Why Juba favors legal action over dialogue with fractured SPLM-IO
The transitional government has shifted its approach to resolving disagreements with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), opting for legal proceedings over further dialogue. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei, said on Saturday, April 26, that this decision follows a series of unsuccessful dialogues which led to the recent clashes in Nasir and Ulang counties of […]
Gov’t halts Nairobi Tumaini Initiative to address internal peace challenges
The government has announced its decision to pause the Nairobi peace talks, known as the Tumaini Initiative, to prioritize resolving internal peace hurdles stemming from the 2018 revitalized agreement. Speaking to the media on Saturday, government spokesperson Michael Makuei highlighted that internal divisions within the main opposition, a key signatory of the peace agreement, are […]
Will gov’t win the fight against ‘Jana FAR’
Central Equatoria State government has intensified its fight against illicit alcohol, recently seizing and destroying large quantities of spirits known locally as ‘Jana FAR.’ As part of enforcing a gubernatorial order prohibiting production and sale of such drinks, this action has generated debate and mixed reactions among Juba residents on effectiveness of the exercise. ‘Jana […]
Cholera crisis in Juba: Health Ministry sounds alarm as cases surge
Juba Teaching Hospital health officials have raised alarm over a sharp rise in cholera cases, urging residents to seek immediate treatment and follow proper hygiene practices to curb the outbreak. Speaking to the media, Dr. Annin Ngot Ngot, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, said the government has intensified its monitoring efforts as cases continue […]
President Kiir pays tribute to late Pope Francis at Vatican Embassy in Juba
President Salva Kiir visited the Vatican Embassy in Juba to honor the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. Signing the condolence letter, Kiir praised the Pope’s legacy of peace and his deep connection to South Sudan. The Pope, who visited the country in 2023 and made a historic peace appeal in 2019, […]
President Kiir seeks stronger diplomacy amidst challenges
President Salva Kiir is pressing Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba, to intensify efforts in strengthening international relationships. The call, made during a meeting at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, comes as South Sudan faces diplomatic challenges. A key concern that has strained bilateral relations is the recent decision by […]
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 […]
