Activists demand gov’t commitment to end sexual violence
As South Sudan joins the world in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, civil society organizations are urging the government to take solid steps to end both gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual violence. The day, marked each year on the 19th of June, aims to raise awareness about the […]
SSPDF issues ultimatum to armed youth amid violence in Warrap, Unity States
The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has issued a one-week ultimatum for armed youth in Warrap and Unity states, particularly in Mayom County, to voluntarily surrender their weapons. This directive follows recent violent encounter in Ngap-Agok Payam, Tonj East County, Warrap State, where armed youth ambushed SSPDF soldiers, seizing their weapons. In response, the […]
Shortages in training and resources undermine Police Services, Gen. Enoka
South Sudan’s police force is grappling with severe shortcomings in professional training and essential resources, a crisis that continues to hinder effective law enforcement across the country, according to Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka. Speaking during the official handover ceremony from his predecessor, Col. John Kassar, Gen. Enoka highlighted that more than 70% of police […]
Imposing Par as SPLM-IO leader will create more problems, MP warns
A Member of Parliament representing Cueibet County, Lakes State, in the national assembly under the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has warned that promoting Stephen Par Kuol to lead the party will only create more problems. In an interview with The Standard Zone News on Wednesday, Juol Nhomngek asserted that Mr. Par, who […]
SSPDF declines to comment on bombings in Jonglei, Unity State
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has declined to comment on the ongoing ‘strategic bombing raids’ in Fangak and Mayom Counties of Jonglei and Unity States, respectively. On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, an airstrike, reportedly carried out by an Antonov aircraft, struck a grazing area near Mayom County in Unity State. Initial reports indicate no […]
SSPDF, SPLA-IO trade blame over deadly road ambush
A blame game has emerged between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) as both sides trade accusations over recent ambushes on commercial vehicles along the Juba–Terekeka Road. The attacks allegedly resulted in the death of a Somali national and the abduction of several others. In a […]
Airstrike on hospital kills seven, injures dozens
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that an airstrike on its hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan, killed at least seven people and injured 20 others. The attack began early Saturday morning with helicopter gunships bombing the hospital pharmacy and firing on the town, followed by a drone strike on the local market. The bombing severely […]
Military orders release of hijacked barges as river transport crisis deepens
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), along with elements of the White Army, of hijacking United Nations barges and boats belonging to Sudanese businessmen, ordering their immediate and unconditional release. According to a statement issued by SSPDF spokesperson Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the hijackings occurred […]
River Nile Route: CDF orders immediate removal of illegal checkpoints
The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Paul Nang Majok, has issued a directive for the immediate dismantling of all unauthorized checkpoints along the River Nile, in a move aimed at improving trade and easing transportation. In a statement to the media on Friday, the SSPDF Spokesperson, […]
Activist skeptical as SSPDF urges displaced residents to return to Nasir
Human rights activist Ter Manyang Gatwech has voiced skepticism over the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces’ (SSPDF) recent appeal for displaced civilians to return to Nasir town, Upper Nile, following weeks of clashes in the county. In an interview on Tuesday, Gatwech, who heads the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), acknowledged army’s call as […]
