WES: Women-led agricultural initiative spurs hope and growth in Mundri
By Doroka Tabitha- Mundri East County With the rainy season nearing in South Sudan, a powerful story of resilience and transformation is taking root. In Witto Payam, Mundri East County of Western Equatoria State, a group of determined women are not simply preparing for the rains they are preparing to reshape their future. Bound by […]
Pope Francis has died age 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and head of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death following a prolonged hospitalization due to respiratory complications, including double pneumonia. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the Pope’s passing at 7:35 a.m. local time […]
UNMISS calls for Dr. Machar’s release and de-escalation of Nasir conflict
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged the Security Council to intervene in securing the release of Dr. Riek Machar, along with other detained military and civilian officials, and to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Nasir, Upper Nile State. Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, highlighted […]
Stars of Change: Artists unite at “I AM PEACE” Boot Camp for peacebuilding through digital media
The “I AM PEACE” Boot Camp brought together South Sudan’s most creative talents, turning their passion for art into a driving force for peace and reconciliation. Over three dynamic days, musicians, content creators, comedians, and digital influencers worked together, not only to entertain but also to inspire and create impactful change in their communities. Organized […]
Youth activist urges government to shift focus to development
Lupai Samuel Kenyi, the Executive Director of the “I Am Peace Organization,” has called on South Sudan’s unity government to end the transition period and prioritize development. In an interview with Standard Zone News, Kenyi emphasized that the people of South Sudan yearn for progress and stability over conflict. “My message to the government is […]
Breaking Records: A landmark year for South Sudanese education
The National Council of the Ministry of General Education and Instructions has officially released the results of the 2024 primary examinations, marking a significant milestone for South Sudan’s education sector. The announcement, made in Juba on Tuesday, revealed an inspiring overall pass rate of 94.9%, showcasing the dedication and resilience of South Sudanese students. A […]
Foreign Minister Semaya Urges U.S. to Reconsider Visa Ban on South Sudanese
South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya K. Kumba, has appealed to the United States to reconsider its recent decision to revoke visas for all South Sudanese passport holders. The Minister made the appeal during a meeting on Saturday with U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler. According to a […]
VP Bol denounce ‘unverified’ letter expelling US Ambassador from South Sudan
The Office of the Vice President(VP) and Chairperson of Economic Cluster Dr. Bejamin Bol Mel has denounced a concocted letter alleging expulsion of US Ambassador from South Sudan. According to the statement posted on the office of the Vice President social media page Citizen are urged to considered the said letter fake. On Saturday, a […]
SPLM-IO Demands Return of Party T-Shirts from Defectors
Political tensions flared in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State as the SPLM-IO accused defectors, led by Minister Garang Atak Chan, of taking party T-shirts to the SPLM during their transition. The controversy has sparked heated debates over party loyalty and property rights. James Mador Wol, a lawmaker in the Council of States representing SPLM-IO, criticized […]
Kiir to Semaya: Advance South Sudan’s foreign policy
President Salva Kiir has tasked newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, to actively promote South Sudan’s foreign policy objectives and project country’s good image. In a statement obtained by Standard Zone News, President Kiir made this appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of Ambassador Semaya, where he […]
Over 2,000 SSOA forces join gov’t
At least 2,434 forces from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) in Greater Equatoria have defected to the government on Friday. The troops, who were part of the unified forces trained at seven key centres – Lologo, Rajaf, Awenjobol, Muni, Agot Makur, Maridi, and Rambur – graduated on August 30, 2022, during Phase One of […]
Mounting Pressure on Speaker Nunu to Reopen Parliament Amid National Crisis
As South Sudan grapples with persistent political conflict, an escalating economic crisis, and fragile peace efforts, public attention is increasingly turning to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), whose doors remain closed despite expectations for its reopening. Calls are growing from lawmakers, civil society organizations, and political figures for Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba to urgently […]
Area Administrator Denies Mobilization of Youth Toward Jonglei
The Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has refuted claims of youth mobilization and marching toward neighboring Jonglei State for an attack. Peter Guzulu Maze, the Chief Administrator of GPAA, dismissed reports from the Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), citing prevailing circumstances that make such mobilization improbable. “First of all, we are dealing with a cholera […]
Cholera threat spurs cleanup in Juba’s Hai Referendum
A community cleaning campaign has been launched in Juba’s Hai Referendum to curb spread of cholera outbreak ahead of upcoming rainy season. Hai Referendum, a lowland area in Juba City is prone to flooding, making it vulnerable to water accumulation, creating ideal conditions for cholera bacteria. Spearheaded by Juba County authorities, the campaign is a […]
SSPDF Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to GPAA Armed Youth to Halt March Toward Jonglei State
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), ordering them to cease their advance toward Jonglei State and disperse immediately. In a statement released to the media, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang alleged that over the past three days, […]
South Sudan Faces Looming Hunger Crisis, Warns WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has raised alarm over a worsening hunger situation in South Sudan, warning that millions of vulnerable people are on the brink of starvation. In a statement released on Wednesday, WFP said the country is nearing record hunger levels, particularly in the northeast, where conflict is escalating. “Vulnerable families […]
Activist Urges South Sudan Armed Rivals to Respect Declared Ceasefire
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has welcomed the recent ceasefire order issued by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). He called on both the SSPDF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) to honor the truce and […]
Ruling SPLM denies allegations of fueling SPLM-IO discord
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has denied involvement in ongoing political disputes within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO), stating that the party is “clean” Speaking to Standard Zone News, SPLM officials unequivocally denied any participation in the SPLM-IO’s internal power struggles. Party spokesperson Jimmy Atillio stated firmly, “We are not part and parcel […]
Deputy Speaker Oyet’s Office Closed; No Legal Basis Cited
By Jenifer J. Ogawi The leadership of South Sudan’s National Transitional Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has officially shut down the office of First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel, citing concerns over his use of social media – though no legal basis has been cited for the decision. TNLA spokesperson Oliver Mori announced the move on Tuesday, stating […]
A Diplomatic U-Turn: South Sudan Reverses Deportation Decision for Mr. Makula Kintu
By Jeniffer J. Ogawi In a surprising diplomatic move, the Government of South Sudan has reversed its previous decision regarding Mr. Makula Kintu, a South Sudanese national who was denied entry at Juba International Airport on April 5 and 6, 2025. This unexpected reversal comes after two days of uncertainty, as Mr. Kintu was left […]
Juba Reacts with Disappointment Over U.S. Visa Ban Linked to Deportee Incident
By Jenifer J. Ogawi The government of South Sudan has expressed disappointment and concern over the United States’ decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese nationals and suspend new visa issuance, following a recent deportation incident involving a misidentified individual. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ambassador Apuk Mayen, the Director General for Consular Affairs, […]
I Was Bullied for Wanting to Run for President—But I Stand Proud as a South Sudanese with a Disability
By Dr. Deng Bol Aruai Bol This week, a 3-minute, 39-second audio message from Mr. Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), was shared widely among the public. In it, Mr. Yakani raised serious concerns about growing incidents of bullying, mockery, and verbal abuse targeting persons with disabilities in […]
Yakani calls on NTC to convene urgent R-ARCSS meeting
The Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani has called on the National Transition Committee (NTC) to convene meeting to address the challenges affecting peace. According to the statement extended to this outlet, Yakani expressed that the peace solution to the current instability will come when all parties to Revitalized Agreement […]
Governor Koang suspends SPLM/A-IO’s Nasir County Commissioner amid rising tensions
The Governor of Upper Nile State, James Koang Chuol Ranlay, has issued a gubernatorial order suspending the Commissioner of Nasir County, James Gatluak Lew Thiep, with immediate effect. According to Gubernatorial Decree No. 03/2025, dated April 4, 2025, and shared with the media, the suspension takes effect immediately. “I, H.E. James Koang Chuol Ranlay, Governor […]
South Sudan lifts nationwide curfew imposed after riots over Sudan killings
South Sudan has lifted a nationwide curfew imposed more than 10 days ago after a night of deadly rioting in the capital over the alleged killing of South Sudanese people by the army and allied groups in neighbouring Sudan, its spokesperson said on Monday. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Riots erupted in Juba and elsewhere in the […]
Civil society across ten states warns of escalating insecurity
Civil society networks operating across South Sudan’s ten states, together with Greater Pibor and Ruweng Administrative Areas, have raised alarm over what they describe as a rapidly deteriorating security situation that is severely affecting civilian wellbeing across the country. In a joint press statement released earlier today, the networks warned that growing military confrontations and […]
Judges end secret hearings in Dr. Machar case, allow public access
The Special Court investigating the Incident of Nasir has announced that all future hearings in the case against First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven other leaders of the SPLM/A (IO) will be open to the public and the media, marking a significant shift from weeks of closed-door proceedings. The announcement was made on […]
UN warns senior leaders could be held liable for Jonglei violence
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that senior political and military leaders could face individual criminal responsibility for violence in Jonglei State. In a statement issued on January 25, the Commission expressed grave alarm at public remarks by senior military figures that encourage violence against civilians, combined with reports […]
UNMISS condemns Olony’s orders as civilians bear brunt of Jonglei fighting
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned reported orders attributed to military commander Gen. Johnson Olony, warning that inflammatory rhetoric urging indiscriminate violence is placing civilians at extreme risk amid escalating conflict in Jonglei State. In a statement, UNMISS said it is gravely concerned by reports that a senior military leader […]
SSPDF orders civilian evacuation from SPLA-IO-held areas
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has ordered the immediate evacuation of civilians from areas under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in parts of Jonglei State, citing imminent military operations aimed at restoring security. In a press release issued on January 25, 2026, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang […]
MSF evacuates staff from Akobo as security situation deteriorates
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has evacuated critical staff members from its healthcare facility in Akobo County, Jonglei State, following a sharp deterioration in the security situation in the area. The evacuation took place on 24 January after MSF received a clear instruction from relevant authorities and conducted its own […]
SSPDF general’s words ignite fears of widespread civilian killings — Rights group
Human rights activists have raised grave alarm following incendiary remarks attributed to a senior South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander, warning that such rhetoric could fuel mass civilian killings and grave international crimes if left unaddressed. The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) on Sunday strongly condemned statements reportedly made by General Johnson Olony, […]
South Sudan relaunches Juba–Rumbek highway after years of uncertainty
After years of delays, reversals, and unanswered questions, the Government of South Sudan on Saturday officially relaunched the construction of the long-stalled Juba–Rumbek Highway. The relaunch marked the return of the project to Shandong Hi-Speed Company, the original contractor, following a prolonged period of uncertainty during which construction was suspended and the contract controversially reassigned. […]
800 dignity kits distributed to vulnerable women and girls in Juba
Hundreds of vulnerable women and girls in Juba on Friday received much-needed dignity kits aimed at improving personal hygiene, safety, and wellbeing amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. The distribution was officially launched during a ceremony attended by senior government officials and development partners, with the Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Nuna Rhoda, presiding over […]
RJMEC demands for Machar’s release, immediate dialogue and ceasefire compliance
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has demanded the immediate release of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, renewed high-level political dialogue, and strict compliance with the Permanent Ceasefire. Briefing the African Union Peace and Security Council on Friday, RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow (rtd), said the political and […]
