Author: The South Sudan Herald

Fiscal Reforms Gain Momentum On 3 September 2025, Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng addressed staff in Juba, stressing that generous tax exemptions erode South Sudan’s fiscal space and delay essential infrastructure upgrades (Eye Radio). He reminded employees that the reform agenda comes directly from President Salva Kiir, who reportedly told senior officials, “Tax me too,” underscoring a desire for equal burden-sharing in domestic revenue mobilisation (Eye Radio). Leadership Signals Tougher Controls Deng noted that exemption certificates are sometimes traded informally to importers at cut-rate prices, a practice he labelled “selling the flag,” because the state forgoes duties without any corresponding…

Revenue reform takes centre stage Speaking in Juba, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Yien Gach said efficient revenue mobilisation underpins peace, macro-stability and long-term growth for South Sudan (Eye Radio). Expanding the tax base with technology Gach urged the South Sudan Revenue Authority to register more taxpayers and adopt digital platforms that track payments in real time. He argued that technology curbs manual loopholes and reassures businesses that dues reach state coffers. Targeting leakages and illicit exemptions The minister warned that arbitrary waivers erode public finances. Only priority imports such as road-building machinery should qualify, he said, adding that every…

Public Vigilance Requested Major General Mangar Makeny, Director of Joint Operations Forces in Juba, has appealed for public vigilance over night screening teams operating across the capital (Eye Radio). Speaking at an Eye Radio Town Hall, he encouraged citizens to report any rude language, arbitrary detention, or excessive force committed by soldiers so that swift disciplinary measures can follow. Operational Mandate Clarified Makeny underlined that joint sectors combine police, army, and national security officers who patrol after dusk, flag suspicious movement, and pass suspects to regular police desks before dawn. Rebranding these units as full-time police stations, he cautioned, would…

Oath Ceremony in Juba At the Presidential Palace in Juba, Chief Justice Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng swore in five newly appointed officials on 3 September 2025 as President Salva Kiir looked on and reiterated that public office is first and foremost a service to citizens. New Ministers Take Charge Dr. Joseph Geng Akec now heads the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mary Nawai Martin oversees Youth and Sports, while Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol steers Parliamentary Affairs. The line-up also includes Western Bahr El Ghazal Governor Sherif Daniel Sherif and Counsel General Sarah Peter Nyot. Justice System Overhaul Pledge President…

Rising mobilisation in Jonglei Local officials in Ayod County report that a joint force of Nuer youths, known as the White Army, and SPLA-IO fighters loyal to detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar is concentrating near Mogog Village. Commissioner James Chuol Jiek says the mobilisation is led by respected spiritual figure Makuach Tut Khor, who has moved through Canal, Pagoang, Jiesh and Pajiek before establishing a camp in Mogog. Jiek recounts cancelling a trip to Juba on 31 July 2025 after weeks of failed delegations, noting that Makuach’s followers now insist only Machar’s release can halt their advance. Attempts…

South Sudan’s Fragile Truce on Edge In Juba, murmurs of unease grow as political gridlock and fresh skirmishes chip away at the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, leaving elections and security reforms in limbo. CEPO’s Urgent Plea to New York Community Empowerment for Progress Organization Executive Director Edmond Yakani calls the forthcoming UN General Assembly “a golden opportunity” for global leaders to break the deadlock by speaking directly with South Sudan’s delegation, headed by Vice-President Josephine Lagu (CEPO). Key Demands for Confidence Building CEPO urges the UN to secure the release…

Business Leader Sounds Alarm on Economy Standing before journalists at South Sudan Hotel in Juba on Tuesday, Ayii Duang Ayii, president of the national business community, painted a stark picture of inflation and slowing trade, warning that without swift action, fragile post-conflict gains risk slipping away. Direct Appeal to Newly Appointed Ministers “We are calling on newly appointed ministers to work closely with the private sector to rescue the dwindling economy,” he declared, congratulating Athian Diing Athian, Adut Salva Kiir, Joseph Muom Majak, and Joseph Geng Akech on their appointments. He urged Vice-President and Economic Cluster chairperson to convene a…

Strategic Shift in Upper Nile After three days of intense firefights, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces declared full control of Tonga, headquarters of Panyikang County. The riverine town, contested since 2018, sits astride vital Nile corridors and has repeatedly undermined confidence in the country’s revitalized peace roadmap. SSPDF Commanders Visit and Assurances Deputy operations chief Gen. Kong Thou landed by helicopter on Tuesday, touring sandbagged positions and flooded alleyways. He urged displaced families to return unarmed, stressing that weapon collection would follow a phased schedule aligned with the national force-integration plan. Local Security Commitments Division Two commander Maj. Gen.…

Juba Showpiece Nears Juba National Stadium prepares for Matchday 7 of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with South Sudan welcoming DR Congo on Friday, 5 September at 12:00 GMT. The fixture underlines the contrasting paths of Group B’s fifth-placed Bright Stars and table-topping Leopards. Live Broadcast Information Viewers across the continent will follow the action on RTS, SuperSport, La Chaîne L’Equipe and BeIn Sports France, ensuring both diasporas and neutral fans can gauge Group B’s developing narrative in real time. South Sudan’s Immediate Stakes With three points from six outings, South Sudan’s priority is momentum. A home upset would move…

Floodwaters Overtake Old Fangak Weeks of torrential rain and an overflowing Nile have pushed water into Old Fangak County, Jonglei State, submerging homes, schools and clinics. Resident estimates suggest hundreds of families have left their villages since Sunday night. The sudden surge followed the collapse of a World Food Programme dyke built in 2023, creating channels that now swirl through once-fertile farmland and around the county airstrip. Voices from the High Ground : “The water surrounded us overnight,” said county coordinator James Kuach Catim by phone from Bor. “Those still inside sit on the dike; the rest have gone to…