Church vs. State: Munuki land dispute sparks heated debate
A long-standing land dispute has resurfaced between the government and church leaders in Munuki, igniting concerns over land ownership, development, and religious rights. The controversy came to light after Rev. Paul Samuel Paul of St. Stephen Parish Church accused officials of forcibly entering church property under national security escort, demolishing structures without prior warning. In […]
Civil servants voice frustrations over delayed salaries
Civil servants have expressed growing frustration over delays in their monthly salary payments, citing a lack of government action despite prior assurances. This discontent follows a statement released last month by Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Clusters, reaffirming the government’s commitment to timely salary payments for civil servants and […]
U.S. grants visas to South Sudan delegation for major IMF, World Bank meetings
The United States has officially granted visas to a high-level South Sudanese delegation set to attend the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. This development follows a day of discussions between South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Monday Semaya, and the U.S. Ambassador to South […]
Visa fraud carries serious consequences, warns U.S. Embassy
The United States Embassy in South Sudan has issued a stern warning about visa fraud, emphasizing its severe legal repercussions for offenders in the U.S. In a statement obtained by Standard Zone News, the embassy underscored the high security of U.S. visas, asserting that any attempt to counterfeit them would be detected. “The U.S. visa […]
Against all odds: Disabled teen shoe shiner defies economic hardship in Juba
As South Sudan grapples with a crippling economic downturn – marked by soaring prices, a volatile exchange rate, and dwindling oil revenues – resilience becomes the currency of survival for many citizens. For 16-year-old Kiir Kiir Bol, a physically disabled youth from Malualkon in Aweil East County, hope shines through the polish on the shoes […]
Remembering the Pope’s plea: Will South Sudan leaders embrace peace?
As South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement teeters between failure and progress, the death of Pope Francis has become a poignant moment for the nation’s leaders to reflect on their promises to never return the country to war. On Monday, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, […]
Terekeka communities reconcile after deadly clashes
The Jor and Koggi communities in Terekeke Country of Central Equatoria State have reconciled and pledged to coexist peacefully, reaffirming their long-standing social ties. This reconciliation follows violent clashes over contested grazing land that left at least eight people dead and 18 others injured, consequently displacing many families, predominantly women and children, from Koggi village, […]
Yakani calls for investigation into Nasir Conflict, citing human rights violations
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has called for an independent commission to investigate the Nasir conflict and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for human rights violations. According to a statement extended to the media, Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), expressed concern over a series of videos […]
Activist skeptical as SSPDF urges displaced residents to return to Nasir
Human rights activist Ter Manyang Gatwech has voiced skepticism over the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces’ (SSPDF) recent appeal for displaced civilians to return to Nasir town, Upper Nile, following weeks of clashes in the county. In an interview on Tuesday, Gatwech, who heads the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), acknowledged army’s call as […]
Governor orders arrest of chiefs over theft in Warrap State
Authorities in Warrap State have detained five chiefs from Tonj North County following an order by Governor Magok Magok to recover 300 stolen cattle from the Leer community. The arrested chiefs including Paramount Chief Ayii Agiu Kuot, Executive Chiefs Deng Ayuel Madut, Deng Chol Mayen, Nyang Monyluek Mapiny, and Sub-Chief Akech Aleu Madut, were accused […]
