Author: The South Sudan Herald

Public Consultations Highlight Reform Priorities At a press briefing in Juba, Chairperson Riang Yer Zuor confirmed that teams visited Eastern Equatoria, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Western Bahr el Ghazal, meeting local leaders, traders and students to gather views for the permanent constitution (Eye Radio). Participants repeatedly asked for a concise charter that avoids ambiguity, insisting that any future governance framework be simple enough to be taught in classrooms yet strong enough to deter power consolidation. Citizens Push for Term Limits and Army Neutrality Across the four states, speakers favoured a two-term ceiling for elected leaders and direct presidential…

UNMISS and NEC Partnership The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Elections Commission says its preparations have leapt forward thanks to logistical and technical backing from UNMISS and the National Elections Commission headquarters in Juba, according to chairperson Joseph Akuei Yak during an interview on Radio Tamazuj’s “Road to Democracy” programme. Civic Training Workshops Yak noted that sustained workshops have brought together political parties, civil society, youth and women leaders, framing a shared understanding of electoral rules while highlighting the right of every citizen to choose leaders peacefully. Multilingual Radio Outreach Local radio stations carried discussions in Dinka, Arabic and English…

Sudden Decree Fuels Capital Chatter Juba woke on Thursday to news that President Salva Kiir had, by late-night decree, relieved Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel of the vice-presidency, his SPLM post and even his security service ranks, without public explanation. A Remarkably Thankful Letter Within hours, Bol Mel circulated a two-page letter that opened with unreserved gratitude for what he called “one of the greatest honours” of his life. He praised Kiir’s steady leadership, affirmed loyalty to the SPLM and expressed confidence that the country “will continue to rise” under the president’s stewardship despite the reshuffle. Economic Gains Claimed by Bol…

Confirmed Dates for CPE and CSE 2025 Education minister Kuyok Abol Kuyok announced that the Certificate of Primary Education will run 24-29 November 2025, followed by the Certificate of Secondary Education from 1-9 December 2025. The early disclosure gives schools a full academic year to align teaching plans and study timetables. Rising Primary Cohort Signals Confidence Registered primary pupils have surged to 84,815, an 18.2 percent jump over 2024. Officials see the 15,535-candidate increase as evidence that calmer security conditions and community outreach are drawing children back into classrooms across South Sudan’s 1,953 registered primary schools. Secondary Entries Dip Amid…

Background to Jonglei Leadership Dispute Earlier this year President Salva Kiir appointed Dr Riek Gai Kok as governor of Jonglei State, replacing SSOA nominee Denay Jock Chagor. SPLM-IO immediately claimed the move breached the 2018 Revitalized Agreement that distributed state leadership among rival political blocs. Under that accord the Jonglei governorship was earmarked for the South Sudan Opposition Alliance. SPLM-IO insists any new appointment must respect the quota, labelling Dr Gai an ‘illegitimate governor’ in recent communiqués. SPLM-IO Warning and Security Implications On Monday SPLM-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng warned county authorities and Sector Three security units to block the…

Arrest Rocks Cueibet County Residents of South Sudan’s Lakes State woke up to political drama after security forces detained Chok Lieny Marial, the Other Political Parties legislator for Cueibet County, on allegations of undermining an ongoing adultery trial. Officials say the MP convened a community meeting to settle the dispute privately, claiming the High Court had withdrawn the file; tensions escalated into a brawl that injured officers and civilians last week in Cueibet. Government Stresses Rule of Law Acting state information minister William Koji Kerjok confirmed the arrest, stressing that no individual, elected or not, may override judicial procedures. “He…

A staggering $700 million has reportedly gone missing from South Sudan’s oil revenues, shaking the very core of the country’s long-standing corruption system. As Afrik.com reports, the scandal has already claimed high-level victims, including Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, the Governor of the Central Bank, and the head of the Revenue Authority. Attention is now turning to Petroleum Minister Deng Lual Wol, placed under arrested this evening amid the widening revelations of financial looting. A Collapsing Structure of Power According to Afrik.com, the patronage system that has dominated South Sudan’s oil sector for years is beginning to crumble. President Salva…

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced a sweeping series of presidential decrees, broadcast this evening on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), marking one of the most significant government reshuffles in recent years. The changes affect top positions across the political, security, and financial sectors. Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel Dismissed The most consequential decision concerns Benjamin Bol Mel, who has been relieved from his position as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. The presidential decree also confirmed his removal as SPLM First Deputy Chairman and his demotion from General to Private, effectively dismissing him from the National Security…

A National Conversation Begins A radio interview in Juba has thrust mental health to the forefront of South Sudanese debate. Médecins Sans Frontières urged authorities, teachers and chiefs alike to recognise psychological distress as a public health priority on par with malaria or cholera, warning that silence perpetuates suffering. Mental Health Stigma in South Sudan Doctors Without Borders, better known as MSF, says mental health care must leave the shadows. Speaking on Eye Radio’s Dawn show, supervisor Monyjok Monylang urged schools, clinics and village forums to normalise conversations that too often remain whispered or ignored. Conflict’s Invisible Scars Years of…

Conflicting Reports Now Confirmed Although reports of Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel’s arrest were first announced and later denied on social media, sources close to the dossier have now confirmed that the Vice President has indeed been placed under house arrest. According to multiple reliable sources within the government and security circles, the order was issued by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Paul Ngang Majok. The Vice President’s security detail and motorcade have reportedly been withdrawn, and he remains confined to his residence in Juba under close supervision. Mounting Corruption Controversies This dramatic development comes after a series of…