Author: The South Sudan Herald

Revenue Boss Condemns Illegal Exemptions Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng told colleagues that handing out tax holidays erodes South Sudan’s fragile revenue base. He labelled the practice “detrimental” and vowed disciplinary action against any official facilitating duty-free entries outside the law. Presidential Backing for Full Compliance Deng reminded staff that President Salva Kiir Mayardit publicly requested equal treatment for all importers. “If it is me bringing goods, tax me,” the commissioner quoted the head of state, questioning why lower-ranking figures feel empowered to wave levies for private interests. Staff Caught Between Power and Procedure Outgoing deputy commissioner Taban Abel revealed…

Context of the Expansion On 30 August, Jonglei State’s governor signed orders adding seven payams to Uror County, lifting the county’s total to nineteen. The decree followed similar expansions in Akobo and Nyirol, all aimed at pushing government services deeper into rural villages. South Sudan’s 2011 Transitional Constitution endorses administrative devolution, but each new unit requires salaries, offices and security, sparking recurring debates between budget managers in Juba and community leaders in the states. Local Demand for Decentralisation Uror MP Wany Bum Makhor says elders, youth and women had “knocked endlessly” on assembly doors for extra payams, claiming long journeys…

Civic Education Campaign Begins The National Election Commission has disclosed plans to roll out a nationwide civic education programme ahead of the 2026 general polls in Congo-Brazzaville. The initiative will blend traditional outreach with mobile-first digital tools, aiming to equip citizens with practical knowledge of voter rights and electoral procedures. Prioritising Inclusion and Youth Commissioner Thabo Abosuh Ajang told journalists that at least thirty-five percent of training seats are reserved for women, reflecting the Commission’s gender parity target. He argued that nurturing intergenerational dialogue can translate social media enthusiasm among young adults into informed participation at polling stations. Funding and…

Poaching Crackdown Along Juba-Bor Highway Wildlife officers seized over 500 kilograms of illicit bushmeat during separate interceptions on 31 August and 1 September, according to Ministry spokesman Charles Laku. The operations unfolded at the entrance of Badingilo National Park, where two private vehicles were stopped and escorted to the ministry compound in Juba. Suspects Under Custody as Investigations Deepen Laku confirmed that the drivers and passengers remain in custody while investigators trace the origin of the carcasses and the intended buyers. He declined to release names, stressing that due process is underway under South Sudanese wildlife legislation. Health Concerns Over…

Turkish Rifles Surface in South Sudan The latest United Nations Panel of Experts report has traced freshly manufactured Turkish rifles to militias operating in South Sudan, despite a 2018 arms embargo maintained by the Security Council (UN Panel of Experts report). Among the seized weapons were BRG Savunma’s BRG-55 and HUSAN Arms’ MKA-556 rifles, both designed in Turkey and recovered from non-state combatants. Investigators also noted UTAS Defense carbines circulating among armed actors. Pathways Past the Embargo UN specialists concluded that the arms were unlikely to come from aging stockpiles; instead, they seemed to enter South Sudan through clandestine routes…

Ambush in Restive Western Equatoria UNMISS on Thursday condemned an ambush that struck its patrol between Tambura and Mapuse in Western Equatoria State. The mission called the state “restive” and reported that armed men opened fire yesterday, overrunning the convoy and seizing a small cache of weapons and ammunition. Safety of Peacekeepers The statement confirmed that all peacekeepers involved reached their base unharmed. UNMISS highlighted that its forces are deployed primarily to protect civilians at a moment when both access and security remain fragile, particularly in and around Tambura. Mission’s Legal Reminder Citing international law, the mission warned that any…

Strategic Lifeline to Kenya Eastern Equatoria State broke ground this week on the Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a 220-kilometre spine that channels goods and people from South Sudan to Kenya’s frontier market. Governor Louis Lobong framed the project as decisive for commerce, security and national cohesion, stressing that smoother access to Mombasa port can temper soaring commodity prices. Community-Funded Approach Without central budget allocations, Rhino Star Construction began works using its own machinery and loans, while residents have been asked to donate fuel, maize or even chickens to keep graders rumbling. Lobong reminded gathered chiefs that, in his words, ‘there is no…

Accusations Rock Jonglei Leadership Speaker Amer Ateny Alier released a text accusing Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok of pressuring female officials into sex and isolating rival politicians. She warned that she may disclose more evidence publicly unless the presidency intervenes. SPLM Dismisses ‘Baseless’ Claims Acting SPLM Secretary David Anyang Nyuon branded the allegations defamatory, insisting Governor Riek “resembles their fathers and deserves respect.” He demanded a public apology and threatened defamation proceedings should the Speaker refuse to retract. Governance and Power-Sharing Concerns The Secretariat rejected suggestions of administrative malpractice, noting the governor has ordered no reshuffles since his appointment. It…

Alleged Abuse by SSPDF Troops Rumbek East County officials say two soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces were arrested after an alleged assault on Rev. Stephen Mangar Machar, parish priest of Pacong Catholic Church. Commissioner Zechariah Malual Anyuon confirmed the detention at Mabor-duang barracks and insisted that clergy, medics and aid workers must be protected by security units. First-Hand Account of the Incident Speaking to reporters, Rev. Machar recounted being stopped at Bahr el Naam around 4 p.m. while travelling to Thonaduel County headquarters. He said soldiers insulted him, seized his mask, demanded his cap and attempted to…

Social Media Echoes and Their Consequences Trending feeds often amplify sharp opinions faster than verified facts. In this rush, policy debate about Dr. Bol Mel can morph into personal attacks that add heat but no light. Digital pile-ons may feel cathartic, yet they rarely adjust a budget line or draft a statute. They drain civic energy that could fuel measured reform. Understanding the Office, Not Just the Face Dr. Bol Mel serves as 1st Deputy Chairman of SPLM, a post that blends party stewardship with national coordination. The remit stretches far beyond the ceremonial image many critics picture. Decision-making involves…