SSPDF given lead security mandate over Heglig in tripartite agreement

A tripartite agreement has been reached between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), granting the SSPDF primary security responsibility over the Heglig oilfield region (also known as Panthou). The move comes after recent turmoil over control of the strategic facility amid intensifying conflict in neighbouring Sudan. […]
SPLM-IG, allies endorse 2026 elections without census, constitution

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG) and its allied political parties have endorsed plans to proceed with the December 2026 elections without completing two critical preconditions; the national population census and the permanent constitution-making process. The decision was reached on Wednesday during a high-level meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit with leaders of […]
South Sudanese mediators calls for ceasefire ahead of Dec. 15–19 home dialogue

A coalition of national mediators and stakeholders has issued a strong call for a nationwide ceasefire ahead of next week’s long-awaited joint dialogue between stakeholders and the party’s signatory to the 2018 Peace Agreement. The discussions, scheduled for 15–19 December 2025, are expected to bring political actors together for the most significant homegrown peace engagement […]
SSPDF confirms disarming SAF troops entering border after Heglig clash

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have confirmed that they disarmed a group of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers who crossed the border into Paan Akuach following fierce clashes around the contested Heglig/Panthou oil region. Lieutenant General Johnson Olony, SSPDF Assistant Chief for Mobilization and Disarmament, told reporters that dozens of SAF soldiers fled […]
Activist Yakani condemns assault on lawyer in forced marriage case

A human rights activist has condemned the reported assault of defense lawyer Josephine Ahel (Adhet) Deng inside a Juba police station, describing the incident as a serious breach of child-protection laws and a troubling escalation in a long-running forced marriage case involving a teenage girl. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress […]
After decades of bloodshed, Rwanda and DRC seal Trump-brokered peace deal

In a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending one of Africa’s most persistent and devastating conflicts, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi for the signing of a historic peace agreement between their two nations. The deal, hailed by all three leaders as a […]
Justice for sale: Mothers expose bribery and abuse in Juba cells

At 56, Agnes Awadia carries the memory of her son’s arrest like a wound that refuses to heal. Ben, unarmed and with no gang ties, was swept up during a police crackdown and pushed into the dim cells where freedom often depends less on justice than on payment. It began on a humid July evening […]
Kiir pledges full support to traders hit by custom market blaze

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has conveyed deep regret over the fire that devastated Nyakuron/Custom Market on Monday evening, assuring full government support to traders affected by the tragedy. The inferno, which started around 6:00 PM on 1 December 2025, destroyed dozens of shops and goods worth millions, dealing a severe blow to families who relied […]
Yei mobile court to begin proceedings tomorrow, Tuesday

A mobile court will commence proceedings in Yei River County, Central Equatoria, from 2–16 December 2025, as part of South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to extend judicial services to areas without permanent courts, according to a letter issued by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The initiative is being implemented by South Sudan’s Judiciary […]
Activists warn politicians against manipulating South Sudanese-to-South Sudanese dialogue

Civil society activists have issued a strong warning to political leaders and parties in South Sudan against attempting to manipulate the ongoing South Sudanese-to-South Sudanese dialogue, emphasizing that such actions could undermine the peace process and harm ordinary citizens. The warning comes amid growing concerns over political splits and internal power struggles within parties that […]