Vice President Lagu calls for unity through culture
Vice President and Chairperson of the Service Cluster, Josephine Lagu, officially closed the second edition of the Pojulu Cultural Festival on Monday, urging South Sudanese communities to embrace unity and safeguard their rich cultural heritage. Addressing a gathering of cultural leaders, government officials, and community members, Lagu applauded the Pojulu people for proudly showcasing their […]
Governor Ober urges constructive criticism amid leadership concerns
The governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut, has urged critics of his leadership to engage in constructive discussions rather than resorting to personal attacks. His remarks follow growing calls from citizens urging President Salva Kiir to replace him, accusing him of governing with an iron fist marked by arbitrary arrests and […]
No more delays: Civil society presses government to deliver 2026 elections
Civil society leader Edmund Yakani has welcomed President Salva Kiir’s recent commitment to holding national elections in December 2026, calling it a crucial step toward democratic transition in South Sudan. However, he warned that without genuine political will, institutional readiness, and sufficient resources, the elections could once again be postponed. Yakani was responding to a […]
Yakani condemns killing of Tombura church leader
The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has strongly condemned the recent killing of a Catholic Church leader in Tombura County, Western Equatoria State. In a statement extended to Standard Zone News, Yakani described the killing as a criminal act and a gross violation of human rights. “I would […]
Azande King urges South Sudanese tribes to preserve cultural heritage
The King of the Azande Kingdom, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, urged all South Sudanese tribes to actively promote and preserve their cultural heritage as a pathway to national unity and enduring peace. In his address at the opening of the three-day Pojulu Cultural Festival in Juba, the Azande monarch underscored the vital role of cultural […]
Leaders reach consensus to nominate Machar’s replacement
The High-Level Standing Committee (HLSC) overseeing South Sudan’s peace agreement has reached a critical decision to nominate a replacement for detained SPLM-IO chairman Dr. Riek Machar. The decision follows a high-stakes meeting in Juba on Thursday, marking a pivotal shift in the leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) by recognizing Stephen Par Kuol […]
UNSC urges unity gov’t to prepare for 2026 poll
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called on the government of South Sudan to organize an inclusive, transparent, and credible election in December 2026. The Council made the call during its meeting on the status of South Sudan held on May 8, 2025, in which it extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission […]
CES suspends land allotment after residents clash with worshipers
Following a clash between worshippers and residents, Central Equatoria State (CES) has suspended land allotment activities in the disputed area around St. Stephen Church, Munuki. Dispute over the land in question started last month when CES started demolishing structures at the surrounding of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), asserting that the land belongs […]
Gov’t orders mandatory local currency banking
In a move to address money laundering, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Bank of South Sudan has directed all traders to deposit their bulk cash holdings into banks by noon CAT on Friday, May 9th, 2025. In a circular signed by Dr. Abraham Telar, acting commissioner for Financial Intelligence Unit, the directive is […]
President Kiir urges peace, stability in Eastern Equatoria State
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed Governor Louis Lobong Lojore to ensure peace and stability in Eastern Equatoria State. During a meeting at the State House in Juba, the President emphasized the importance of maintaining security, political harmony, and economic development in the state. Governor Lobong reported that the state remains peaceful, with ongoing efforts […]
