Author: The South Sudan Herald

South Sudan Parliament Reopens Mining Bill Review The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Monday sent the Mining Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2026 back to the joint Committees on Mining and on Legislation and Justice. Lawmakers said the text needs further review, expansion, and wider consultation. Public Hearings Seen as Essential for Natural Resources Law Members argued that legislation touching natural resources should not move forward without broader engagement, including public hearings. The call reflected a view that mining rules can shape national revenues and community outcomes, and therefore require careful deliberation. What the Amendments Aim to Change in the…

South Sudan Decree Reshapes Transitional Assembly South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who also leads the ruling SPLM, has revoked and appointed 11 members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly through a republican decree. The changes affect seats allocated to the opposition SPLM-IO under the transitional power-sharing arrangement. The presidential action was issued on Jan. 7, referencing Article 106A(2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution and Section 38(1) of the Interpretation of Laws and General Provisions Act of 2006, according to decrees seen by Radio Tamazuj. Names Removed, and the Factional Context The decrees list several lawmakers whose appointments were revoked, including…

SSCAA order targets grounded aircraft at Juba Airport The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) has issued a formal directive instructing all aircraft operators at Juba International Airport to remove grounded, unserviceable, or non-operational aircraft within 30 days. In the circular, the regulator links the measure to safety, security, and operational concerns, arguing that aircraft left in movement areas and other non-designated locations can create risks for airport activity. Safety and security risks cited in official circular SSCAA says abandoned or non-functional aircraft have been found occupying movement areas, taxiways, aprons, and other spaces not intended for long-term storage, affecting…

Court Orders In-Camera Sessions in Juba A special court in Juba has barred the public and media from attending parts of the trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused. Judges said the restriction aims to protect prosecution witnesses, following a request submitted by prosecutors. The ruling was delivered during the 37th session at Freedom Hall. The panel decided that only judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, and the accused would remain in the courtroom for Monday’s session. Police were instructed to escort observers out. Witness Identity Protection Rules Tightened Judges ordered that the identities and contact details of…

South Sudan Politics: PPP Chairman Steps Aside Gabriel Kuot Akok, a prominent lawyer and chairman of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), said on Monday he is suspending his political career. He framed the decision as a shift of focus toward his legal practice in what he called a restrictive political environment. In comments to Radio Tamazuj, Gabriel Kuot Akok explained he is stepping down from party leadership rather than abandoning professional life. “Instead of quitting my career, it is better for me to quit the political party and focus on my profession,” he said. Legal Practice and Party Roles Collide…

A $5 Million Pledge to UNICEF in South Sudan South Korea has committed $5 million to UNICEF to support resilience programmes for children and families in South Sudan, amid conflict, climate shocks and economic instability. UNICEF said the one-year funding is designed to shore up essential services while helping communities cope with repeated disruptions. Humanitarian Needs: Millions of Children Affected UNICEF describes South Sudan as facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Around 10 million people, including 5.3 million children, are assessed to need assistance, reflecting the scale of vulnerability across households and public services. Education indicators highlight…

Juba Church Violence Reports Raise Alarm The Greater Mundri Community Organisation (GMCO) is urging urgent dialogue after reported violent clashes between members of the Moru Congregation and the Diocese of Juba. Accounts describe church compounds shifting from worship spaces to scenes of tension and injury. Clashes Reported at St. Paul, St. Andrew, St. Thomas According to the reports cited by GMCO, violence allegedly erupted at St. Paul Parish Church in Nyakuron, with clergy reportedly injured. Heightened tensions were also reported at St. Andrew Parish Church in Kubir Habuba and St. Thomas Parish Church in Munuki. GMCO Chair Lawrence Korbandy Condemns…

Twic East politics: a confidence rift goes public On October 11, 2025, the Twic East Community Association (TECA) issued a formal “Withdrawal of Confidence” against MP Deng Dau Deng Malek, alleging weak performance and limited representation of community interests. Rumours also linked the dispute to his continued association with the disowned Greater Bor Community (GBC). RRC decision on TECA registration: what was cited Speculation in Juba suggested TECA-linked figures raised about US$500,000 to lobby the SPLM for Dau’s removal from the National Assembly. On January 7, 2026, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) revoked TECA’s registration, citing violations of the…

SPLM Meeting Rescheduled in Juba South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has postponed its joint caucus meeting to Tuesday, 13 January 2026, according to a party official. The session had initially been planned for Monday, an invitation issued on Saturday indicated. In a statement released on Sunday, SPLM Secretary for Culture, Information and Communication Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa cited “unavoidable circumstances” for the change. Who Is Expected at the SPLM House Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa invited members of the party’s Political Bureau, National Liberation Council, and the executive and parliamentary caucuses to attend at the SPLM House in Juba. Advisers,…

Gogrial East raid in Warrap State: what is known At least three people were killed and more than 4,000 cattle were stolen during a raid in Warrap State, authorities said on Sunday. The incident was reported in South Sudan’s Gogrial East County, in what officials described as a multi-day attack. Alabek and Lietnhom hit over two days, officials say Warrap State’s minister of information and communication, Mamer Bath, said the raid took place on Thursday and Friday. He said the affected areas were Alabek and Lietnhom in Gogrial East County. “The suspected armed youth from neighboring Unity State have raided…