JubaWire

‎A violent land dispute in Mayendit County, Unity State, has left one woman seriously injured and a prison officer in police custody after a shocking spear attack that has raised new concerns about land conflict and abuse of authority in South Sudan. ‎ ‎The Dispute That Escalated ‎According to local authorities, the incident occurred in Rubkuay Payam on Monday, June 23, when a disagreement between a prison officer and a local woman over land ownership spiraled into violence. ‎ ‎The prison officer, identified as Tap Dak, had reportedly been allocated the disputed land through an official government land survey.  ‎ ‎However, the original occupant, a woman named Nyakuol, refused to vacate the property. Eyewitnesses say that after a heated verbal exchange, Dak reacted violently. ‎ ‎“He lost the debate and took his spear and speared the woman twice in the stomach and in the hand,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tap Door, head of the police in Mayendit. ‎ ‎Nyakuol was critically injured in the ...

Lakes State  prison facilities in Lakes State has triggered a major public health emergency, as health authorities confirm that more than 130 inmates have been infected with monkeypox, chickenpox, and smallpox-like illnesses.  ‎ ‎The affected prisons, Rumbek Main Prison and Pachong Prison, are grappling with overcrowding and poor sanitation, making it difficult to contain the spread of the disease. ‎ ‎Since April 17, 2025, health officials have recorded 134 suspected cases, including two confirmed cases of monkey-pox. The situation has prompted urgent intervention from the Ministry of Health and its humanitarian partners Sparks Health Emergency in Lakes State ‎An outbreak of infectious diseases in two prison facilities in Lakes State has triggered a major public health emergency, as health authorities confirm that more than 130 inmates have been infected with monkeypox, chickenpox, and smallpox-like illnesses.  ‎The affected prisons, Rumbek Main Prison and Pachong Prison,...

‎ President Salva Kiir Mayardit has embarked on an official diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signaling a renewed effort by the Government of South Sudan to strengthen bilateral ties, attract foreign investment, and advance regional peace through economic diplomacy. ‎ ‎According to Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador David Amuor Majur, the visit will include high level meetings with Emirati government officials and top investors, with a focus on building confidence in South Sudan’s economic potential. ‎ ‎“President Kiir is presenting a compelling case for investment, based on recent reforms that have improved the ease of doing business in South Sudan,” said Ambassador Amuor. ‎ ‎A Growing Partnership ‎The UAE has been a strategic diplomatic and economic partner for South Sudan since the young nation gained independence in 2011. Over the years, relations have grown, especially in areas of humanitarian aid, trade, and investment interest. ‎ ‎In 2022, the UAE hosted t...

‎ President Kiir.  ‎In a significant political shift ahead of South Sudan’s much anticipated general elections, President Salva Kiir has appointed Comrade Paul Logole as the new Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), and Comrade Baba Medan as Deputy Secretary General. ‎ ‎The announcement was made via state broadcaster SSBC, and it marks one of the most consequential changes in SPLM’s top leadership in recent years. ‎ ‎Who Are the New SPLM Leaders? ‎Paul Logole  Secretary General ‎Paul Logole is a veteran SPLM figure known for his quiet discipline, organizational skills, and long term loyalty to the movement.  ‎ ‎While not widely visible in the public eye, he has played key roles behind the scenes in party management and coordination.  ‎ ‎As Secretary General, Logole will now be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the SPLM, including planning for the upcoming elections. ‎ ‎Baba Medan  Deputy Secretary General ‎Baba Medan is a dy...

‎In a major development on South Sudan’s political roadmap, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has received a comprehensive report on the country's electoral readiness from the Chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC), Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol.  ‎Both leaders reaffirmed that general elections will be conducted on December 26, 2026, honoring commitments made in the revitalized peace agreement and recent dialogues among political parties. ‎ ‎A Milestone Toward Democratic Transition ‎The confirmation of the election date is seen as a critical step toward ending the transitional period, which has been in place since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018.  ‎The general elections are expected to pave the way for a legitimate, democratically elected government and put an end to years of interim governance and delays. ‎“The general elections are not just a political obligation they are a prom...

‎International bodies are sounding the alarm as South Sudan's fragile peace process teeters on the edge of collapse. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) have warned of deepening divisions, rising insecurity, and stalled implementation of the 2018 peace deal. ‎ ‎A Dangerous Breakdown in Peace ‎The 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) brought hope to a nation shattered by civil war. But that hope is now dimming. ‎In a briefing to the UN Security Council, Guang Cong, the Deputy Head of UNMISS, revealed that over 130,000 people have been displaced in recent months due to a surge in armed violence particularly in Upper Nile and Greater Pibor.  ‎The increase in military activity and the escalation of localized conflicts have disrupted humanitarian access and eroded confidence between the signatories of the peace agreement. ‎“These are not just isolated ...

President Kiir and Kuol Manyang ‎Senior Presidential Advisor and Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), Kuol Manyang Juuk, has updated President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the ongoing efforts to implement the security provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). ‎ ‎During a briefing held at the State House in Juba, Kuol Manyang expressed optimism about the progress made by the NTC, saying: “We are progressing well.” He emphasized that the Committee remains fully committed to delivering on the key tasks outlined in the peace deal, particularly those related to Chapter Two, which covers security arrangements including the unification of forces, training and redeployment, and DDR (disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration) programs. ‎ ‎“Security is the backbone of lasting peace,” Kuol stated. “We are prioritizing this chapter because without strong and united security institutions, the broader ...

‎Jonglei State, South Sudan. At least 13 people have been killed and more than 20 others injured in renewed communal clashes between the Hol and Ayual communities in Jonglei State, officials confirmed on Thursday. ‎ ‎The deadly fighting broke out on Wednesday at Bioth-Agany Fishing Island, a disputed area between Duk and Twic East counties, after armed youth from the Hol community of Duk reportedly launched an attack on the island currently claimed by the Ayual community of Twic East. ‎ ‎Twic East County Commissioner Juach Arok Juach stated that seven people from his community were killed, seven others wounded, and four remain missing. He added that Hol youth are still occupying the area and tensions remain high. ‎ ‎On the other side, Duk County Commissioner John Chatim confirmed six deaths and 14 injuries among the Hol community.  ‎ ‎“We are urging our youth to cease fighting and allow the government to take over the matter and investigate. There must be accountability,” Chatim s...

‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has received a comprehensive briefing from the Vice President for Infrastructure Cluster, Taban Deng Gai, following his recent peace mission to Unity State, where he also attended the Centenary celebration of the Catholic Church in the region. ‎ ‎During the meeting, VP Taban Deng Gai provided detailed insights into his tour, which included several community engagements aimed at promoting peace and stability.  ‎ ‎He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring that South Sudan never relapses into conflict, reaffirming President Kiir’s strong message of lasting peace. ‎ ‎Vice President Taban Deng Gai also praised the increase in school enrollment across the country, commending parents for their dedication to education and the future of South Sudan’s children.  ‎ ‎He noted that the peace message was warmly received by the people of Unity State, who expressed their full support for continued efforts towards stability. ‎ ‎He further stressed the...

 ‎ UPDF.  A South Sudanese campaign group, the Reclaim Campaign, has submitted a formal request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged atrocities committed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) during their incursion into Upper Nile State in March 2025. ‎ ‎The group alleges that the UPDF carried out indiscriminate bombings, used chemical weapons, and targeted civilians particularly from the Nuer ethnic group while operating inside South Sudanese territory without the consent of the transitional government.  ‎ ‎According to the campaign, these actions could constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of aggression under the Rome Statute. ‎ ‎The Reclaim Campaign's petition also claims that the Ugandan government has shown no willingness to hold its military accountable, making a case for the ICC to intervene.  ‎ ‎The group cited statements by Ugandan officials that allegedly dehumanize South Sudanese citizens and promote et...

‎ Western Bahr El Ghazal State Assembly.  ‎At least 40 lawmakers in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State are reportedly bedridden without proper medical care due to the state government's failure to pay their medical allowances since they took office in 2020, according to a legislative spokesperson.  ‎ ‎Joseph Mawut Athian, spokesperson for the Western Bahr el-Ghazal Transitional Legislative Assembly, told the media that the sick legislators lack even travel funds to seek treatment in Juba.  ‎ ‎“We have about 40 MPs who are sick and without even the tickets for travel to Juba,” Athian said.  ‎ ‎He accused executive members of using state funds for flights abroad both for medical treatment and personal trips while lawmakers struggle without basic resources.  ‎ ‎“We are seeing some officials within the executive flying to Juba, Kenya and elsewhere, yet even our speaker has no car to travel to the Lokoloko neighborhood within Wau,” he said.  ‎ ‎Athian said the assembl...

President Kiir and the Norwegian Envoy.  ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reiterated his steadfast commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan during a high-level meeting with Norwegian Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Endre Stiansen, held in Juba on Friday. ‎ ‎In a press briefing after the meeting, Envoy Stiansen revealed that President Kiir had offered a candid assessment of the nation’s current challenges and conveyed a clear vision for peace as the country moves closer to its anticipated national elections.  ‎ ‎Envoy Stiansen emphasized the importance of open political dialogue and consensus-building as key to overcoming divisions in South Sudanese society. ‎ ‎Norway’s Continued Role in South Sudan ‎Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Akuei Bona Malual, praised Norway’s historical friendship with South Sudan, noting its long-standing role in supporting peace processes and development initiatives.  ‎ ‎He said the meeting covere...

VP. Dr. Bol Mel  ‎ In a significant political development, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, has officially been sworn in as the First Deputy Chairperson of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). ‎ ‎Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony in Juba, Dr. Bol Mel described his new role not as a personal honor, but a solemn "call to duty." He pledged to serve with loyalty, discipline, and dedication under the leadership of SPLM Chairperson and President, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit. ‎ ‎In his remarks, Dr. Bol Mel paid tribute to his predecessor, Professor James Wani Igga, and acknowledged the contributions of SPLM veterans including Comrades Daniel Awet Akot and Kuol Manyang Juuk. ‎ ‎He also expressed deep gratitude to the party’s founders, senior comrades, and veteran members for their courage and sacrifice, promising to carry their legacy forward. "You walked through fire to lift our nation...

‎ ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardiit on Thursday officially welcomed the new top deputies of the SPLM during a swearing in ceremony at the party’s headquarters in Juba. ‎ ‎Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel stepped into the role of First Deputy Chairman, Mary Apai became the Second Deputy Chairperson, and Simon Kun was named Third Deputy Chairman. ‎ ‎In his speech, President Kiir said the SPLM is a movement for all South Sudanese not for one tribe or region. He urged the new leaders to work together, focus on results, and put the country first.  ‎ ‎Kiir also made a big announcement: 2025 is now the Year of Agriculture. He called on citizens to work the land and help build a self-reliant economy. ‎ ‎To the youth, he had this message: “The future is in your hands learn from the past and lead the way forward.” ‎ ‎Dr. Bol Mel, now officially the First Deputy, thanked Kiir for the trust. “I may be new to this role, but not to the struggle,” he said.  ‎ ‎Dr. Bol Mel, promised loyalty and teamwork to...

‎In a significant shift aimed at reforming the public payroll system, the Ministry of Finance and Planning has instructed all government employees to open personal bank accounts to receive their monthly salaries.  ‎ ‎The directive, issued through an official circular, is effective immediately and applies to all ministries, departments, and government agencies. ‎ ‎According to the ministry, this policy is designed to address long-standing challenges in the salary payment system, including delays, lack of transparency, and the risk of mismanagement.  ‎ ‎By moving to a direct bank transfer system, the government hopes to streamline the process, ensure timely payment, and enhance accountability. ‎ ‎Discontinuation of Old Payment Methods ‎Traditionally, many civil servants have received their salaries in cash or through manual payment processes methods that are vulnerable to delays, loss, and inconsistencies.  ‎ ‎These approaches are now being phased out completely. Going forw...

‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit met with Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top on Wednesday, where he received a full report on the current situation in the state.  ‎ ‎The meeting took place at the presidential office in Juba and focused primarily on security, governance, and efforts to unite communities in Unity State. ‎ ‎Governor’s Report on Unity State ‎Governor Bim informed the President that: ‎The overall security situation is calm, though there have been some isolated incidents which are being closely monitored and managed. ‎ ‎The state government is committed to peacebuilding, particularly in improving public order and fostering reconciliation. ‎ ‎Efforts are ongoing to unite diverse communities and ensure that citizens live in peace and harmony. ‎ ‎President Kiir’s Response ‎Praised Governor Bim for his leadership and commitment to peace and development in Unity State. ‎ ‎Instructed him to continue promoting unity and stability, urging that local leadership must work hand-in-han...

President Kiir VP. Bol Mel ‎President Salva Kiir has appointed Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as the First Deputy Chairperson of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), in a significant reshuffle that signals potential shifts in the country’s political future. ‎ ‎Dr. Bol Mel replaces veteran politician Dr. James Wani Igga, who has served in the SPLM leadership since the liberation struggle.  ‎ ‎The move has sparked wide speculation that President Kiir may be grooming Bol Mel as his successor ahead of the long-awaited national elections. ‎ ‎In the same decree, Kiir also removed Daniel Awet Akot and Kuol Manyang Juuk from their positions as second and third deputy chairpersons. They were replaced by Mary Apai Ayiga and Simon Kun Puoch, former governor of Upper Nile State. ‎ ‎Bol Mel, a known close ally of Kiir, currently oversees the economic cluster in the government. He is also a prominent businessman who has faced U.S. sanctions over alleged ties to corrupt busi...

FVP Dr. Riek Machar  ‎ A faction within the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has strongly reaffirmed its allegiance to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, despite his current house arrest and rising internal divisions.  ‎ ‎This comes in response to recent claims by Stephen Par Kuol, a senior SPLM-IO official, who two months ago declared himself interim leader of the party. ‎ ‎In a public statement, members of the SPLM-IO Political Bureau declared Par Kuol's assertion “null and void,” reiterating that Machar remains the legitimate leader of the movement.  ‎ ‎The group emphasized that although the implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is under immense pressure, it has not collapsed. ‎ ‎Analysis: A Party in Turmoil, a Peace Deal in Peril ‎This development highlights the growing cracks within the SPLM-IO, a key signatory to the peace agreement that ended South Sudan’s brutal...

President Kiir and VP Nyandeng  ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardiit today met with Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng at the State House in Juba.   ‎ ‎During the meeting, Vice President Nyandeng briefed President Kiir on her recent official visit to Uganda, where she held discussions with President Yoweri Museveni.  ‎ ‎According to a statement from the Office of the President, their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations between South Sudan and Uganda and promoting peace in the region.   ‎ ‎They also addressed key national issues, including the current political and economic developments in South Sudan.  ‎ ‎President Kiir and Vice President Nyandeng reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity, and development in South Sudan.   ‎ ‎They emphasized the importance of cooperation among leaders and citizens to advance the country's progress and strengthen its relations with neighboring countries.   ‎ ‎This high-level engagement com...

‎ SSPDF Soldier  ‎Government troops from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), backed by the Agwelek militia, have taken control of New Fangak (Phom) in Fangak County, Jonglei State, following a coordinated military offensive against forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the White Army. ‎ ‎Major General Paromi Angui, the SSPDF operations commander and deputy commander of Agwelek forces, confirmed the capture, stating that the operation began on May 12 and resulted in the seizure of both New Fangak town and the Alel area to its south. ‎ ‎According to Gen. Paromi, government forces suffered minimal losses, with one soldier killed and a few others wounded.  ‎ ‎He claimed that the opposition suffered heavier casualties and reported the capture of two SPLA-IO fighters. He also noted that air power and river barges supported the operation. ‎ ‎Eyewitnesses and reports from the ground indicated that several houses were seen burning i...

‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has promoted Napoleon Adok Gai to the rank of Major General in South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS), a move that reflects both his growing influence in national affairs and his dual legacy in the tech and security sectors. ‎ ‎From Child Soldier to National Figure ‎Napoleon Adok Gai's story is one of transformation. Born in Yirol County, he was conscripted as a child soldier during the war years.  ‎ ‎Like many young South Sudanese at the time, Gai’s early life was shaped by conflict. But after relocating to the UK, he pursued higher education and returned with degrees in software engineering, ICT, and project management. ‎ ‎His education would eventually position him to lead digital transformation efforts in South Sudan. ‎ ‎The Man Behind South Sudan’s Digital Awakening ‎Gai is best known to many South Sudanese as the Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA). Since his appointment in 2020, he has pushed for major reforms ...

‎South Sudan’s Vice President Gen. Taban Deng Gai has assured citizens that the peace agreement signed in 2018 remains strong, despite the recent house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.  ‎ ‎Speaking during a visit to Unity State on Saturday, Gai said Machar’s detention is a legal issue not a political move. ‎ ‎“The arrest of Dr. Riek Machar should not be seen as a threat to peace,” Gai told a gathering in Rubkona County. “He will go through legal proceedings, and the law will determine whether he has done anything wrong.” ‎ ‎President Salva Kiir ordered the house arrest of Machar in late March, accusing him of involvement in recent violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.  ‎ ‎The move has sparked concerns among Machar’s supporters and raised fears of renewed conflict in his home region. ‎ ‎VP Taban, who leads the Infrastructure Cluster in the unity government, is part of the power-sharing arrangement formed after the five-year civil war. His visit aimed to cal...

‎President Salva Kiir has issued a presidential decree sacking two senior officials from the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services.  ‎ ‎The decision, announced on state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), affects two undersecretaries who have been replaced with new appointees. ‎ ‎The officials removed from their posts are Wani Ladu Kenyi and Yath Awan Yath. They have been succeeded by Thomas Gatkuoth Yak and Martin Mabior Mawien, respectively. ‎ ‎No reasons were given for the dismissals, but the reshuffle is seen as part of the government’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency within public institutions. ‎ ‎Who are the new appointees? ‎While little is publicly known about Thomas Gatkuoth Yak’s previous roles, his appointment marks a new chapter in the leadership of the ICT ministry. ‎ ‎On the other hand, Martin Mabior Mawien brings significant experience in logistics and public procurement.  He has previously served as M...

‎ ‎In a surprise presidential decree, President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed Napoleon Adok Gai as the Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA), a powerful regulatory body overseeing South Sudan’s telecommunications and internet sectors. ‎ ‎He has been replaced by Gieth Kon Mathiang, whose appointment takes immediate effect. The presidency did not offer an official explanation for the shake-up. ‎ ‎Napoleon Adok had held the position since 2020 and was instrumental in expanding digital infrastructure and implementing key regulatory frameworks intended to modernize South Sudan’s telecom industry.  ‎ ‎Under his leadership, the NCA launched initiatives to improve mobile connectivity, oversee licensing compliance, and promote local innovation in ICT.  ‎ ‎However, his tenure was also marked by criticism over high data costs and limited access to internet services in rural areas. ‎ ‎The new Director General, Gieth Kon Mathiang, is a relatively lesser known figur...