Author: The South Sudan Herald

Western Equatoria development agenda in Yambio Western Equatoria State’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs, John Bariyona, has pledged a renewed push against illiteracy, hunger and weak road infrastructure, framing them as major barriers to the state’s development. Speaking on Monday in Yambio, John Bariyona called on staff across key ministries to align their work, arguing that coordinated planning is essential to address poverty, food insecurity and low education standards. Food security focus and farmer group registration John Bariyona said the state should sustain its reputation as the country’s food basket, placing particular emphasis on practical support for local production and livelihoods.…

UNMISS call to cease hostilities in South Sudan The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged South Sudanese leaders to immediately stop hostilities, reduce tensions, and pursue reconciliation through inclusive dialogue, in line with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The mission framed the appeal as a push to keep political commitments aligned with the peace framework. Reported clashes in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria raise concern In a statement released in January 2026, UNMISS said it is deeply concerned by reports of escalating military confrontations in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria. According to the mission, the confrontations involve forces aligned with…

Panyume Fighting Near Yei: What Was Reported Fighting erupted Tuesday morning in Panyume, a small town on South Sudan’s southern border, amid competing claims from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition and local civil sources. The incident comes in a context of heightened political and military messaging around the capital, Juba. SPLA-IO Claims: Offensive and Pursuit Toward Morobo Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesman for the SPLA-IO, said the clashes began as opposition forces launched an offensive aimed at taking control of Panyume. He added that government troops were retreating south toward Morobo County headquarters, roughly 21 kilometres away, according…

South Sudan peace talks plan draws firm warning Peace partners and civil society stakeholders linked to South Sudan’s 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement say they are ready to publicly name political actors they accuse of undermining dialogue. They present the warning as a deterrent against what they describe as sabotage driven by personal and political interests. CEPO’s Edmund Yakani speaks for peace stakeholders In Juba, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said the message reflects the position of peace stakeholders, signatories to the 2018 agreement, and South Sudanese women mediators (Standard Zone News). He framed…

Pyramid Continental Hotel Juba and five-star positioning Pyramid Continental Hotel Juba presents itself as a five-star property built around steady standards and workforce development. Management highlights continuous capacity building, mentoring, and international knowledge transfer for local professionals, arguing that this long-term approach supports service consistency and market differentiation. A landmark project shaped by long-term investment The hotel’s backstory is traced to 2012, when founders identified a gap for an international-standard address in Juba. In the narrative offered by the operators, the investment was designed to go beyond real estate, linking hospitality to wider economic and social value. Giovanni Malerba, Vice…

Juba church violence sparks fresh governance questions An internal administrative dispute within the Episcopal Church of South Sudan escalated into violence in Juba on Sunday, January 11, 2026. At a press conference on Wednesday, January 14, Moru Congregation leaders described what they called a coordinated assault linked to tensions with the Juba Diocese. The Moru leadership said incidents unfolded at three church sites, leaving worshippers shaken and raising questions about church governance, property control, and the role of state security. The Juba Diocese had not publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication. Moru leaders allege planned operation…

South Sudan road infrastructure target: 12,000km South Sudan’s National Ministry of Roads and Bridges says it faces the sizeable task of constructing 12,000 kilometres of roads nationwide. The ambition comes as several national road projects and the oil-for-roads programme are described by officials as having stalled. Open road tenders approved by Council of Ministers Minister of Roads and Bridges Peter Lam Both said the ministry has secured approval from the Council of Ministers for a policy shift on contracting. He said road contracts will now be openly advertised, with the stated aim of attracting competent construction companies and improving delivery…

South Sudan Women Leaders: A Profile from Northern Bahr el Ghazal Hon. Grace Lino Kosta is a member of the Other Political Parties (OPP) and represents Jur River County in the state legislative assembly of Northern Bahr el Ghazal. She identifies her home area as Jur River County, Kuajena Payam, Mbili Boma, framing her work as rooted in local expectations. Why Grace Lino Kosta Entered Politics Kosta says her interest in politics started early, without coming from a political family. She presents her decision as a choice to represent her region and make her voice count in public life, reflecting…

South Sudan Peace Process and the Case for Dialogue “You cannot fight forever… The most important thing is to talk,” says Amb. Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owino, interim chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), describing dialogue as the practical exit from repeated conflict cycles. In an exclusive interview with City Review, Amb. Owino frames South Sudan’s peace process as a test of endurance, where negotiation is not a symbolic gesture but a working method for restoring stability and protecting civilians. RJMEC Leadership: Experience Shaped by Peacekeeping Missions Born in Kenya, Amb. Owino has held senior roles…

Finance Ministry approves agriculture budget line JUBA, South Sudan — The Ministry of Finance and Planning has approved a dedicated budget to procure agricultural tools and seeds, aiming to support farmers nationwide ahead of the coming farming season (Eye Radio; SSBC). The decision was taken during a high-level meeting. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol, according to reporting carried by local media. The move positions the government’s financial apparatus to back seasonal agricultural operations through targeted procurement. Planning Undersecretary outlines distribution goals Speaking to the state broadcaster SSBC, the Undersecretary for…