Author: The South Sudan Herald

Escalating Tensions in Jonglei State For months, the self-styled Red Belt vigilantes have patrolled Bor County, arguing they shield villages from cattle raids and sporadic militia strikes. Their profile rose sharply in September when government troops came under fire outside Bor town, prompting the national army to label the group a rebel outfit. Local Leaders Opt for Negotiated Path County Commissioner Ateny Pech convened lawmakers, chiefs and Division Eight generals, emerging with a united front that denounces the raids and endorses dialogue as the preferred exit from the security stalemate. Integration Plan under Division Eight Delegates offered Red Belt fighters…

Fresh Wave of Returnees Lands in Abyei The quiet of Abyei’s Youth Center broke on Thursday as 125 households—roughly 625 people—stepped off buses from Wau airport. Mayor William Ajang Kuol Dau called the scene “another testament to community resilience.” City officials say this marks the third and fourth chartered flights since fighting flared in Sudan last April, pushing families southward toward relatives in the contested administrative area. Route from Renk to Safety Most travellers began in Renk, Upper Nile State, where river transport stalled amid insecurity. They were airlifted by government-coordinated flights to Wau, then moved by road to Abyei,…

German Funding Boosts WFP Lifeline The United Nations World Food Programme confirmed a €28.5 million infusion from Germany to scale up food and nutrition assistance across South Sudan, describing the timing as critical (WFP). “This funding will significantly enhance ongoing efforts to assist those in need at a very critical time,” noted Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director. Lean Season Threatens Millions Projections show 7.56 million South Sudanese—over half the population—could face acute food insecurity between April and July 2026 as conflict, displacement and erratic weather curb harvests. In areas where calm has held and access improved, analysts report modest gains,…

A High-Profile Gathering in Juba Under the bright lights of a Juba hotel, MTN South Sudan welcomed regulators, media leaders and tech firms to a Stakeholder Appreciation Evening designed to refresh alliances and push forward the country’s digital transformation roadmap. Why Eye Radio Stood Out Eye Radio left the ballroom with a golden plaque, hailed for weaving MTN products into interactive broadcasts that translate telecom jargon into everyday language, draw live listener feedback, and ultimately turn curiosity about data bundles into measurable network uptake. Voices From MTN Leadership Handing the trophy to Station Manager Koang Pal Chang, MTN South Sudan…

Eye Radio’s Accolade Signals Trust Juba’s Chamber of Commerce named Eye Radio Best Media House of the Year, citing its steady fact-checking during crises. Chief Executive Stephen Omiri welcomed the 2025 award, describing it as “a mirror handed back to society,” a phrase that quickly trended on regional social platforms. Independent Journalism and Public Policy Omiri argues that accurate reporting guides health, security and education strategies. “Without media, a country lives in darkness,” he told colleagues after the ceremony. Analysts note that reliable outlets often become informal early-warning systems for decision-makers who cannot be everywhere at once. Sustaining Newsrooms in…

Validation Workshop in Juba At Landmark Hotel in Juba, lawmakers, civil society and international partners gathered for a two-day validation workshop to fine-tune inputs for South Sudan’s permanent constitution. Organisers framed the meeting as a milestone toward stronger state legitimacy after years of transition. Acting Assembly Speaker Isaac Aloro Lomodi told participants the drafting exercise is “an opportunity to rebuild trust between citizens and the government, strengthen democracy, and redefine the social contract,” stressing transparent debate over closed-door bargaining. Grassroots Voices Take Center Stage Support Peace Initiative Development Organization, led by Executive Director Wodcan Saviour Lazarus, presented a plan for…

Rallying Call from National Bureau of Standards In Juba, the National Bureau of Standards has launched a nationwide appeal for companies, start-ups and artisans to register for the 2026 East African Community Regional Quality Awards, according to local broadcaster Eye Radio. Executive Director Gloria Nyoka insists that tight adherence to standards is not a luxury but the engine of economic diversification and sustainable jobs across South Sudan. Quality as Catalyst for National Development Nyoka told reporters that quality “strengthens consumer trust, supports public health and unlocks regional and global markets.” Her remarks follow Urban South Group’s runner-up finish in the…

R-ARCSS Under Pressure in Upper Nile Clashes in Nasir last March between SSPDF troops and SPLA-IO allied fighters froze implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan. The confrontation placed First Vice-President Dr Riek Machar under house arrest and deepened elite fragmentation. Observers label subsequent charges of treason and crimes against humanity against Machar and colleagues a politically driven “witch-hunt,” arguing the trial has become a litmus test for South Sudan’s rule of law. Shifts Inside the Ruling SPLM-IG Rapid cabinet and military reshuffles rocked the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government, culminating in…

Women mediators spotlight On Human Rights Day, UN Women highlighted 21 South Sudanese women leading mediation and negotiation, underscoring their central role in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and shaping an inclusive national dialogue (UN Women press release). Training equips negotiators Through partnership with Community Empowerment for Progress Organization and several women’s groups, the 21 mediators received tailored coaching in mediation techniques, negotiation strategy, and conflict-sensitive communication, preparing them to convene diverse stakeholders at a delicate moment in the political transition. Early gains in dialogue The mediators quickly facilitated five inter-party dialogues, easing tensions among signatories to the…

Juba’s Rapid Growth Meets Crowded Pavements South Sudan’s capital is expanding fast, yet its arteries are increasingly clogged by informal stalls, wheelbarrows and fuel jerrycans. Many residents applaud the vendors’ resilience, but fear that unmanaged sprawl undermines the city’s quest for modern stature. Safety, Health and the Public Space Ambulances weave through improvised markets, losing precious minutes in traffic narrowed by tables and carts. Mayor Christopher Sarafino Wani warns that “public land must remain passable for everyone,” noting recent near-miss fire incidents involving roadside fuel sales. Economic Fairness and Lost Revenue Formal traders who pay rent and taxes say sidewalk…