South Sudan Launches Household Survey Program across the country

On April 8th, the South Sudan National Bureau of Statistics officially launched the budget for its household survey program. The event featured remarks from Dr. Mohamed, a representative from the UNDP, who emphasized the importance of the survey for the people of South Sudan. “Data policy is crucial, and this initiative is significant for the […]
Deputy Speaker Oyet’s Office Closed; No Legal Basis Cited

By Jenifer J. Ogawi The leadership of South Sudan’s National Transitional Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has officially shut down the office of First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel, citing concerns over his use of social media – though no legal basis has been cited for the decision. TNLA spokesperson Oliver Mori announced the move on Tuesday, stating […]
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 […]
SSRA’s Revenue Public Report Earns Praise for Transparency

The recent public disclosure of South Sudan’s non-oil revenue collection by the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) has garnered praise for its commitment to transparency. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), commended the SSRA’s openness after Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng revealed that South Sudan collected 132.6 billion South […]
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 […]
SPLM-IO Demands Resigning Members to Step Down from Ministerial Posts

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) is calling for members who resigned while holding ministerial positions to vacate their offices. In an interview with The Standard Zone News on Monday, Daniel Akot Akot, the SPLM-IO chairperson in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, insisted that Garang Chan Atak, who stepped down from the party […]
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 […]
Division Surfaces: SPLM-IO senior officials suspended amid peace uncertainty

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has suspended four senior members, accusing them of conspiring to overthrow Dr. Riek Machar, the party’s chairman. Oyet Nathaniel Pierrino, the Acting Chairperson, issued a statement on Monday, alleging that the four members were involved in efforts to replace Dr. Machar, who is currently under arrest. The […]
I Was Bullied for Wanting to Run for President—But I Stand Proud as a South Sudanese with a Disability

By Dr. Deng Bol Aruai Bol This week, a 3-minute, 39-second audio message from Mr. Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), was shared widely among the public. In it, Mr. Yakani raised serious concerns about growing incidents of bullying, mockery, and verbal abuse targeting persons with disabilities in […]