Rising violence could derail South Sudan elections, activist warns

Hopes for South Sudan’s first peaceful and democratic elections since independence are under growing threat as renewed outbreaks of violence grip parts of the country. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, warned that without urgent efforts to end ongoing conflict and implement the 2018 peace agreement, South Sudan is at risk of missing its chance […]
Activist warns of looming crisis as peace implementation stalls

An activist has raised serious concerns over the stagnation of the peace process in South Sudan, warning that continued delays could plunge the country into a leadership legitimacy crisis. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), criticized the warring parties for allowing valuable time to be consumed by conflict instead […]
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 […]
Calm returns to Tonj South, after deadly inter-communal fights

Calm is gradually returning to Tonj South of Warrap State after deadly inter-communal fighting that claimed fifteen civilians’ lives and 16 others wounded, the government said. Speaking to the Standard Zone new on Friday, the state Information Minister and Government Spokesperson, James Ayiek Bath said clashes between armed civilians have ceased but situation remains tense. […]
Embassy closures show frustration over South Sudan peace delays, activist says

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has urged South Sudan’s leaders to recommit to the peace process following the closure of some foreign embassies in Juba. In a statement shared with this outlet, Yakani described the recent decisions by some diplomatic missions to shut down under the guise of […]
Faith and property: Church battles State over land seizure

The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) and Central Equatoria State (CES) government are locked in a serious land dispute marked by allegations of illegal land intrusion, property destruction, and threats against church leaders. The dispute began early this month when CES started demolishing structures around St. Stephen Church in Munuki, asserting that the land […]
Chaos as economic debate heats up at National Trade Forum

A heated exchange over how to address South Sudan’s fragile economy and soaring market prices took center stage at the National Trade Forum held on Monday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Juba. Tensions flared after Ladu Lukak, Chairperson of the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, and Onyoti Adigo, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, clashed […]
SPLM/A-IO Oyet faction embraces dialogue, demands Machar’s immediate release

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) faction led by Nathaniel Oyet has condemned government plans to replace detained opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar, while expressing openness to renewed dialogue to revive the peace process. Despite deep divisions within the SPLM/A-IO, Dr. Machar and several key members remain under detention, drawing repeated calls for […]
Why Juba favors legal action over dialogue with fractured SPLM-IO

The transitional government has shifted its approach to resolving disagreements with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), opting for legal proceedings over further dialogue. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei, said on Saturday, April 26, that this decision follows a series of unsuccessful dialogues which led to the recent clashes in Nasir and Ulang counties of […]