909: Juba City Council to tighten enforcement of ban on night clubs
The Deputy Mayor of Juba City says the Council will tighten its enforcement of an order banning the operation of night clubs in Juba. This comes after one person was killed in a club over the weekend. Deputy mayor Thiik Thiik Mayardit confirms the incident occurred near Dehavana restaurant and says no arrests have been made. The governor of Jubek state, Augustino Jadalla Wani, announced the b...
12m May 21, 2019
12m
908: Civil Society Alliance drags parties to court over extension of Pre-Transitional period
The South Sudan Civil Society Alliance (SSCSA) has filed a lawsuit challenging the extension of the Pre-Transitional period. The suit filed in Juba High Court on May 15, claims the six-month extension, that was unanimously approved by all parties during a consultative meeting in Addis-Ababa, was not done through the correct procedures. They claim the proposal should have been put to a vote th...
6m May 17, 2019
6m
907: Police explains heavy deployments in Juba, urge public calm
The past few days have seen a heavy deployment on the streets of Juba, promoting public concern about the security situation in the national capital. The deployments came after reports that a section of youth was planning anti-government demonstrations, demanding the resignation of the President. The messages, believed to have been initiated in the diaspora, spread like wildfire on social med...
5m May 16, 2019
5m
906: Analyst’s perspective on President Kiir’s SPLA Day speech
A political analyst and professor at the University of Juba has welcomed the President’s speech as a heartfelt attempt to seek redirection to the path to peace. President Salva Kiir in a strongly-worded statement to mark SPLA Day, the founding anniversary of the national army and the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party sounded a stern warning to party members who he said hav...
5m May 16, 2019
5m
905: President Salva Kiir's speech on SPLA Day
President Salva Kiir says the SPLM party has abandoned its vision and turned against the people of South Sudan. In a press briefing at the Presidential J1 offices in Juba today, President Kiir said the party is selling the country for which millions of South Sudanese have lost their lives. In a strongly worded statement ahead of SPLA Day tomorrow, the President said ‘enough is enough’ and cal...
7m May 15, 2019
7m
904: UNMISS public opinion survey reveals widespread hope for lasting peace among South Sudanese
Results of a perception survey contracted by the UN Mission in South Sudan indicate an improved sense of security and optimism for peace among the local population. The face-to-face interviews conducted between December and January with approximately 2,300 people covered the security situation, the prospects for peace, and how UNMISS is performing. 70% of respondents report feeling either ver...
11m May 15, 2019
11m
903: SRSG Shearer: The President’s speech very much carried the theme of peace
President Salva Kiir officially opened the National Parliament on Tuesday in a speech to a joint sitting of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States. The President reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process and extended an olive branch to opposition leader Riek Machar. “I am for peace and completely reject war,” were the words of the President. The Head of...
3m May 15, 2019
3m
902: President Kiir’s full speech at TNLA opening
President Salva Kiir officially opened the Transitional National Legislative Assembly today, in a speech that focused on the peace process and the way forward for its implementation. The Parliament officially resumes business for its 2nd session of 2019, after a four-month recess which the legislators used to sensitize their constituents on the revitalized peace agreement. In his address to t...
20m May 14, 2019
20m
901: Bishop Arama: This is the last intervention of the Church in the peace process
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly reopened today after months of recess. The MPs broke off for a four month break to sensitize their constituents on the revitalized peace agreement. Ahead of his The Primate of the Episcopal of the South Sudan, Justin Badi Arama in a strong message to the party leaders, warned that the spiritual retreat to The Vatican in April was the last interve...
7m May 14, 2019
7m
900: IBC embarks on grassroot consultations on number of states
A team from the Independent Boundary Commission (IBC) is in Central Upper Nile state to consult with the local community on the issue of the number of states. The team will meet with a cross section of youth, women, civil society, faith based and traditional leaders. Their findings will be presented to the IGAD Secretariat and thereafter the recommendations will be communicated to the parties...
4m May 14, 2019
4m
899: High-powered UN, AU and IGAD delegation pledge full and united support for South Sudan peace deal
There should be no further delay in forming a new unity government in South Sudan beyond the six-month extension period, the UN, African Union (AU) and east African bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have told parties to the fragile 2018 peace pact. A joint UN-AU-IGAD delegation led by UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix concluded a tw...
28m May 14, 2019
28m
898: EU: Regionalism and multilateralism, key to South Sudan’s growth
The European Union is encouraging South Sudan to strengthen regional partnerships and maximize benefits from multi-national collaborations. The EU today celebrates Europe Day in recognition of peace and prosperity within Europe. EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Sinead Walsh says membership in organizations such as the East Africa Corporation would help South Sudan build networks and maximize its ...
11m May 09, 2019
11m
897: South Sudan Red Cross movement celebrates World Red Cross Day
The South Sudan Red Cross joins the rest of the global fraternity, to celebrate Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. The day observed annually on the 8th of May is to salute the selfless contribution and bravery of Red Cross volunteers and their service to humanity across the world. It also marks the birthday of the movement’s founder - Henry Dunant. In South Sudan a national ground-breaking event...
9m May 08, 2019
9m
896: UNICEF launches measles vaccination campaign to contain outbreak
UN Children’s agency, UNICEF is rolling out a reactive measles vaccination campaign to contain an outbreak that has spread to 11 counties. The exercise targets more than five hundred thousand children in affected areas across the country. This follows an outbreak reported in January with seven deaths and 900 confirmed cases. UNICEF Communications Specialist, James Aldworth says they are racin...
10m May 08, 2019
10m
895: 138 homes razed in Lol state wildfire
Victims of a weekend fire in Lol county have spoken of the horror they went through when flames engulfed their homes on Sunday. Thirty-five people are confirmed dead and seventy others wounded in the weekend fire in Korok East County. Twenty-eight people in critical condition have been evacuated to Aweil State Hospital, while more than 50 others with minor injuries are receiving treatment at ...
4m May 07, 2019
4m
894: Exclusive interview with RJMEC interim Chair, Gen Augostino Njoroge
Foreign Ministers from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are expected in Juba tomorrow for an extra-ordinary session to endorse the extension of the South Sudan Pre-Transitional period. The Council of Ministers meeting on the 07th and 08th will receive a brief on the consultative forum of party leaders that concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last Friday that unanimously end...
23m May 06, 2019
23m
893: Civil Society welcomes extension of Pre-Transitional period
The Civil Society has welcomed the extension of the Pre-Transitional period, saying it gives time for the parties to accomplish outstanding tasks. The six-month extension was resolved on Friday during a meeting of party leaders convened by IGAD in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. Rajab Mohandis, Executive Director for Organization for Responsive Governance says the parties time to complete critical tas...
5m May 06, 2019
5m
892: Midwives Day: Midwives as Defenders of Women’s Rights
The International Day of the Midwife was celebrated on May 05th by midwives all over the world. The theme for the day was “Midwives: Defenders of Women’s Rights”. Midwives in South Sudan are crucial when it comes to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, in a country with one of the worlds highest maternal mortality ratios in the world estimated at 789 deaths per 100,000 live...
9m May 06, 2019
9m
891: “A unanimous agreement for an extension is a positive development” – SRSG David Shearer
The Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has also welcomed the extension of the Pre-Transitional period, describing it as ‘a sign of goodwill between the parties to end the suffering of their people.’ David Shearer says it is regrettable that a number of fundamental issues remain unresolved, including the formation of a unified security force and the issue of boundaries and states...
6m May 06, 2019
6m
890: “I have forgiven my husband’s killers,” widow of slain critic Aggrey Idri speaks out
The wife of opposition figure Aggrey Ezbon Idri says she has forgiven the people behind her husband’s apparent death and describes him as a true ‘patriot’ and ‘hero.’ In a heartfelt interview with Radio Miraya on phone from Nairobi, Kenya - Aya Warille said the news of Aggrey’s death has put to rest her anxiety and uncertainty. A UN report that came to light on Tuesday revealed that oppositio...
5m May 03, 2019
5m
889: “Compromises are more important than shortened deadline” – Netherlands rep.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands says the parties to the South Sudan should focus on reaching durable solutions and not concentrate on dates and deadlines. The Deputy Head of Mission in the Netherlands Embassy in South Sudan, Jeroen Kelderhuis says the party leaders must make compromises and reach lasting agreements to push the peace process forward. Mr. Kelderhuis’ comments come as party leade...
24m May 02, 2019
24m
888: Civil Society demands government withdrawal from contract with American lobby firm
A coalition of civil society organisations is asking the Office of the President to withdraw from a contract with an American based lobby company. It came to light this week that the government entered into a contract worth 3.7 million US dollars with ‘Gainful Solutions,’ a California based firm owned by former US Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger to improve relations with the Trump Adm...
8m May 02, 2019
8m
887: Amnesty International 'shocked' by death of critics Dong Samuel and Aggrey Idri
Amnesty International is demanding that the South Sudan government provides accurate information regarding the apparent death of Human Rights Lawyer, Dong Samuel Luak and opposition supporter Aggrey Idri Izbon. According to a report by a UN Penal of experts, the two were reportedly picked from Kenya on the 23rd and 24th of January 2017. The report further says they were transported from the N...
6m May 02, 2019
6m
886: UNMISS-supported mobile courts aide in tackling back-log cases
A justice in the court of appeal says the introduction of mobile courts has helped deal with a backlog of cases and resulted in a fall in crime rates. Justice Kulang Jeroboam says the courts were introduced in nine states by the Ministry of Justice with support of the UNITED Nations Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Justice Jeroboam says the mob...
6m May 01, 2019
6m
885: “Oil exports uninterrupted via Port Sudan,” Petroleum Min Ezekiel Gatkuoth
The Minister of Petroleum says the country’s oil is flowing smoothly and problems with importing chemicals for drilling, due to a strike at a port in neighbouring Sudan, have been resolved. The chemicals had been held up at the port for three days. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth led a delegation to Port Sudan on Monday, to establish the impact of the ‘hold-up’ on oil exports at the main shipment hub. G...
4m Apr 30, 2019
4m
884: Women demand stronger laws to regulate bride price
Voice for Change, a South Sudan registered non-governmental organization is advocating for strong laws to regulate payment of bride price. Their appeal comes on the heels of a shocking incident in which a 20-year-old school girl was beaten to death by her brothers in Yirol, Eastern Lakers, for refusing to marry a suitor who paid 40 cows in dowry for her hand in marriage. Voice for Change Exec...
5m Apr 30, 2019
5m
883: SPLA-IO proposes 12,000-strong VIP Protection Unit
The SPLA-IO is proposing a joint force of at least twelve thousand soldiers to form a VIP protection unit. Deputy SPLA-IO spokesperson, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel says an entire division is required to provide adequate security for the yet-to-be established unity government, in contrast to a joint force of 700 soldiers provided for in the peace agreement. Lam Paul says they are waiting for feed...
5m Apr 29, 2019
5m
882: “Delays in formation of unity government should be by consensus” - U.S Ambassador
The United States Ambassador to South Sudan says any delay to form the unity government should be made in consensus and hopes any postponement would not affect the 30-month transition period, in the lead up to elections. His comments come as regional group IGAD prepares to host the parties in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to discuss the formation of the new unity government. Ambassador Thomas Hushek ...
4m Apr 29, 2019
4m
881: Brothers kill sister for refusing to marry suitor in Yirol
A twenty-year-old young lady was beaten to death in Yirol, Eastern Lakes State after rejecting a forced marriage. The 20-year-old school girl known as Nyaluak Magorek Mariak had rejected to marry one of the two men her family had proposed to her. Two brothers beat their sister to death for refusing a forced marriage in Eastern Lakes state, the state information minister, Taban Abel has said. ...
2m Apr 29, 2019
2m
880: South Sudan named one of world’s top ‘executors’
Amnesty International recorded at least 690 executions in 20 countries in 2018, a decrease of 31% compared to 2017 (at least 993), representing the lowest number of executions that the rights body has recorded in the past decade. The 2018 global review of the death penalty report released on Wednesday indicates an overall global decline in executions particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa from ove...
18m Apr 12, 2019
18m
879: Counting the Costs of Violence against Women and Girls
A new report has brought to light the enormous economic and social costs of violence against women and girls in South Sudan. The report suggests that more than eight million days of productivity have been lost as a result of violence in the past year. It further indicates that more than 80% of women and girls attending educational institutions reported experiencing at least 1 incident of viole...
13m Apr 12, 2019
13m
878: State of the World Report paints grim picture of South Sudan Reproductive Health
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will on 15 April 2019 launch the State of the World Population 2019 Report. Titled: “Unfinished Business: The Pursuit of Rights and Choices for All”, the 2019 report paints a grim picture of the state of reproductive health care in South Sudan, with at least 11 women dying every day from complications during child birth. It also reveals that only 14...
14m Apr 12, 2019
14m
877: Examining the impact of Sudan regime change on South Sudan
President Omar al-Bashir has been removed from office after three decades in power. A Military Council is in control of the country for a two-year interim period. Defence Minister, Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf announced the military takeover and the end to the Al-Bashir regime on state television. James Ukuk says the regime change will not affect the South Sudan peace process and contests that ...
24m Apr 11, 2019
24m
876: Women hold marathon prayers for Vatican retreat
Women members of the South Sudan Council of Churches have held marathon prayers for the spiritual retreat in The Vatican. The women have locked themselves in seclusion at the Council offices in Juba for the past three days praying for a positive outcome. The National Coordinator of the Women’s Program in the Council of Churches, Agnes Wasuk Sarafino says their prayers are for the spirit of pe...
5m Apr 11, 2019
5m
875: Fish shortages hit Juba, consumers search for substitutes
Are you one of those Juba residents wondering what could have become of your favourite delicacy? Over the past one week there has been a shortage of fish in the national capital. The shortage is evident by slow activity at the main fish landing site at Juba river port where fish mongers have only a few fish for sale. A fish monger at the site blames the scarcity on low supplies coming in fro...
5m Apr 10, 2019
5m
874: Thousands of Bidibidi refugees to benefit from clean water project
A new water project at the Bidi-Bidi refugee camp in Uganda is set to provide clean water access to more than six thousand refugees. The project will see an increase in water supply to each individual from 14 to 20 litres and will come as a relief to the refugees who have been walking up to one kilometre in search of clean water. The generator-powered project is being implemented by UN refuge...
6m Apr 10, 2019
6m
873: Civil Society: Peace is still in their hands
A civil society activist says the spiritual retreat in The Vatican should reinforce peace efforts and not be seen as a final solution to the country’s problems. Rajab Mohandis, the Executive Director of the Organisation for Responsive Governance welcomes the Church initiative and says the parties still have a responsibility to commit and implement the peace agreement. Mohandis says the spirit...
4m Apr 10, 2019
4m
872: Analyst's perspective on impact of Sudan protests on South Sudan
A political analyst says the ongoing developments in Sudan will not have a direct impact on the South Sudan peace process. Andrea Mach Mabior, a journalist and political analyst describes the demonstrations against President Oma-al Bashir as ‘civil protests’ that do not have a direct bearing on the revitalized peace agreement, that was brokered in Khartoum. Mabior however cautions that Juba s...
7m Apr 10, 2019
7m
870: SPLM-IO leader Rieck Machar ‘ready' for Vatican retreat
The opposition SPLM/SPLA-IO has confirmed that their leader Dr. Riek Machar has received an invitation for a spiritual retreat in The Vatican. The retreat scheduled for 11- 12 April was called by Pope Francis as an initiative by the Catholic Church to bring an end to years of conflict and suffering in South Sudan. Sessions will include prayers, reflections and meditation to be overseen by The ...
6m Apr 09, 2019
6m
869: Vatican retreat is an unprecedented opportunity for South Sudan – spox Ateny Wek
All eyes are on The Vatican City where the Catholic Church will be hosting a spiritual retreat aimed at confidence-building between the South Sudan warring parties. President Salva Kiir leaves Juba Tuesday, while SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar, is expected to travel from Khartoum. The 2-day retreat which starts Wednesday will also be attended by the leader of the Opposition Alliance, the Form...
8m Apr 09, 2019
8m
871: “Impunity is the key driver of the endless cycle of violence in South Sudan,” – Amnesty International
Amnesty International is calling on the government to expedite the establishment of justice mechanism systems, to address atrocities committed during the conflict. The human rights watchdog is concerned that the transitional justice mechanisms provided for in the revitalized agreement, have not yet been established. A lead Researcher with Amnesty International, Rachel Nicholson says the gover...
6m Apr 09, 2019
6m
868: SPLM-IO request delay in Upper Nile regional dialogue conference
The National Dialogue Regional Conference for the Upper Nile region has been postponed till next month, when the unity government is expected to be in place. The opposition SPLM-IO requested the delay for when they are in the country and able to conduct grassroot consultations in areas under their control ahead of the conference. In a related development, a team from the National Dialogue ste...
5m Apr 08, 2019
5m
866: “Sports has no tribe, we need sports for Peace" - Ambassador Andruga
Large crowds turned up for the South Sudan Great Run on Saturday – reinforcing  the important power of sports as a unifying factor. The 10km marathon was flagged off by President Salva Kiir at the John Graang Mausoleum and drew the participation of athletes from South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea. Runners from Ethiopia claimed top prize in the men’s and women’s categories...
5m Apr 08, 2019
5m
867: Deng Bul: Tap into your spiritual side and bring peace to South Sudan
President Salva Kiir and opposition SPLM/SPLA-IO leader Rieck Machar head to Rome this week for a much-anticipated retreat called by the Pope. The retreat will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in The Vatican. The "spiritual retreat" was called by Pope Francis as an initiative by the Catholic Church to bring an end to years of conflict and suffering in South Sudan. According to the program...
4m Apr 08, 2019
4m
865: CMMB: Giving former ‘child-solders’ in Yambio a new lease on life
The Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) has dedicated itself to helping former children associated with conflict in Western Equatoria rediscover their youth and innocence. The Catholic-based NGO is working in collaboration with partners such as World food Program and UNICEF to deliver locally sustainable, quality nutritional and psychosocial solutions. exerts efforts to reduce trauma from v...
8m Apr 07, 2019
8m
864: Traditional Chiefs train on Law and Human Rights
Chiefs and traditional leaders from Jubek state conclude a training today that seeks to harmonize customary law and statutory law. The three-day interactive discussion aims to identify inconsistencies between the two systems and explore ways of aligning traditional practices with international human rights standards. The training programme is guided by a joint manual developed by UNDP and UN ...
11m Apr 05, 2019
11m
863: Ten priority locations identified for $11mln Emergency Fund allocation
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) announced an allocation of US$11 million to help 268,000 women, men and children who had been displaced by conflict within South Sudan to return to their homes. A statement from the United Nations Humanitarian Office says the funding will ensure the returning populations have food, farming tools and seeds, shelter items and other basic ...
5m Apr 05, 2019
5m
862: Health Link NGO steps in with life-saving interventions in Greater Magwi
At least two thousand (2,000) returnees struggling to return to their normal lives in Greater Magwi, Torit state have been targeted to receive humanitarian assistance. Health Link, a national Non-Governmental organisation will distribute packages of food, non-food items and medical supplies to the most vulnerable. Greater Magwi was one of the areas most affected by the 2016 conflict with thou...
8m Apr 04, 2019
8m
861: Mine Action Teams make significant progress in ridding South Sudan of dangerous explosives
As South Sudan joins the rest of the world to observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and its partners have made significant progress in clearing South Sudan of landmines and explosive hazards. UNMAS Program Manager Richard Boulter says the signing of the revitalized peace agreement has resulted in a peace d...
10m Apr 04, 2019
10m
860: Network of People with HIV registers 19,000 members
The South Sudan Network of People Living with HIV has registered nineteen thousand (19,000) people across the country receiving treatment and counselling. Since its establishment in 2007, the network has been advocating for positive living and providing its members with the required medication through the support of international partners. Network Co-ordinator, Lole Laila Lole, is advising pe...
5m Apr 03, 2019
5m