vice President Riek Machar and seven SPLM-IO members on charges of treason and murder. The hearings promise to rank among the most scrutinised in the nation’s post-independence history. Defence Team Declares Readiness Kur and Co. Advocates, speaking Sunday, confirmed that every brief, motion and exhibit has been organised according to South Sudanese statutes and international conventions. “We stand fully ready to defend the accused through legal means and objective arguments,” the statement asserted. Clashes That Sparked Arrests Machar was detained in March after White Army…

State Policy Drives Administrative Reform The flag-raising in Rumbek Central County formalised Abyei-Ajok as a payam, under a decree signed by Governor Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor. Cabinet Affairs Minister Mathiang Deng Monydit told residents the move follows “the legal policy empowering the governor to create new payams,” reinforcing state authority. Community Voices on New Opportunities Local leaders welcomed immediate appointment of an administrator to streamline service delivery. Paramount Chief Malok Malual Malok praised the decision as “service to the people,” while MP Dr. Paul Akol Paul warned spelling errors like “Abin-Jok” could erode cultural heritage for future generations. Speakers urged…

Peace Agreement Progress The 2018 Revitalised Agreement, cornerstone of South Sudan’s fragile transition, is still “alive” according to Western Equatoria Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona. He told stakeholders in Yambio that visible steps are underway to translate clauses into concrete governance reforms. Opening a two-day workshop on constitution making, Marona stressed that the state is “moving forward to restore peace and stability”, rejecting any suggestion of looming chaos as committees draft a permanent charter. Constitution-Making Roadmap Facilitated by Support Peace Initiative Development Organisation and backed by UNDP, the seminar unpacked the Constitution-Making Process Act 2022 and gathered diverse voices ranging…

Late-Evening Assault Shocks Salam Neighbourhood Witnesses say the party began peacefully before a group allegedly linked to Hai Kamshin barged in around 9 p.m. Music cut short as bottles flew, sending guests scrambling. State police later confirmed the confrontation left 22-year-old Moatasem Mohamed Adam fatally wounded. Victims and Medical Response Two others sustained serious injuries: a 19-year-old whose shattered teeth required emergency dentistry, and a 7-year-old girl treated for bruises at Wau Teaching Hospital. Doctors there report both patients are stable yet remain under close observation for possible complications. Swift Arrests and Ongoing Investigation Major Santino Odul Mayen told reporters…

Record-Breaking Scoreline electrifies Juba Ten crisp strikes from El-Merriekh SC Bentiu silenced Juba National Stadium, eclipsing the single-match goal record since the league’s inauguration last year and handing Lion Hunters a humbling 10-1 defeat. Bentiu’s ruthless formula on display Coach Simon Kuol’s high-press blueprint forced turnovers inside the first third, yielding five goals before halftime. Forward Mangok Akol later observed that “the boys smelled space and kept attacking until the whistle.” Second-half substitutions preserved pace rather than protection; midfield anchor James Gatluak noted the desire “to make an opening statement for the whole country.” Table dynamics after matchday one With…

Central Equatoria Unveils Rural Land Push Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede has rolled out a sweeping land allocation exercise in Diggala, Rejaf Payam, positioning the rural belt at the heart of Central Equatoria State’s urban expansion strategy. Authorities say the move is designed to halt rampant land grabbing and streamline future development. Diggala Demarcation Targets Orderly Growth Survey teams have begun marking residential and institutional plots, following a blueprint that aligns with the state’s “Taking Towns to the Rural” theme. Officials emphasise that clear boundaries will reduce ownership disputes, fast-track approvals and encourage investors to plan with confidence. Institutions Receive…

Juba gathering spotlights new envoy At a vibrant thanksgiving hosted by Greater Bahr el Ghazal Women Leadership at Juba’s Radisson Blu on 13 September, Lakes State Governor Lieutenant-General Rin Tueny Mabor publicly congratulated newly appointed Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Adut Salva, urging her to keep peace at the centre of her mandate. A childhood forged in struggle Governor Mabor reminded guests of Adut’s early exposure to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, describing her as “a struggler from childhood” who earned her current post through long commitment rather than privilege, insisting that the appointment represents her legitimate right within…