SSPDF Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to GPAA Armed Youth to Halt March Toward Jonglei State
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), ordering them to cease their advance toward Jonglei State and disperse immediately. In a statement released to the media, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang alleged that over the past three days, […]
Pressure mounts on Gov’t to release Dr. Machar, reschedules R-JMEC sitting
Leading embassies have expressed concern over the stagnation of peace efforts in South Sudan, urging the government to take immediate action to facilitate dialogue. In a joint statement Thursday, the embassies of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the Delegation of the European Union, highlighted the ongoing […]
Kuol Denies Coup Allegations Against Dr. Machar
The Interim Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), Stephen Par Kuol, on Wednesday dismissed claims that the recent leadership appointments in the movement amounted to a coup against Dr. Riek Machar. Kuol, who also serves as the Minister of Peacebuilding, stated that the decision to appoint interim leaders was made to address a […]
SPLM-IO National Liberation Council Appoints Interim Leaders Amid Political Uncertainty
The National Liberation Council (NLC) of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has appointed interim leaders to steer the party following the detention of its Chairperson, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. In a consultative meeting held on Wednesday at Palm Africa Hotel, the NLC named Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol as the interim […]
Leadership Shake-Up Looms in SPLM-IO Amid Juba Consultative Meeting
By John Akoon Political tensions are escalating within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) as a leadership consultative meeting unfolds in the capital, Juba. The gathering has sparked widespread speculation about a potential leadership change, with many drawing parallels to the controversial 2016 incident that elevated Taban Deng Gai to the position of First […]
A Diplomatic U-Turn: South Sudan Reverses Deportation Decision for Mr. Makula Kintu
By Jeniffer J. Ogawi In a surprising diplomatic move, the Government of South Sudan has reversed its previous decision regarding Mr. Makula Kintu, a South Sudanese national who was denied entry at Juba International Airport on April 5 and 6, 2025. This unexpected reversal comes after two days of uncertainty, as Mr. Kintu was left […]
Juba Reacts with Disappointment Over U.S. Visa Ban Linked to Deportee Incident
By Jenifer J. Ogawi The government of South Sudan has expressed disappointment and concern over the United States’ decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese nationals and suspend new visa issuance, following a recent deportation incident involving a misidentified individual. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ambassador Apuk Mayen, the Director General for Consular Affairs, […]
Lam Denies Poisoning Claims: “It’s a Lie”
Peter Lam Both, the former Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), has strongly denied recent media reports claiming that he was poisoned in Juba and is currently receiving medical treatment. In a statement sent to The Standard Zone via WhatsApp, Lam addressed the rumors, saying, “This serves to inform the general public […]
The Joke of the Year: A Political Showdown in SPLM-IO
The SPLM-IO, a cornerstone of South Sudan’s political fabric, has weathered countless storms since its inception. Emerging from the nation’s turbulent history, the party has been a beacon of resistance and reform. Yet, recent events, following the arrest of the party’s leader, Dr. Riek Machar, confining him to the house, have laid bare internal divisions […]
Death toll rises to 36 in Abiemnom attack
By Joseph Malek The tragic aftermath of an attack in Abiemnum County within the Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA), continuous to unfold, as the death toll has risen to 36, up from an initial count of 29. The violent incident occurred on Wednesday when youth from neighboring Mayom County in Unity State targeted the community in […]
