Trees as a shield against floods in Rubkona county

In the flood-prone areas of Rubkona, years of deforestation and changing rainfall patterns had turned once-productive land into waterlogged plains. Seasonal floods destroyed homes, displaced families, and washed away trees and crops in the area leaving communities struggling to rebuild year after year. This initiative was led by Save the Children, Tearfund and Coalition for […]
Complainer alleges Machar, White Army carried Nasir attack, method remains unproven

Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused faced tense testimony Friday, with the main complainer claiming plots against SSPDF in Nasir, but unable to specify how the attack occurred. Captain Richard Gachi Apollo, representing the National Security Service, testified that Dr. Machar conspired with the White Army militia and SPLA-IO forces to orchestrate attacks on the […]
CIGPJ empowers displaced persons with knowledge on Transitional Justice Laws

The Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ), on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, conducted civic education for displaced persons on the Commission for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation (CTHR) and the Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA) Bills – two key legislations of the country’s transitional justice framework. The civic education, held at the Protection of […]
Unity State health officials warn of rising maternal deaths, environmental risks

Health experts in Unity State are calling for immediate and coordinated action to address rising maternal deaths, teenage pregnancies, and environmental risks that continue to threaten the wellbeing of women and newborns. The call was made during a quarterly review meeting held in August 2025, where County Health Director Mr. Gai Patai painted a stark […]
South Sudan launches $17 million schools project targeting 200,000 children

South Sudan has launched a landmark education initiative aimed at protecting over 200,000 schoolchildren from the escalating effects of climate change, including floods, droughts, and extreme heat that continue to disrupt learning across the country. Speaking during the launch in Juba, Vice President Josephine Lagu described the project as “a promise to the children of […]
Governor Al-Taib signs first Bill into law in Western Equatoria State

The Governor of Western Equatoria State, James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, has signed his first bill into law, marking a significant milestone in the state’s legislative and governance history. The new legislation, ‘The Western Equatoria Constitutional Postholders’ Emoluments and Entitlements Act 2025’ was signed on Friday at the Governor’s Office in Yambio. He signed in the […]
South Sudan orders 70% UNMISS reduction, closes bases, POCs

The government of South Sudan has demanded a significant drawdown of UNMISS forces, including base closures and halting aerial operations, according to a diplomatic note obtained by Standard Zone News. The note, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28th October 2025, represents the most significant challenge to the UN peacekeeping mission in South […]
High-level forum calls for action to empower young women in agriculture

Government officials, UN agencies, and development partners have urged stronger investments in young women’s participation in agriculture, calling it essential for food security, inclusive economic growth, and lasting peace. The High-Level Intergenerational Forum on Women in Agriculture, held in Juba under the theme “Empowering Young Women in Agriculture and Agribusiness: A Force Multiplier for Gender […]
Freedom for sale: How Juba parents pay to free their sons

In the dim corridors of Juba’s police stations, freedom has become a transaction. Mothers whisper of officers demanding money, fathers sell goats and land, and families live in fear that one day, their sons will not come home. It begins with an accusation: “gang member.” No proof. No paperwork. Just an arrest. What follows is […]
South Sudan women call for holistic empowerment beyond policy promises

The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has urged for a more holistic and practical approach to women’s empowerment, one that goes beyond policy statements and symbolic representation during the opening of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Conference in Juba on Monday. Speaking on behalf of the government, Joyce Ayoub, Program Assistant at […]