Author: The South Sudan Herald

South Sudan conflict update: SPLA-IO’s new appeal South Sudan’s main armed opposition, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), says it is encouraging government soldiers to defect as fighting intensifies across the country. The group claims it has opened communication channels “at all levels” to facilitate switches from government ranks. Opposition statement from Lam Paul Gabriel In a Monday morning statement, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said the current conflict had been “imposed” on the opposition and civilians by the government in Juba. He framed the developments as part of a broader struggle for “genuine peace and freedom”…

Bor Appearance Challenges Pajut Death Claims Major General Gabriel Bol Anuer, a commander in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, appeared publicly on Sunday in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State. His appearance came after widespread rumours that he had been killed during fighting linked to the capture of Pajut by opposition forces. SSPDF Officer Rejects Reports in Public Remarks At the headquarters of the SSPDF 8th Infantry Division at Malual Chaat in Bor, Lt. Col. Khot Mayen stood alongside Bol Anuer while addressing the claims. “Bol is not dead… This person is still alive… This is him with me,”…

Rumbek East chieftaincy elections under scrutiny Candidates and voters in Rumbek East County say the chieftaincy elections were marked by fraud claims, malpractices and irregularities. Their concerns focus on positions described as “deferred” in several payams, after an order in December 2025 called for fresh elections in Rumbek Central and Rumbek East. December 2025 order and the scope of the vote Panther Riak Dor, contesting for head chief of the Cueiagak Payam regional court, said a state decree was understood to open all chieftaincy posts. He told Radio Tamazuj that the announcement covered head chiefs, executive chiefs, sub-chiefs and regional…

South Sudan Inclusive Peace Dialogue: What’s New Activist Edmund Yakani says stakeholders are making a final attempt to convene a South Sudanese-led, inclusive dialogue among parties to the 2018 peace agreement, according to Eye Radio (Eye Radio). Speaking on behalf of religious leaders, civil society actors and women mediators, Yakani presents the initiative as a practical step to calm tensions and create space for political engagement beyond the battlefield. 2018 Peace Agreement Parties Urged to De-escalate Clashes Yakani links the planned dialogue to ongoing clashes in parts of the country, which he says have brought civilian suffering, displacement and alleged…

Koch County violence reported in Ngony Payam In Bentiu, government sources reported renewed clashes in Ngony Payam of Koch County, Unity State, involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLA-IO). The reported toll was at least five dead on the SPLA-IO side. Unity State officials describe trigger and casualties Unity State Information Minister Nyakenya Johannes Keah Ruai told Sudans Post that the violence followed an attack by SSPDF soldiers who had defected to SPLA-IO last year. She said five SPLA-IO soldiers were killed, while no deaths or injuries were reported among government…

South Sudan’s Oversized Transition Government In 2020, South Sudan formed a coalition government with an unusually broad executive set-up: a president, five deputies, and a 35-member Cabinet. The arrangement was widely presented as a compromise architecture meant to steady the country after conflict. With an estimated population of 12 million, the legislature’s reported 650 members has become a frequent reference point in political debates. Supporters frame it as inclusive power-sharing; critics view it as a costly structure that still struggles to deliver reforms. R-ARCSS and the Election Timeline to December 2026 The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict…

Bentiu letter urges Ministry of Petroleum intervention In Bentiu, the Unity State Students’ Union at Universities and Higher Institutes says Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC) diverted $250,000 intended for tuition support, leaving dozens of sponsored students exposed to unpaid fees. In a letter to the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, Chol Thon Abel, the union chairperson, Gai George Dannhier Gatluak, requested urgent intervention to ensure accountability within SPOC’s Community Development management. Block 5A sponsorship funds alleged redirected The union’s letter alleges the tuition allocation under Block 5A sponsorship, meant for Unity State students in universities and higher institutes, was…

Customary courts restart after chieftaincy elections Customary law courts at payam and boma levels have resumed operations in Rumbek Central County after chieftaincy elections ended, according to local authorities. Officials say the move is meant to restore routine community justice and reinforce the traditional dispute-resolution chain. Authorities brief 120 chiefs across seven payams County officials on Friday met newly elected chiefs to outline expectations for the return to duty. The session was organized by Lakes State Minister of Local Government Mabor Meen Wol and Rumbek Central County Commissioner Dut Manak Akuot, and drew 120 chiefs from all seven payams. Chiefs…

Jonglei violence raises civilian protection concerns The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said it is alarmed by a worsening political and security climate, condemning renewed fighting in Jonglei State. The commission warned the escalation exposes civilians to death, displacement and deprivation. UN urges de-escalation and respect for peace accord The commission called for an immediate de-escalation and for hostilities to stop in civilian-populated areas. It cited airstrikes, ground offensives and other military operations, and urged a return to the pathways and obligations set out in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.…

Jonglei governor’s warning on political messaging JUBA — Jonglei State Governor Riak Gai Kok has accused First Vice President Riek Machar of presenting a reform-focused profile in the capital while, in his view, amplifying ethnic narratives in rural areas. He argued the approach risks reopening grievances tied to South Sudan’s most violent episodes. Poktap address highlights split narratives Speaking on Wednesday in Poktap, the administrative capital of Duk County, Gai said Machar tailors his political language to different audiences. Gai, an ethnic Nuer from Greater Akobo, told residents the contrast is visible between Juba and Greater Lou-Nuer. “When he is…