Author: The South Sudan Herald

Quota Ambitions Versus Reality The Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan reaffirmed a 35 percent quota for women across all public institutions. Five years later, statistics published in December 2025 show that the promise remains partly fulfilled, with performance varying sharply by branch. The presidency meets one third representation thanks to two female vice-presidents, yet national, state and local bodies fall short, underscoring what analysts describe as ‘implementation fatigue’ (surveys 2025). Executive Representation Trends Women now hold six of thirty-five ministerial portfolios, down from nine a year earlier. Deputy minister posts remain unchanged at two…

Young Leaders Missing in Action Juba’s streets buzz with under-35 energy, yet the cabinet table remains dominated by senior figures, according to new advocacy data. The report, compiled by Markaz Al Salam and the South Sudan National Youth Union with Norwegian People’s Aid support, paints a striking picture of generational imbalance. Statistical Snapshot of Exclusion Every one of South Sudan’s top executives—the president, five vice presidents and thirty-six state governors—is older than 36, leaving youth entirely absent from the nation’s highest decision-making rooms. In the Transitional National Legislative Assembly only 23 of 550 lawmakers are under 35, a representation rate…

Grassroots Summit in Western Equatoria For two days, chiefs, officials and residents of Yambio and Nzara gathered at the Women Empowerment Centre in Yambio, searching for answers to simmering border tensions and cattle-related insecurity that have slowed development across Western Equatoria State. Unity Message Threads the Talks Conference chair Elia Richard Box, once deputy governor, insisted the forum remain free of partisan rhetoric, framing it instead as a rally for unity, economic vitality and strengthened social services in education, health and agriculture. Land Rows and Ambororo Movements Physician Isaac Aziz Bazuba highlighted mounting friction from transhumant Ambororo herders, overlapping land…

Mobilisation Begins Ahead of 2026 Vote Western Equatoria’s State High Elections Commission has begun a statewide mobilisation push as South Sudan edges toward the long-awaited 2026 ballot. Officials say early preparation will transform the vote into a turning point for stability. Spokesperson Simon Sawarasi calls elections “the only way to resolve our challenges”, urging citizens to prepare spiritually, emotionally and practically. He frames credible polls as the surest route to lasting peace. Civic Education Reaches Youth Statewide Over twelve months, SHEC teams have delivered civic-education workshops to roughly 4,000 secondary and university students, with support from the United Nations Mission…

Decade-Long Wait Nears End Heavy machinery rumbled across the Yei-Lasu road this week as county officials flagged off works on Wuluturu Bridge, idle since its collapse in 2014. The span once again promises to knit together villages severed by monsoon floods and bureaucratic delays. Economic Pulse of Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme told reporters that reliable transport is the oxygen of rural trade. He expects farm produce, timber and charcoal to reach Yei markets faster, lifting weekly revenues already edging upward after tax reforms. Roads chief Richard Lugala Godo added that the corridor stretches toward the Democratic Republic…

Judicial Pause on Termination On Tuesday, Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court issued an administrative stay that prevents the Department of Homeland Security from ending Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese nationals. The termination had been set for 12:00 a.m. on 6 January 2026, but is now “null, void and of no legal effect” until further court order. Stakes for Hundreds of Lives Roughly 232 South Sudanese already registered under TPS, plus 73 with pending applications, would have lost lawful status, work permits and protection from detention without the stay. “Even a temporary lapse could permanently damage future…

SSPDF Evacuation Order in Nyirol, Uror, Akobo The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces has told residents of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo to leave zones near SPLA-IO positions, citing imminent operations (SSPDF statement). The rare public notice urges families living beside opposition barracks, assembly sites or rally grounds to move swiftly to avoid becoming, in the army’s words, “human shields.” Army Says Goal Is Civilian Protection Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang framed the order as a protective measure designed to curb collateral damage during ongoing and planned manoeuvres across northern Jonglei. Commanders believe early evacuations could limit harm while allowing troops…

Sudden illness claims respected broadcaster Emmanuel Joseph Akile passed away on Tuesday at Gudele Hospital, Juba, two days after being admitted with acute pancreatic complications, Eye Radio confirmed. The 35-year-old journalist had begun his Christmas leave only days earlier, hoping for a quiet break with family. A familiar morning voice for a decade Akile joined The Dawn Show in 2016, quickly becoming South Sudan’s morning companion. His calm questioning, concise news round-ups and ability to translate complex policy into relatable language won him listeners from Yambio to Malakal. Guiding audiences through fragile peace talks During the Addis Ababa negotiations and…

A Long Quiet Border Yearns for Signal Majak-baai rarely trends, yet its border huts echo with silence whenever danger looms. Without a mobile bar, villagers trek miles to alert security posts, delaying responses along the porous frontier with Sudan’s Darfur region. Executive Chief Garang Diang Biar voiced the frustration before thousands gathered for a thanksgiving ceremony honouring newly appointed officials. “We face insecurity but cannot call for rescue,” he told the crowd, listing gaps in schooling, clinics and grain supplies. Minister Ateny Promises Towers by January Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services Minister Ateny Wek Ateny acknowledged the hardship after…

Jonglei Reacts to Nyirol Bombardment Civil society bodies in South Sudan’s Jonglei State say 26 unarmed residents, among them 11 children, were killed during an alleged airstrike on Lankien town in Nyirol County on 26 December. The Jonglei State Civil Network, speaking to Eye Radio, condemned what it labelled a deliberate targeting of civilian locations and warned that the bombing has intensified fear across nearby villages. Displacement and Humanitarian Gaps Advocates report households fleeing Lankien with only what they could carry, leaving behind shuttered huts and empty grain stores. The group appealed for emergency medicine, food and shelter, noting that…