Why UNSC should separate individual sanctions from arms embargo
Civil society activist Ter Manyang Gatwech has criticized the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) penholders for conflating arms embargoes with individual sanctions, pointing out various risks associated with these approaches. In a statement to Standard Zone News, Manyang, who leads the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, explained that these two measures serve different purposes, and […]
NBG governor denies funding social media war against opponents
Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut, has denied claims that he funded a social media campaign against his opponents. In an exclusive interview with Standard Zone News, Garang Makuei, deputy press secretary in governor’s office, stated that the governor lacks the financial resources to support such activities. “We don’t even have […]
Defend the Constitution from political interference, Dr. Geri tells advocates
Dr. Geri Raimondo, an assistant professor at the University of Juba, has called on advocates to protect the South Sudan constitution from political interference and violations. Speaking during the induction lecture for newly admitted advocates to the South Sudan Bar Association on Saturday, Dr. Geri emphasized the importance of courage in standing up for constitutional […]
Authorities call for peace and assistance as Tonj violence subsides
Following deadly clashes in Tonj East, Warrap State, the government has restored calm and is calling for humanitarian intervention. Warrap State Information Minister Mamer Bath confirmed that security forces have stabilized the area after violent confrontations between warring communities, claiming about 62 lives on May 28–29. At least 20 women were among the victims, with […]
NGO leader sounds alarm over double tax pressure in South Sudan
Conflicting personal income tax (PIT) demands from both the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and State Revenue Authorities are placing crippling pressure on national NGOs in South Sudan, threatening their ability to continue delivering essential services. The latest warning comes amid a broader and ongoing dispute between Central Equatoria State and the SSNRA over tax collection […]
South Sudan’s gold sector faces revenue risks amid illicit mining
A new report by the Civil Society Coalition of Natural Resources (CSCNR) has exposed serious transparency issues and revenue collection risks in South Sudan’s gold mining sector. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Social Policy and Research (ISPR), highlights how illicit mining practices and weak regulatory oversight are costing the government millions […]
Stop the violence: Activist urges immediate gov’t intervention in Tonj East
A civil society activist has condemned deadly inter-communal conflict in Tonj East County, Warrap State, where fierce fighting between the Jalwau and Luacjang communities has reportedly resulted in 26 fatalities. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progressive Organization (CEPO), urged the leadership in Juba to respond swiftly to de-escalate tensions in Tonj […]
Warrap gov’t deploys 1,500 soldiers to quell deadly conflict in Tonj East
Warrap State authorities have announced a plan to deploy 1,500 troops to Tonj East County to quell an escalating inter-communal violence in the area that has been ongoing for three days. According to media reports, the violent clashes between the Luacjang and Jalwau communities has killed at least 26 people with the number expected to […]
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 […]
Freight forwarders back SSNBS’s role in regulating imports for public safety
The South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA) has expressed strong support for the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) following its recent interception of substandard fuel at the Nimule border point. Earlier this week, SSNBS officials halted 11 trucks carrying fuel that failed to meet East African standards. The trucks, attempting to enter South […]
