Young leaders urged to drive change for a sustainable future

Over a hundred young South Sudanese graduated in Juba on Friday after completing a month-long mentorship program under the Empowering Youth for Sustainable Futures initiative. The mentorship program equipped participants with leadership skills and knowledge in climate action and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) preparing them to champion inclusive and sustainable change in […]
Civil society warns of Gov’t legitimacy crisis over constituency review delays

A civil society signatory to the 2018 peace deal has warned that failure to review electoral constituencies on time could spark a legitimacy crisis for the government ahead of the 2026 polls. In a statement delivered under CEPO’s Pre-Election Domestic Observation Initiative, Executive Director Edmond Yakani cautioned that the government and political parties who signed […]
Tonj South recovers 164 cows, arrests suspected thieves

The Tonj South County authority reportedly recovered 164 cattle that were raided during inter-communal clashes between the Apuk-Juwiir and Thony communities on February 3, 2025. County Commissioner Col. John Ayitiak Warwien confirmed the recovery, saying he personally supervised the handover of the animals in Wanh-alel Payam. He reaffirmed his administration’s strong stance against cattle raiding […]
How Dr. Machar and co-accused’s defense cornered lead investigator

The courtroom inside Freedom Hall fell into tense silence as the defense team for First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar began cross-examining the state’s lead investigator, Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani. What followed in the sixteenth session of the Nasir Incident trial unfolded as a day of tense exchanges and probing questions that put the […]
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 […]
South Sudan expands diplomatic footprint across region, global partners

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has reaffirmed South Sudan’s growing diplomatic presence across the region and beyond, following a series of high-level engagements throughout October 2025. In its latest media briefing, the Ministry highlighted activities led by President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is currently on an official visit to the United […]
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 […]
CDF issues ultimatum to armed youth in Warrap, Jonglei

South Sudan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok, has issued a stern ultimatum directing armed youth in Warrap and Jonglei States to immediately disarm and vacate contested areas or face punitive military action. In a set of directives released from the SSPDF General Headquarters in Bilpam, the army chief ordered armed civilians […]
UN tells General Assembly: South Sudan’s peace agreement at risk of total collapse

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned the UN General Assembly that the country’s fragile peace process is in serious jeopardy, amid escalating armed conflict, political detentions, and widespread human rights violations. Speaking to the Assembly’s Third Committee, Commissioner Barney Afako said that South Sudan’s 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement once […]