Author: The South Sudan Herald

UNMISS adjusts field footprint in Yei On a subdued morning in Juba, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan confirmed it has closed its outpost in Yei, Central Equatoria State. The announcement emerged during talks between Civil Affairs Field Officer Victor Fasama and Governor Emmanuel Adil. Dialogue with Governor Emmanuel Adil Fasama briefed the Governor on plans to direct Yei operations from the mission’s Juba headquarters. He said staff presently stationed in Yei would relocate to Juba while maintaining full coverage of the county. “We are not leaving the state; it’s just a closure of one office,” Fasama emphasised after…

Central Equatoria Governor Seeks Road Push On 27 November in Juba, Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil asked the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to extend its road-building drive beyond trunk routes. Each new feeder road, he argued, would carve pathways for farmers to markets and spur long-delayed rural growth. Agricultural Revival Hinges on Access CES relies heavily on subsistence farming, yet vast harvests rot when rains render villages inaccessible. Officials calculate that even a ten-kilometre gravel road can cut transport time by half and raise farmgate prices, giving families capital to reinvest in seeds and tools. Governor Adil…

Chinese Modernization as Development Template Since 1978, Beijing’s gradual reforms turned an agrarian giant into the world’s second-largest economy, posting a US$19.21 trillion GDP. The mantra of “crossing the river by feeling the stones” favoured small-scale experiments, notably Special Economic Zones, before nationwide rollout, proving that incremental change can outpace big-bang privatisation. Stability and Governance First Chinese leaders insisted peace and disciplined governance precede growth; without order, investment stalls. For Juba, resolving internal conflicts and enforcing transparent, accountable institutions could create the predictability businesses crave. Agriculture for Diversification South Sudan’s fertile plains remain underused, while oil dominates export earnings and…

Restored Boreholes Cut Risk and Disease For years, women in Rubkona County braved flooded plains and armed checkpoints just to fill a jerrycan. Today, 26 rehabilitated boreholes shorten that trek to minutes and transform the daily rhythm of thousands. “After the borehole was fixed, we stopped drinking dirty river water,” says Rebecca Nyagok, a mother of six whose family once endured bloody diarrhoea from contaminated sources. Women Lead Post-Repair Governance Community members quickly formed a water committee, collected small fees, and agreed usage hours to keep pumps working. “We know maintenance is our duty, not the NGO’s,” Rebecca adds, pointing…

Church trust bridges political divides In South Sudan, churches remain among the rare institutions seen as nonpartisan across government and opposition lines. Their perceived neutrality positions clergy as potential mediators able to sit with generals and displaced villagers alike without triggering accusations of siding with any faction. Veteran peace worker Sister Mary Nyibol notes that congregations still gather even in contested zones, adding that “a prayer meeting can open dialogue where formal delegations fail” (Nyibol 2024). Such trust capital, observers argue, is indispensable while the 2018 peace accord struggles for full implementation. Spiritual authority in a wounded nation South Sudan’s…

Creative Community Meets Central Equatoria Governor A coalition called Concern Artists sat down with Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil in Juba to voice the hopes and frustrations of South Sudan’s creative sector, according to spokesman Menimen. The meeting, held yesterday, focused on urgent artistic concerns. Three Core Demands: Protection, Support, Peace Participants outlined three priorities. First, they asked that parliament finally enact a copyright law pending for over a decade, arguing that unprotected work drains livelihoods. Second, they requested material backing for a modern arts centre. Third, they pledged to use music to reinforce community peace. Artists Seek Direct Audience…

Bishops Converge in Juba A chorus of hymns welcomed 58 Episcopal bishops to Juba for their annual House of Bishops Conference, a tradition uniting clergy from the country’s 61 dioceses (ECSS statement). Archbishop Justin Badi Arama hailed the safe arrivals, noting that three bishops sent apologies due to unavoidable challenges but remain “with us in spirit.” Theme: Courage Amid Uncertainty The 2025 gathering turns to John 16:33: “Take heart.” Arama argues the verse resonates with a nation balancing fragile politics, economic pressures and social recovery. He told reporters the Church must offer “visible hope” by modelling resilience and advocating dialogue…

Special Court Hears Explosive Testimony Juba’s special court resumed Session 24 with Vice-President Riek Machar and seven co-accused following proceedings from hospital beds. An SSPDF officer, under oath, relived the retreat from Nasir, setting a tense tone that kept journalists and diplomats glued to the gallery. Witness Recounts Battlefield Chaos He described receiving a crackling radio plea from a wounded comrade, then watching General David Majur fire furiously as White Army fighters swarmed armoured trucks. According to the witness, the attackers dragged the injured away and executed them beside the muddy Jonglei road. Committee Lists Heavy Human Toll Military investigators,…

Strategic Realignments in Ruweng Chief Administrator Stephano Wieu de Malek has announced a concise reshuffle targeting county and advisory posts within the Ruweng Administrative Area. The changes, released through the official Facebook page on 25 November, are framed as administrative orders intended to reinforce local governance. Officials Relieved of Duty Order Number 17 of 2025 formally relieved Lake-No County Commissioner Mijok Mijak Bilkuei and Tourism and Investment Commission member Thonrial Chol Ayout of their previous roles. Fresh Mandates Issued Under the same decree, Ayout returns as Lake-No County Commissioner, signaling the Administrator’s confidence in his capacity to steer the county.…

Juba Peace Deal Revival Tuesday’s closed-door talks in Juba signaled a new push to unblock South Sudan’s 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, whose timelines have repeatedly slipped amid disputes and insecurity. Representatives of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition, SPLM-IO, described the exchange as “very productive”, adding that all sides endorsed a purely South Sudanese dialogue framework. Women Mediators Step Into National Spotlight The initiative is led by South Sudan Women Mediators, a coalition convened by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization with technical backing from UN Women. Members include lawyers, economists and faith leaders who argue that an inclusive…