Author: The South Sudan Herald

Juba Crime Update: Killing in Gudele Suburb Gunmen shot dead an African Inland Church (AIC) bishop on Wednesday evening during what church officials described as an armed robbery at his home in the Gudele residential area, a suburb of South Sudan’s capital, Juba. The victim was identified as Bishop Christopher Maring. Church officials said the attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. after armed men broke into his residence while his family was inside. Armed Robbery Details: Family Held Hostage Bishop Martin Moga, deputy presiding bishop of the AIC in South Sudan, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that four armed men…

Juba banking dispute escalates A South Sudanese law firm has given Equity Bank a seven-day deadline to release cash to its clients, accusing the lender of repeatedly failing to honour withdrawal requests. The firm warned it would take the dispute to court if the matter is not resolved within the stated timeframe. Law firms cite repeated “no cash” responses Pan African Law Chambers LLP, acting jointly with Alliance Law Chambers, said in a demand notice dated Jan. 14 that clients were on several occasions told by Equity Bank’s Juba Main Branch that there was “no cash”. The lawyers said the…

Yambio ceremony signals a new state administration Western Equatoria State swore in newly appointed ministers, members of independent commissions, and county commissioners during a ceremony in Yambio. The event formally ushered in a new state administration and set the tone for how the incoming team intends to approach governance and public expectations. Governor Berapai frames peace and security as top priority Governor James Al-Taib Jaz Berapai administered the oath of office, marking the start of the officials’ tenure. In his remarks, Berapai said the new leadership must confront persistent challenges in peace, security, and service delivery across the state. “Peace…

Diplomats Raise Alarm Over Stalled Peace Process Diplomats from regional governments and leading donor nations said they were deeply concerned about South Sudan’s peace process after a meeting held on Tuesday. They appealed for swift and decisive steps by the country’s leaders to restore momentum. Joint Statement Backed by Donors and Regional Embassies A joint statement was supported by the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Sudan, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside the European Union delegation. The diplomats argued that inclusive dialogue remains central to advancing peace. Focus on Leadership Roles in Inclusive…

South Sudan smartphone market draws new retail investment TECNO, a Chinese smartphone maker, has opened its first flagship retail store in South Sudan, a notable private-sector move in an environment where digital public infrastructure is often described as limited. The launch comes as smartphones are increasingly treated as essential tools for communication, mobile money and access to digital services, despite recurring constraints linked to internet reliability, power supply and digital payment systems. TECNO says flagship shop signals long-term commitment Henry Khamis, TECNO’s brand manager in South Sudan, framed the store opening as a statement of sustained engagement with the local…

Juba inauguration highlights public-private partnership Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony on Wednesday inaugurated a new headquarters for the state Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism, alongside a veterinary clinic, in Juba. In remarks at the ceremony, Governor Adil said the foundation stone was laid two years ago under a public-private partnership, and he framed the completion as a practical step toward stronger public service delivery. Governor Emmanuel Adil credits ministry team and partners Adil publicly thanked Alex Lotoya Elia, the minister leading the portfolio, and the ministry staff for completing the works, saying he had hoped the…

Juba Political Shake-Up in SPLM-IO Ranks A South Sudanese lawmaker has resigned from the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), pointing to what he described as economic and political “confusion” inside the party. He framed the move as a response to a growing mismatch between ideals and day-to-day leadership. Anei Deng Akok’s Resignation Letter to Riek Machar Anei Deng Akok, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly representing Northern Bahr el Ghazal on the SPLM-IO ticket, submitted his resignation in a letter addressed to detained party chairman Riek Machar. In the letter dated January 9,…

Juba speech fuels debate on South Sudan stability JUBA — South Sudan’s Minister of Animal Resources & Fisheries, Onyoti Adigo Nyikec, on Tuesday accused acting SPLM-IO leader Nathaniel Oyet of undermining the country’s fragile stability. He described Oyet as an “enemy of peace” and alleged he is mobilising armed youth against the government. Onyoti made the comments during a welcoming ceremony for Mining Minister Losuba Loduro Wongo. He told the gathering that Oyet’s recent political moves, in his view, amounted to a declaration of war. SPLM-IO internal divisions after Machar detention Oyet has faced criticism inside the SPLM-IO over statements…

U.S. Embassy suspends assistance to Ayod County Local authorities in Ayod County, Jonglei State, say they have apologized to the U.S. Embassy in Juba after a dispute involving a humanitarian worker. County officials insist they remain committed to facilitating humanitarian operations and protecting aid staff working in the area. Last Thursday, the United States, a major donor to South Sudan, suspended assistance to Ayod County. The U.S. Embassy cited interference, exploitation and theft by officials targeting American-funded aid programs as the reason for the decision. Jan. 2 incident triggers diplomatic and operational fallout The U.S. Embassy said the suspension followed…

Central Equatoria leadership reshuffle announced Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil has relieved and appointed several senior officials in the state administration, in changes announced this morning (Eye Radio). State authorities presented the decisions as a reset in top management, with appointments and reconstitutions intended to guide a fresh direction for the administration (Eye Radio). Officials relieved from key state positions Seven officials were relieved of their duties, according to the announcement. Those named include Taban Clement Oliver, Deputy Secretary General, and Michael Roberto Kenyi, Chairperson of the State Independent Commission Vision 2040 (Eye Radio). Also relieved were Ugo Aurelious…