Stranded returnees call for urgent repatriation as living conditions worsen
Returnees from Northern Bahr el Ghazal State stranded in the Abyei Administrative Area have described the increasingly dire conditions they face, urging the government to expedite their repatriation as the rainy season approaches. On May 13, the state government transported over 1,000 returnees to their counties of origin and resettled them there. However, according to […]
Northern Bahr el Ghazal governor seeks national support on agriculture
Governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut is seeking intervention from the national government to address challenges hindering developmental projects, particularly within the state’s vital agriculture sector. Mr. Ober met with Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who also serves as Chairperson for the Economic Cluster, in Juba on Monday, during which […]
No let-up in CES revenue dispute as battle over tax collection intensifies
The ongoing battle over revenue collection between Central Equatoria State (CES) and the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has escalated, with the former asserting its constitutional right to collect taxes despite the latter’s claims that only the national government holds such authority. The dispute stems from last week’s media briefing by the NRA, where its leadership […]
Activist sentenced to one year in prison for defaming governor
Dut Kuot Akook, a Northern Bahr el Ghazal-based activist who has been in a legal battle with State Governor Simon Ober Mawut over a defamation case, has been sentenced to one year and two months’ imprisonment. Kuot, who was employed by the state Ministry of Finance, was arrested on February 26, 2025, following an allegation […]
Powerful winds take down radio towers, cutting off vital news source
Residents of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state are grappling with frustration after powerful winds and heavy rains brought down two radio towers, silencing key community stations in the region. Akol Yam FM 91.0, which serves the entire state and parts of Warrap, has gone off air, leaving many without daily news and vital updates. The […]
NEC prepares Central Equatoria for 2026 elections with new office
National Elections Commission (NEC) has inaugurated its Central Equatoria State High Elections Office, a move to prepare groundwork for the upcoming polls. Speaking during the inauguration, Paulino Lukudu Obede, acting governor of Central Equatoria State, said the new office represents a significant milestone in strengthening democratic institutions within the state. Lukudu further stated that the […]
Opposition divisions cast uncertainty over South Sudan’s legislative future
South Sudan’s parliament is set to reopen in June 2025, but deepening political divisions threaten the stability of legislative proceedings. The ongoing crisis, particularly within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has disrupted parliamentary functions, raising concerns about governance and the future of the peace process, according to an activist. Civil society leader […]
Balanda community urges gov’t to probe killing of lawmaker
Balanda community in Tombura County, Western Equatoria State has called on the government to investigate the killing of a state member of parliament who was shot by unidentified gunmen on Thursday. In a statement signed by Eddy Ukele Gumasi, Balanda community chairperson, lawmaker Cross Bazia was ambushed and fatally shot while traveling to his farm […]
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 […]
SPLM-IO MP supports parliament’s resumption, calls for quorum clarity
A member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), loyal to Dr. Riek Machar, has welcomed President Salva Kiir’s decision to reopen parliament amid ongoing political tensions. Juol Nhomngek Gec, an MP representing Cueibet County in Lakes State under the SPLM-IO ticket, told Standard Zone News on Wednesday that his party’s lawmakers will […]
