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 […]
Brains, not power: How Mancala became South Sudan’s timeless sport
Under the shade of an old tamarind tree in Juba’s St. Kizito neighborhood, a circle of elders leans over a wooden board, pebbles clicking softly as they move from hole to hole. Laughter and silence trade places in pace yet this is no idle pastime. This is Mancala, locally known as ‘Mungola’ a centuries-old […]
Army chief declares Nhial Deng Nhial a rebel following formation of new party
South Sudan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Paul Nang Majok, has declared that the army will take firm action against individuals accused of taking up arms against the government, including former senior SPLM official Nhial Deng Nhial, who recently announced the formation of a new political party. According to Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, […]
Freedom for sale: How Juba parents pay to free their sons
In the dim corridors of Juba’s police stations, freedom has become a transaction. Mothers whisper of officers demanding money, fathers sell goats and land, and families live in fear that one day, their sons will not come home. It begins with an accusation: “gang member.” No proof. No paperwork. Just an arrest. What follows is […]
