Author: The South Sudan Herald

Renewed clashes raise alarm in South Sudan The Catholic Bishops of South Sudan have condemned renewed fighting involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition, and other armed groups. They warn that escalating violence threatens the country’s future and places civilians at heightened risk. Catholic bishops spotlight Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria insecurity In a statement signed by Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla, President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba, the bishops say they are deeply concerned by worsening insecurity in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states. They…

Central Equatoria Cabinet defers Juba cleaning plan The Central Equatoria State Cabinet on Thursday deferred a proposal to establish the Juba City Cleaning and Beautification Corporation, pending further technical and financial review. The decision was taken during an ordinary cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, after members reviewed a memo presented by Lily Kapuki Jurkin, the State Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry. Officials say proposal targets long-standing waste challenges Addressing journalists after the meeting, Jacob Aligo, the State Minister of Information and Communication, said the proposal is intended to tackle persistent waste management problems in Juba City.…

A sleepless first night in Kenya The journalist recalls his first night in neighboring Kenya as sleepless, dominated by thoughts of his late mother, Mary Nyibol Akuotnyin, and the life he left behind in South Sudan. He revisits the dreams they once shared and questions whether they were ever meant to be fulfilled. He writes that he departed without finding a way to repay her sacrifices. Those sacrifices, he notes, were rooted in the liberation struggle, when the family lived in the bush before South Sudan gained independence. Exile that turned from temporary to prolonged According to his account, ongoing…

South Sudan Political Transition Hits a Tight Deadline In Juba, civil society activist Edmund Yakani has warned that mismanaging the transition during February and March could place South Sudan in what he called a “very dangerous position” (Eye Radio). He framed the next two months as a make-or-break period for stability and governance. CEPO Pushes Inclusive Dialogue Over Military Tactics Yakani, who leads the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said time is “rapidly running out” for actors pressing for elections (Eye Radio). He urged leaders to move away from military tactics and convene an inclusive political roundtable to address…

Torit University Plan Gains Momentum in Eastern Equatoria The ad hoc committee tasked with operationalizing Torit University of Science and Technology (TUST) has formally received the former UNMISS compound in Torit from the Government of Eastern Equatoria State. The committee, composed of senior lecturers, took over offices and associated facilities on Thursday. The handover is presented by state and university officials as a practical step toward restarting an institution created in 2010, after years of limited activity. The new site is expected to serve as a base for administration and future teaching operations. UNMISS Closure Opens Space for Education Infrastructure…

Juba County security situation stabilises in Mirikiyo Security conditions have stabilised in Mirikiyo Boma, Rokon Payam, in South Sudan’s Juba County, after violent clashes erupted among cattle herders. Local authorities say the area has returned to calm following the deployment of security personnel and a joint operation presence. Gunfire triggers flight to Rokon Centre schools and churches Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezibon said the incident began after gunfire broke out in the cattle camps. He stated that many civilians fled their homes and sought temporary shelter at Rokon Centre, with schools and churches hosting a significant number of those…

State Directive Halts Local Demarcation Central Equatoria State’s Minister of Housing, Land, and Public Utilities, David Morbe Aquilino, has issued a directive stopping all land demarcation and planning across the state with immediate effect. Under the order, county authorities, payams, and the Juba City Council are not permitted to conduct land surveying, demarcation, or planning on their own. Such work must be processed through the state Ministry of Housing, Land, and Public Utilities. Ministry-Centered Process With Community Involvement The directive specifies that the ministry’s handling of land activities must include local authorities and affected communities. The measure reframes decision-making around…

South Sudan Violence Draws UN Alarm United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged South Sudan’s government and opposition forces to immediately stop all military operations, warning that rising violence is intensifying civilian suffering and worsening an already severe humanitarian situation. In a statement issued Thursday through his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” by the continued escalation, citing recent fighting in Jonglei State that has caused deaths, injuries and large-scale displacement. Jonglei Offensive and Civilian Evacuations South Sudan’s army launched a major offensive last week in Jonglei State against forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition…

South Sudan–Russia Hydropower MoU Back in Focus A hydropower cooperation agreement signed by South Sudan and Russia in August 2024 remains unimplemented nearly two years later, according to South Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Dams. The deal followed earlier high-level contacts between President Salva Kiir and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Energy Ministry Reviews Delayed Cooperation Framework The file resurfaced this week after Minister of Energy and Dams Agok Makur met South Sudan’s Ambassador to Russia, Chol Tong Mayay. The ministry said the meeting reviewed the delayed framework and explored “how the country can benefit from Russia’s accumulated expertise as a…

Western Equatoria Assembly recess set to April 28, 2026 The Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly has started a three-month recess, pausing regular sittings until April 28, 2026, unless members are recalled for urgent government business, officials said. The break comes after the formal closure of the Assembly’s First Session of 2025, which resumed on July 1 following a delay of more than a year linked to insecurity in the state. Speaker Anna Tunna Richard outlines purpose of constituency outreach Speaker Anna Tunna Richard announced the recess during the closing ceremony on Thursday, commending the state government for financial support and…