Author: The South Sudan Herald

South Sudan Oil Revenue and Rising Debt A new policy brief from Juba’s Sudd Institute warns that South Sudan’s public debt is spiralling because oil earnings bypass formal fiscal channels. Economist Bec George Anyak argues that weak implementation of the 2013 Petroleum Revenue Management Act has opened space for opaque, high-interest, oil-backed loans. Shadow Financing and Court Battles The think-tank details court rulings in London and Doha where creditors such as Afreximbank and Qatar National Bank secured judgments after repeated defaults. In April, Afreximbank obtained a 657-million-dollar award; the government offered no defence, leaving strategic assets abroad exposed to seizure.…

Transfer underscores legal resolve Authorities in Aweil South County have moved eleven alleged gang members to the state capital for prosecution, signaling firm intent to tackle violence that rattled rural communities last month (Sudans Post). Alleged assault on two women Investigators say the suspects broke into a homestead at night, kicked a sleeping pregnant woman, and injured another female relative during a foiled robbery attempt in September, leaving both victims requiring urgent medical care in Aweil Town. Court proceedings underway County Information Director Simon Lual Buk confirmed the arraignment, stressing that state-level judges can impose sentences strong enough to deter…

Bright Celebration in Juba Juba’s Pyramid Continental Hotel glowed with colour on Friday as the Ugandan Embassy hosted a reception marking Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day, drawing ministers, diplomats and UN dignitaries to applaud six decades of self-determination and regional partnership. Official Messages of Solidarity Representing President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Under-Secretary Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok saluted President Yoweri Museveni’s “inspirational leadership” and assured Kampala of Juba’s unwavering goodwill. He noted Uganda’s role in peace initiatives, education programmes and emergency support, framing the relationship as a cornerstone of East African stability. Trade Bridges and Economic Aspirations Trade featured prominently in speeches; Uganda…

Surprise Integration Order South Sudan’s top commander has stunned observers by directing Red Belt vigilantes, long viewed with suspicion in Jonglei State, to enlist with the national army at Malual-chat base in Bor, signalling a hard reset in the security equation (Eye Radio). Army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang warned that members declining the call will be disarmed by force, underscoring the high stakes attached to the integration and the government’s determination to monopolise armed power. Roots of the Red Belt Phenomenon Emerging during waves of cattle rustling and inter-communal clashes, Red Belt branded itself as a community shield,…

Spiritual Leader Halts White Army Advance Prophet Makuach Tut, revered by many Nuer youth, surprised observers by ordering his fighters to stand down after weeks of tense mobilization across Jonglei. Instead of marching toward Malakal, he dispatched emissaries to negotiate with state officials in Ayod (Radio Tamazuj). High-Stakes Mobilization Explained Throughout September, White Army contingents gathered along the Nile, causing families in neighboring Pigi County to abandon homes amid rumors of an imminent river crossing. The planned strike aimed to pressure Juba to free detained First Vice President Riek Machar and allied leaders. Local commissioner James Chuol Jiek said the…

World Bank Report Highlights Currency Pressures The World Bank’s latest Africa’s Pulse report ranks the South Sudan Pound among Africa’s frailest currencies in 2025, squeezed by a ten-percent slide against the United States dollar since January. Oil Pipeline Damage Drives South Sudan Pound Fall The report links the currency’s weakness to a slump in crude exports after conflict in neighbouring Sudan damaged the pipeline that carries South Sudanese oil to international markets. With fewer petrodollars arriving, Juba’s foreign-exchange reserves have thinned, limiting the central bank’s capacity to defend the Pound. At informal counters on Friday last week, dealers quoted 4,668…

South Sudan’s Economic Pressure Cooker Soaring prices and a volatile currency have magnified hardship across South Sudan. President Salva Kiir has acknowledged the strain and tasked economic teams with finding credible answers, signalling high-level recognition that current policies fall short of public expectations. Why Previous Fixes Fell Short Successive finance ministers announced recovery plans, yet implementation lagged. Observers cite weak institutions, limited oversight and a lingering conflict economy that rewards patronage over productivity. Without structural change, technical policies alone cannot reverse the slide, economists caution. Rethinking Reform Models Debate centres on two classic templates: rapid “shock therapy” and Deng-style gradualism.…

Rumbek East Tensions Rise over Grazing Rights Weekend violence in Awan village exposed long-standing friction between cultivators and pastoralists across Rumbek East County. Police records show one farmer now in custody after several cows were slashed with a panga, allegedly to punish the herd for trampling maize plots. Residents say the incident, though isolated, reminds communities of past cycles of retaliation that once spiralled into deadly clashes, threatening harvests and cattle wealth alike. Inside the Weekend Altercation Commissioner Malual Anyuon told reporters police documented eight wounded animals before arresting the suspect at the scene after sunrise on Saturday. Herd owner…

Confidence in the Revitalised Peace Accord Deputy President Paul Mashatile left Juba convinced that South Sudan’s revitalised 2018 peace agreement remains the cornerstone for a peaceful transition. He described the accord as ‘the only existing instrument to promote stability and prosperity’. Mashatile said all signatories acknowledged the need for joint action to nurture conditions suitable for credible elections and a durable economy. Election Roadmap Toward December 2026 The timetable points to a national vote in December 2026, preceded by a new constitution, unified security forces and transitional justice mechanisms. Election experts in Juba argue that meeting these benchmarks will require…

Fiery Press Room Fallout South Sudan’s football narrative took an unexpected twist after a 5–0 World Cup-qualifying loss to Senegal, when head coach Nicolas Dupuis delivered an unfiltered press-conference answer that ricocheted across social media (Standard Zone News). Within twenty-four hours, the South Sudan Football Federation suspended the Frenchman for fifteen days, citing breach of contract and ‘unsatisfactory results’ in a communiqué signed by spokesperson Adau Leek Mawut (SSFF statement). Unpaid Salaries and Legal Fine Print Dupuis reminded reporters that his October 2023 contract guarantees an 11,000-dollar monthly salary and bonuses up to 100,000 dollars for World Cup qualification, yet…