Judicial accountability in focus as Yakani appeals for change
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has urged South Sudan’s judiciary to prioritize accountability and independence, calling on newly appointed Chief Justice Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng and his deputy to spearhead meaningful reforms. Yakani’s remarks come after President Salva Kiir emphasized the need for transparency and efficient justice delivery in a recent address during Dr. Baak’s […]
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 […]
Government urged to halt land demarcation in Nyamini amid tensions
A fresh land dispute has emerged in Lado Payam, with the Nyangwara-Pojulu Tijor community urging the state government to halt the ongoing land demarcation process in Nyamini. Last week, a group of elders and chiefs from the Bari community announced plans to allocate more than 20,000 plots in Nyamini, claiming that local chiefs, women, youth, […]
Jonglei teachers threaten strike over three months’ unpaid salaries
Jonglei State Teachers’ Union (JSTU) is urging the government and the National Ministry of Finance and Planning to pay overdue salaries for March, April, and May 2025. In a statement dated June 2, 2025, the Union noted that salaries for the mentioned months have not been paid, despite government announcement that funds have been disbursed. […]
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 […]
Judicial overhaul begins as Baak takes over Supreme Court
South Sudan’s judiciary is set for a major transformation as President Salva Kiir Mayardit officially swore in Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng Bol as the new Chief Justice in a ceremony at the Presidency on Monday. Dr. Baak assumes the highest judicial office alongside his newly appointed deputy, Laku Tranquilo Nyombe. Supreme Court Justice Dr. James […]
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 […]
ECSS suspends 20 priests over alleged revival of ethnic congregation
The Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) has suspended 20 priests from the Internal Province of Amadi in Western Equatoria State over allegations of reviving an ethnic congregation. In a suspension order issued by Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, Primate of the ECSS, on May 29, 2025, the affected priests are prohibited from performing any pastoral […]
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 […]
Public pins hope on new chief justice for legal reforms
President Salva Kiir’s recent appointment of a new Chief Justice has sparked optimism among lawyers, activists, and members of the public, who hope for long-overdue reforms in South Sudan’s judiciary. On Wednesday night, President Kiir removed long-serving Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut after 13 years in office, appointing Justice Benjamin Baak Deng as his successor. […]
