Author: The South Sudan Herald

Rising Youth Advocacy Standing before students in Juba, activist Jockino Samuel Futu described a stark paradox. During war, he observed, youth fill eighty to ninety percent of the front lines. Yet, once calm returns, their presence in negotiation rooms shrinks dramatically. He urged governments to widen decision-making tables, insisting youthful voices can refine policy and cement durable peace. Numbers Behind the Leadership Gap Futu cited current quotas reserving only twenty percent of leadership seats for youth, contrasted with thirty-five percent for women. The imbalance, he argued, feels tokenistic given that young people constitute roughly seventy percent of the national population.…

Border Surveillance Intensifies South Sudan’s Health Ministry has deployed health workers to key crossings and airports, checking temperatures and registering arrivals in response to the Ebola cases confirmed in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Coordination with WHO and Partners Officials say the response plan is being drafted in concert with the World Health Organization, with joint teams mapping potential transit routes to stop the virus at the frontier. Public Advice on Preventive Steps Authorities urge anyone experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to seek care or call the national hotline 6666, emphasising that early detection sharply improves survival. Citizens…

Clement Mboro Bridge Overview In May 2024, the Clement Mboro Bridge opened across the Jur River in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal. Built by Chinese engineers, the steel span replaces an aging crossing, allowing 40-tonne trucks to roll safely between Juba, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity and Western Equatoria. The older Jur River Bridge now handles lighter vehicles, easing congestion and offering redundancy during floods. State Minister for Roads Julio Bensncio Mongo calls the new structure a landmark achievement and a visible outcome of China–South Sudan cooperation. China–South Sudan Partnership Deepens Officials highlight the project as the latest chapter…

Origins of the Controversy Juba’s political circles were jolted by reports that senior officials discussed hosting a limited number of Gaza residents, allegedly during meetings with an Israeli delegation (Radio Tamazuj). The government swiftly denied any formal offer, yet public curiosity turned into heated conversation. Sanctions and Diplomatic Leverage Observers note that South Sudan still faces a UN arms embargo and targeted US sanctions. Analysts suggest that floating humanitarian proposals could be interpreted as a bid to soften external pressure. Officials publicly reject that link, stressing that foreign policy remains guided by “purely humanitarian principles.” Public Sensitivities Run Deep Citizens…

Bor Witchcraft Arrest Details Police in Bor, Jonglei State, detained Ugandan national Jennifer, 45, after neighbours alleged she practised witchcraft inside her Pariak Boma home. Evidence Seized by Jonglei Police Col. Deng Nhial Yuang says officers seized seven traditional smoke pipes and assorted charms considered ritual tools, now stored as evidence. Government View on Harmful Rituals Bor Mayor Jacob Achiek Machar Ayuen-Mawer visited the cell, stressing that faith is respected but practices deemed harmful can trigger prosecution. “We cannot let fear unsettle our communities,” he told local radio, urging citizens to report suspicious rituals promptly. Public Reaction and Legal Gray…

Historic Revenue Figures Announced The South Sudan Revenue Authority surprised observers this week with figures showing 956 billion South Sudanese Pounds collected in under eight months, the highest tally since the institution was formed. Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng told reporters that every pound has already been transferred to the Ministry of Finance and Planning for allocation in accordance with national priorities. Civil Society Demands Visible Impact Lorna Merekaje, who leads the Democratic Engagement, Monitoring and Observation Program, welcomed the record but questioned its visibility on the ground. “Taxes are meant to give us hospitals that treat, schools that teach…

Revenue Boss Condemns Illegal Exemptions Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng told colleagues that handing out tax holidays erodes South Sudan’s fragile revenue base. He labelled the practice “detrimental” and vowed disciplinary action against any official facilitating duty-free entries outside the law. Presidential Backing for Full Compliance Deng reminded staff that President Salva Kiir Mayardit publicly requested equal treatment for all importers. “If it is me bringing goods, tax me,” the commissioner quoted the head of state, questioning why lower-ranking figures feel empowered to wave levies for private interests. Staff Caught Between Power and Procedure Outgoing deputy commissioner Taban Abel revealed…

Context of the Expansion On 30 August, Jonglei State’s governor signed orders adding seven payams to Uror County, lifting the county’s total to nineteen. The decree followed similar expansions in Akobo and Nyirol, all aimed at pushing government services deeper into rural villages. South Sudan’s 2011 Transitional Constitution endorses administrative devolution, but each new unit requires salaries, offices and security, sparking recurring debates between budget managers in Juba and community leaders in the states. Local Demand for Decentralisation Uror MP Wany Bum Makhor says elders, youth and women had “knocked endlessly” on assembly doors for extra payams, claiming long journeys…

Civic Education Campaign Begins The National Election Commission has disclosed plans to roll out a nationwide civic education programme ahead of the 2026 general polls in Congo-Brazzaville. The initiative will blend traditional outreach with mobile-first digital tools, aiming to equip citizens with practical knowledge of voter rights and electoral procedures. Prioritising Inclusion and Youth Commissioner Thabo Abosuh Ajang told journalists that at least thirty-five percent of training seats are reserved for women, reflecting the Commission’s gender parity target. He argued that nurturing intergenerational dialogue can translate social media enthusiasm among young adults into informed participation at polling stations. Funding and…

Poaching Crackdown Along Juba-Bor Highway Wildlife officers seized over 500 kilograms of illicit bushmeat during separate interceptions on 31 August and 1 September, according to Ministry spokesman Charles Laku. The operations unfolded at the entrance of Badingilo National Park, where two private vehicles were stopped and escorted to the ministry compound in Juba. Suspects Under Custody as Investigations Deepen Laku confirmed that the drivers and passengers remain in custody while investigators trace the origin of the carcasses and the intended buyers. He declined to release names, stressing that due process is underway under South Sudanese wildlife legislation. Health Concerns Over…