OPP slams Peter Mayen over remarks against Minister Lomuro

Tensions flared within South Sudan’s political landscape as the Other Political Parties (OPP) launched a scathing attack on their former leader, Peter Mayen Majongdit, after he branded Cabinet Minister Martin Elia Lomuro a “peace spoiler.” The fiery backlash marks a deepening rift, with OPP accusing Mayen of reckless bombast that threatens the fragile peace process. […]
Leadership must enable credible elections to end violence; activist urges authorities

As South Sudan moves toward its long-awaited elections, persistent delays have raised concerns about political stability and democratic progress. Analysts attribute these setbacks to the conflicting ambitions of individual leaders and the broader challenge of establishing a stable democratic system. The political and armed groups have often viewed elections and peace itself as threats to […]
Aweil East residents decry chronic court delays

Chronic court delays in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, have left many residents frustrated and doubtful about the local legal system. For the residents, the wait for justice has become an agonizing, costly, and dangerous ordeal that tests their faith in the rule of law, and they are demanding urgent intervention. Among […]
South Sudan struggles to curb smuggling along its border

South Sudan is grappling with waves of smuggled substandard and intoxicated goods, posing serious health risks to its citizens. Recent reports highlight the alarming ways these items are secretly transported into the country, concealed beneath legitimate imports in trucks at border entry points. Simon Akuei Deng, Commissioner of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), has […]
Worship war: Moru congregation rejects suspension of priests

The Moru congregations in Western Equatoria State have rejected Juba Diocese’s decision to suspend their priests, calling the action unjustified and a clear overreach of authority. This rejection comes amid rising tension and an apparent leadership wrangle within the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, after Primate Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Archbishop of Juba, suspended 20 […]
As oil revenue dwindles, gov’t intensifies campaign for tax payments to stay afloat

In a move to address the country’s economic downturn, the government is shifting its focus in collecting non-oil revenues, with officials now intensifying campaigns for citizens and businesses to pay their taxes into the government treasury. Speaking at the handover of Nestiu roadside parking customs point on Thursday, Commissioner General of South Sudan Revenue Authority […]
NILE PET rejects Workers’ Trade Union, urges registration amid strike

The management of Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILE PET) has dismissed the existence of a trade union for its workers, who staged a sit-in strike over delayed salary payments, urging them to register formally. In a statement obtained by Standard Zone News, Wednesday, Nilepet clarified that the Workers Trade Union is not legally recognized within the […]
Worsening human rights crisis in South Sudan’s conflict – Yakani

The ongoing armed conflict in South Sudan has led to grave human rights violations, with civilians enduring widespread atrocities as warring factions continue to commit shocking acts, including the humiliation and burning of deceased opponents. Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, has described the scene a “clear evidence of the erosion of human dignity,” […]
Activist calls for civic space in Northern Bahr el Ghazal

A civil society leader in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Bulis Nguak Deng, has urged Governor Simon Ober Mawut to formally declare civic and political space in the state, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression as guaranteed by South Sudan’s constitution. Speaking to Standard Zone News over the weekend, Nguak stressed that every citizen […]
NBGS lawmakers push for assembly reopening in face of executive delays

The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Assembly has remained inactive, with its sessions suspended for about three months since March 2025. However, lawmakers had anticipated that the assembly would resume on June 1, 2025, with a primary focus on the fiscal year budget preparation ahead of the next financial year comes July 1, 2025. The […]