JubaWire

‎ President Museveni and President Kiir ‎Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed that the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF), with support from Ugandan troops, swiftly defeated insurgent forces who had captured the strategic town of Nasir in Upper Nile State. ‎ ‎In a statement delivered on Friday, Museveni praised the "rapid and decisive" joint military operation that led to the recapture of Nasir from the White Army a Nuer ethnic militia historically aligned with South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar during the country's previous civil war. ‎ ‎The operation, which culminated in the town's liberation on April 17, follows its fall to the insurgents in March, triggering a sharp escalation in political tensions across the country. President Salva Kiir’s government responded by ordering the arrest of Machar, accusing him of links to the rebel offensive. ‎ ‎Despite the 2018 peace agreement, which sought to unify armed factions under one na...

‎ ‎Old Fangak, a quiet and flood-prone community in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, woke up to horror on Friday morning as airstrikes ripped through the town claiming the lives of four people, including a nine-month-old baby, and injuring at least 25 others. ‎ ‎The attacks, reported to have been carried out by military aircraft, struck near the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital the only healthcare facility serving over 40,000 residents.  ‎ ‎According to local officials and eyewitnesses, the first bomb hit close to the hospital compound, where many civilians were sheltering. The injured include children, women, and the elderly, with survivors now seeking treatment in makeshift shelters as the hospital's services remain crippled. ‎ ‎"This is not just a tragedy; it’s an atrocity," a local official told the media "Targeting civilians, especially a place that offers medical care, is unacceptable.” ‎ ‎The MSF hospital has long been a lifeline in the region, where decade...

‎A group of university students from South Sudan’s oil-producing regions staged a peaceful protest on Monday morning at the headquarters of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) in Juba, demanding the company fulfill its promise to cover their tuition fees. ‎ ‎The protest resulted in the brief arrest of several students, according to Khamis Othow Omot, Chairperson of the Student Union.  ‎ ‎“They were arrested, but they’ve now been released and are back at their office,” Omot told Aweil News Agency.  He emphasized that the protest was peaceful and organized to draw attention to what he described as a broken promise by GPOC. ‎ ‎The student leader warned that the situation remains unresolved and that many affected students may have missed their exams due to the financial uncertainty. The students are calling on GPOC to honor its financial commitment and engage in immediate dialogue. ‎ ‎Efforts to get a response from GPOC and police officials were unsuccessful at the time o...

‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday met with a delegation from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), where he was briefed on the critical challenges facing the region, particularly in the areas of health, education, and infrastructure. ‎ ‎The delegation was led by Chief Administrator Peter Guzulu Maze and included Members of Parliament representing GPAA.  ‎ ‎The meeting, held at the State House in Juba, aimed to draw national attention to the persistent hardships affecting the people of Greater Pibor an area often marginalized in national development agendas despite its strategic significance and rich cultural heritage. ‎ ‎According to Chief Administrator Maze, access to basic services in the GPAA remains alarmingly low. Many health facilities are non-functional, schools are under-resourced, and road networks remain poorly developed or completely absent.  ‎ ‎He commended President Kiir for his unwavering support to the local government and for previous intervent...

‎Tensions are rising in South Sudan’s Jonglei and Unity states after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) demanded the immediate release of hijacked boats seized by SPLA-IO fighters and White Army militias. ‎ ‎According to a statement issued Thursday, the SSPDF confirmed that eight boats including one belonging to the United Nations and another owned by a Sudanese businessman were forcefully taken at Adok Baar Port in Leer County.  ‎ ‎The boats were transporting passengers and goods when they were intercepted. Passengers were ordered off, and some crew members and civilians were reportedly held hostage, with ransom demands ranging from SSP 10 million to $50,000. ‎ ‎Labeling the incident as “piracy,” Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Dr. Paul Majok Nang warned of possible aerial and riverine military action if the vessels are not released immediately. ‎ ‎This development threatens to further destabilize the region, disrupt humanitarian operations, and inflame tensions between...

‎ SSPDF ‎In a startling incident on Tuesday, a group of 13 South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers was ambushed by armed civilians near Ngap-Agok in Tonj East County, Warrap State.  ‎ ‎The soldiers, who were traveling in a Land Cruiser, were intercepted but managed to return safely to their barracks reportedly without their weapons. ‎ ‎Warrap State Information Minister James Ayiek Bath confirmed the attack, though he assured the public that no injuries were reported during the encounter.  ‎ ‎The circumstances under which the soldiers lost their weapons remain unclear, but the incident has stirred fresh concerns about lawlessness and the continued proliferation of arms among civilians in the region. ‎ ‎A History of Tension ‎This is not the first time Tonj East has made headlines due to clashes between government forces and armed civilians. The area has long been marked by sporadic outbreaks of violence, often fueled by local grievances, cattle raids, and resistance...

‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday received a detailed security briefing from the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Hon. Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, during a meeting held at the State House, Juba. ‎ ‎The Acting Governor informed the President that Western Equatoria is currently enjoying a peaceful environment, with civilians conducting their daily activities safely and without fear.  ‎ ‎WES Acting Governor Hon. Badagbu highlighted the combined efforts of the State government, security agencies, and community leaders in promoting peace and stability across the State. ‎ ‎"We are working closely with all stakeholders community elders, youth groups, and security organs to ensure that the hard-earned peace in Western Equatoria is protected and strengthened," said Acting Governor Badagbu.  ‎ ‎He further said that "Our people are actively engaged in agriculture, trade, and social life, and we are committed to maintaining this atmosphere." ‎ ‎President In respon...

‎ ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit joined thousands of faithful at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba today to commemorate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. ‎ ‎The solemn Mass, attended by political leaders, clergy, and hundreds of Christians, served as a moment of national reflection. President Kiir hailed the late Pontiff as a “steadfast friend” of South Sudan and praised his lasting contributions to peace and unity in the country. ‎ ‎"His message of forgiveness, reconciliation, and harmony touched the hearts of many South Sudanese," said Kiir, recalling Pope Francis’s historic 2023 visit to Juba alongside other Christian leaders. "He left an indelible mark on our journey toward peace." ‎ ‎Pope Francis has consistently advocated for peace in South Sudan, urging the country's leaders and people to embrace reconciliation and unity.  ‎ ‎During his historic visit to South Sudan in February 2023, alongside leaders of the Anglican and P...

Chief of (SSPDF), Lt. Gen. Paul Nang ‎The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have launched a major operation to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints along the River Nile in a bid to curb illegal taxation and ensure safe navigation for traders and civilians. ‎ ‎The crackdown, which begins from Juba in Central Equatoria and extends all the way to Malakal in Upper Nile State, is spearheaded by Lt. Gen. Theyip Gatluak TaiTai, Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, and Lt. Gen. Marshal Stephen Babanen under the directive of the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Paul Nang Majok. ‎ ‎SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed the operation, stating, “The removal exercise starts from Juba, Juba County, Central Equatoria State, all the way to Malakal town, Makal County, Upper Nile State.” ‎ ‎He emphasized that the goal is to eliminate illegal checkpoints that disrupt trade and burden river travelers. The River Nile remains a key transport corridor for goods and services in South Sudan, espe...

‎ ‎South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance and Planning announced the successful processing and disbursement of April salaries for civil servants, organized forces, and foreign missions.  ‎ ‎This timely payment marks a significant step in reinforcing the government's pledge to improve public financial management and restore trust in state institutions. ‎ ‎Key Highlights: ‎1. Scope of the Payments ‎The statement confirmed that the April salaries cover all sectors under Chapter One, including civil servants, military, organized forces, and South Sudanese foreign missions. Transfers to states and administrative areas have also been completed. ‎ ‎2. Presidential Directive and Reform Agenda ‎The move follows strict directives from President Salva Kiir and the Vice President for the Economic Cluster to ensure monthly salary payments by the 24th of each month. The Ministry emphasized that this consistency reflects a broader government commitment to economic reform and fiscal discipline. ‎ ‎3. E...

‎In a significant move aimed at healing divisions and restoring harmony, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has urged the Ngok Dinka of Abyei and the Twic community of Warrap to uphold the peace agreement they recently signed.  ‎ ‎The appeal came during a high level meeting held in Juba, attended by key local leaders from both regions. ‎ ‎President Kiir received detailed briefings from Warrap State Governor Magok Magok Deng and the Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area, Charles Abyei Jok.  ‎ ‎The two were accompanied by their county commissioners, underscoring the importance of unity at all levels of leadership. ‎ ‎Chief Administrator Jok described the peace agreement as a ''turning point,'' noting that both communities had made the conscious decision to coexist peacefully after months of violent clashes and retaliatory attacks.  ‎ ‎The conflict, which displaced hundreds and disrupted lives, stemmed from longstanding disputes over land, border demarcat...

Former Commissioner of Cueibet County of Lakes State, Deng Mario Deng. The Commissioner of Cueibet County, Deng Mario Deng, has been arrested in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, in a move that deepens political tensions between the SPLM-IO and the ruling SPLM party.  ‎ ‎Deng, a member of the SPLM-IO, was taken into custody shortly after he responded to a summons from Governor Rin Tueny Mabor on April 15. ‎ ‎Though Deng initially reported that he was free to move and retained his security detail upon arrival in Rumbek, his status changed dramatically by Wednesday, with his arrest now confirmed.  ‎ ‎The reason behind the commissioner’s detention has not been made public, and no official charges have been announced. ‎ ‎This arrest comes just days after several senior SPLM-IO officials, including Lakes State Deputy Governor Isaiah Akol Mathiang, were also detained by the National Security Service.  ‎ ‎The wave of arrests has raised alarms about the stability of the power-s...

‎The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has taken a strong stance on food safety by intercepting and returning eight trucks loaded with food products imported from Uganda.  ‎ ‎The trucks were found to contain dangerously high levels of aflatoxins harmful chemical compounds produced by mold which can pose serious health risks if consumed. ‎ ‎According to the SSNBS, routine laboratory testing at the Nimule border revealed that the food items, which included maize flour and grains, exceeded safe limits of aflatoxins.  ‎ ‎The decision to return the consignment underscores the Bureau's renewed commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that food consumed in South Sudan meets international safety standards. ‎ ‎Aflatoxins are known to cause liver damage and are linked to cancer when consumed over long periods. Children are particularly vulnerable, with the toxins capable of impairing growth and weakening the immune system. ‎ ‎“The Bureau is working to strengthe...

Upper Nile state’s police commissioner, Maj. Gen. Mayen Akon ‎ Authorities in Malakal have launched a house-to-house search to seize illegal firearms as part of efforts to improve security in Upper Nile State.  ‎ ‎The operation comes shortly after the army retook Nasir from the White Army militia, highlighting rising tensions in the region. ‎ ‎Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Mayen Akon says the goal is to protect civilians, but reactions from the public are mixed.  ‎ ‎While some support the move, others fear it may target youth unfairly and fail to address deeper issues like unemployment and lack of basic services. ‎ ‎This operation is a reminder that peace in South Sudan requires more than just disarmament it demands investment in communities and reconciliation.

Gen. Paul Nang Majok, Army Chief.  ‎South Sudan’s national army, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), has successfully retaken control of the strategic town of Nasir without encountering resistance, marking a significant shift in the ongoing security crisis in Upper Nile State. ‎ ‎General Paul Nang Majok, the Chief of Defense Forces, made a high profile visit to the town shortly after its recapture. His visit aimed to boost troop morale and signal the government’s firm commitment to stabilizing areas previously overrun by armed youth militias. ‎ ‎Nasir, located near the Ethiopian border, had been under the control of the White Army a loosely organized group of armed Nuer youth since early March. The occupation followed intense clashes that resulted in the killing of Gen. David Majur Dak, the local SSPDF commander. ‎ ‎According to military sources, the White Army withdrew from Nasir before the army’s arrival, allowing the SSPDF to retake the town without combat.  ‎ ...

President Kiir Letter.  ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. in his apartment at the Domus Santa Marta in the Vatican. ‎ ‎In an official condolence message issued today, President Kiir described Pope Francis as “a true and humble servant of God” and a beacon of hope, compassion, and unity.  ‎ ‎The President recalled the Pope’s deep affection for South Sudan, emphasizing how the Holy Father consistently supported the country’s journey toward peace and reconciliation. ‎ ‎“Pope Francis had a special spot in his heart for South Sudan,” Kiir wrote, highlighting the Pope’s historic apostolic visit to Juba in February 2023. ‎ ‎“His courageous presence renewed the hope of the people of South Sudan at a time when the world had every doubt about our zeal for peace.” ‎ Deceased Pope Francis.  ‎President Kiir also remembered the Pope’s symbolic gesture in 2019 when he knelt and kissed the...

  ‎ Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the Commissioner of Akobo County in Jonglei State ‎Tensions have flared in Jonglei State after the Commissioner of Akobo County, Puok Nyang Tutjiek, rejected his suspension issued by Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at silencing his support for SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar. ‎ ‎Tutjiek, a senior SPLM-IO official, was suspended over the weekend following accusations by the governor that he violated administrative procedures by traveling to neighboring Ethiopia without official clearance and for publicly demanding Machar’s release from house arrest. ‎ ‎In a strong response, Commissioner Tutjiek insisted that his trip had been approved by the former deputy governor and defended his right to call for the release of his party chairman. “Dr. Riek Machar is my leader. I have the right to speak up for him,” he said. ‎ ‎He further questioned the legality of the suspension, saying the governor lacked the authority to remove him...

SSPDF  ‎ The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have taken back control of Nasir town in Upper Nile State after it was held for weeks by the Nuer White Army.  ‎ ‎This comes after heavy tensions in the region, with the area experiencing clashes and deadly airstrikes in recent weeks. ‎ ‎According to SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the army re-entered Nasir peacefully after the White Army fighters pulled out of the town before the arrival of government troops. ‎ ‎“The White Army vacated the area without a fight, and our forces are now fully in control of Nasir,” Koang said in a statement to the media. ‎ ‎Local sources say that the armed youth group had already withdrawn days earlier, following fighting between the two sides in nearby villages like Yomding and Kuich. ‎ ‎Nasir was first captured by the White Army on March 4, during a violent attack that resulted in the killing of SSPDF commander Gen. David Majur Dak.  ‎ ‎The government’s recent return to ...

New Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF), Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok- Courtesy ‎The Chief of Defense Forces of South Sudan, General Paul Nang, has arrived in Malakal to check on the security situation and speak to the army and people, after recent clashes with the White Army in Upper Nile State. ‎ ‎General Nang came with other top military leaders, including General Johnson Olony, to encourage the soldiers and show support for peace in the region. This is his first visit since the fighting started last month. ‎ ‎“We want the people to know that Malakal is safe and under the control of the government,” said State Information Minister James Basha Tiwa. He dismissed rumors on social media claiming the town could be attacked soon. ‎ ‎Recently, the army entered Ulang County about 152 kilometers from Malakal without facing resistance. However, the White Army looted properties before retreating. ‎ ‎People in Malakal are worried as many families fleeing the conflict are arriving in town. “We are af...

‎ President Kiir and Dr. James Wani Igga  ‎As South Sudan inches closer to its long-awaited national elections, President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday held a high-level consultative meeting with SPLM First Deputy Chairman and Secretary General Dr. James Wani Igga.  ‎ ‎The meeting focused on strengthening internal party cohesion and evaluating the country's current security and economic climate. ‎ ‎In a briefing to the press following the meeting, Dr. Igga noted that the talks addressed both SPLM administrative matters and broader national concerns.  ‎ ‎President Kiir used the occasion to reassure the South Sudanese people that the security situation is “calm” across the country, and that the government remains “committed to maintaining sustainable peace and security for the good of the nation.” ‎ ‎The SPLM, South Sudan’s ruling party since independence, reaffirmed its stance on national unity and pledged to continue steering the country toward lasting peace. ‎ ‎Mixed R...

‎ ‎After weeks of tension and uncertainty, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have reentered Ulang town, regaining control from the White Army  a civilian militia that had recently seized power and chased out government authorities. ‎ ‎Maj. Gen. Michael Majok, the army commander overseeing Division 2 in Malakal, confirmed the news Thursday. “We are back in Ulang, thanks to the unity of our forces, the state government, and the support of civilians on the ground,” he said. ‎ ‎Last month, the White Army mainly composed of armed Nuer youth  took over Ulang County, replacing the county commissioner and pushing back against government troop movements in nearby Nasir.  The move sparked fears of renewed regional conflict and cross-border instability with Ethiopia. ‎ ‎But this week’s retaking of Ulang came with surprisingly little resistance. According to Upper Nile Governor Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol, retreating White Army fighters  possibly alongside SPLA-IO e...

‎For the first time in more than a decade, communities in Leer, Mayiendit, Panyijjar, and Koch Counties are seeing a glimmer of justice. On April 15, 2025, a mobile court officially began operations in southern Unity State, bringing with it long awaited accountability for serious crimes including murder, rape, and gender-based violence. The court will operate until May 9 and is expected to hear over 60 cases. ‎ ‎The initiative marks a historic return of formal justice to a region scarred by years of conflict and neglect.  ‎ ‎Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top Long launched the court in a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 residents a powerful signal of just how urgently the people have been waiting for justice. ‎ ‎“We are working with the judiciary and partners to bring judges permanently back to Unity,” said Governor Long. “This will enable those who have suffered harm to receive justice.” ‎ ‎This mobile court isn’t just a temporary fix. It’s part of a broader effort supported by...

  MSF Vehicle.  ‎ In a devastating blow to healthcare access in Upper Nile State, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), known internationally as Doctors Without Borders, has suspended all medical operations in Ulang County following a violent armed attack on its facility. ‎ ‎The assault took place in the early hours of April 14, when dozens of armed men stormed the MSF-run hospital and office in Ulang town.  ‎ ‎Staff were threatened at gunpoint as essential medical supplies and equipment were looted. The hospital Ulang’s only functioning health facility has since been forced to close its doors. ‎ ‎“We are outraged by the attack on our hospital and the threats made against our medical staff,” said Zakariya Mwatia, MSF’s Head of Mission in South Sudan.  ‎ ‎“This facility has been a lifeline for the community during a time of escalating violence and an active cholera outbreak. Such attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers are completely unacceptable.” ‎ ‎Over 100 patients,...

  Photo Credit: AP Sam Mednick ‎A fresh wave of violence in Jonglei State’s Pigi County has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, seeking safety near the Upper Nile state capital, Malakal. Local officials say the situation is rapidly deteriorating as armed clashes intensify. ‎ ‎Pigi County, situated at the strategic meeting point of the Sobat and Nile Rivers just south of Malakal, has been overrun by fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and allied White Army militias. ‎ ‎According to Pigi County Commissioner Suleiman Deng, armed groups have seized key areas, including Wunmaker (Dwong) and Wunlith, pushing residents to flee toward Obel, Doleib Hill, and Panam—settlements closer to Malakal. ‎ ‎“Our civilians have fled with nothing,” Deng told Radio Tamazuj. “The attackers came in large numbers, and the SSPDF forces in Wunlith withdrew, leaving the population vulnerable.” ‎ ‎The situation has also triggered a humanitarian emergency. Mon...

Dr. Riek Machar  Tensions are mounting in South Sudan following the arrest of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Warrap State. The detentions come just weeks after the controversial arrest of SPLM-IO leader and First Vice President Riek Machar in Juba. Among those detained in the state capital, Kuajok, are Kuec Deng Mayar, the Speaker of the Warrap State Legislative Assembly and SPLM-IO state chairperson; John Kok Deng, the state’s legal advisor; and Luka Thiony Majok, chair of the education committee. SPLM-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng condemned the arrests, calling them "a direct violation of the 2018 peace agreement." “These are not just politicians. They are representatives of the people. Their arrest is an attack on the very spirit of the peace deal,” Pal said in a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj. The 2018 peace agreement, which brought an end to South Sudan’s devastating five-year civil war, established a transitional ...

‎ SPLM-IO Director of Communication pal Mai Deng.  A growing political rift within South Sudan's main opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has taken a dramatic turn after some of its members fled the capital, Juba, citing fears for their lives. ‎ ‎In a statement released Monday, SPLM-IO’s Director of Communication, Pal Mai Deng, said the members’ departure should not be misconstrued as an abandonment of the peace process.  He described such claims as “cheap propaganda” from the SPLM-In Government (SPLM-IG) and its political allies. ‎ ‎“This is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and sabotage the peace process,” Deng said. “Our members left Juba to protect their lives from increasing threats, not to withdraw from the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.” ‎ ‎The SPLM-IO reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and called for the release of its leader, First V...

 Wounded soldiers lie in bed at the general military hospital Juba.  ‎Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, is on edge as wounded soldiers from recent clashes in Ulang County arrive in the city, sparking fear among residents particularly from the Nuer community.  ‎ ‎The fighting, which began in February, involves the White Army, a militia group largely composed of Nuer youth, and government troops. ‎ ‎According to Maj. Gen. Joseph Mayen Akon, the state's police commissioner, two criminal attacks have been recorded in recent days, but he denied allegations of widespread violence against Nuer civilians.  ‎ ‎He stressed that the incidents were not ethnically targeted, but acknowledged that tribal tensions and traumatic memories of past violence in Malakal were stoking fear. ‎ ‎"Any reports of fighting elsewhere now trigger anxiety here," he said. ‎ ‎Though the market remains open and daily activities continue, the arrival of injured soldiers has created an uneasy at...

  Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has firmly denied social media rumors claiming the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Michael J. Adler and the closure of its embassy in Washington, D.C. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen labeled the reports as “entirely without merit,” confirming that Ambassador Adler remains fully accredited and in active diplomatic engagement with Juba.  The new Foreign Minister, Monday Semaya K. Kumba, reportedly met with Adler on Saturday to reaffirm bilateral ties. “Our embassy in Washington is open and operational,” Mayen stated, adding that the government values its relationship with the United States and is committed to strengthening cooperation. The clarification follows rising diplomatic tensions after South Sudan initially rejected a U.S. deportation, claiming the individual was Congolese.  Though Juba later acknowledged the deportee’s nationality, Washington upheld a visa freeze o...

General Education Minister and President Salva Kiir.  ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardiit has been briefed by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction on the latest Primary School Examination results an important step in assessing the progress of South Sudan’s education system. ‎ ‎The official release of the results is expected next week, but early insights shared during the briefing paint a mixed picture. On the one hand, there’s reason for optimism.  ‎ ‎The Ministry reported improved performance in literacy and numeracy in areas like Central Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and parts of Upper Nile.  These gains reflect recent efforts to strengthen the education sector and expand access to quality learning opportunities. ‎ ‎However, the challenges remain significant. Schools in remote or conflict-affected regions continue to face deep-rooted issues shortages of trained teachers, damaged infrastructure, limited resources, and inconsistent attendance due to displace...

‎ A group SSOA defectors.  ‎More than 2,300 security personnel formerly aligned with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) have defected to join the ranks of the government under President Salva Kiir, in a development that could significantly destabilize the 2018 peace agreement. ‎ ‎According to Samir, one of the commanders leading the defection, the group includes 105 army officers, 650 police officers, 668 prison service officers, 400 wildlife officers, and 506 fire brigade officers. ‎ ‎“We renounce all duties assigned to us under SSOA and are now under the command of the president,” Samir declared.  ‎ ‎He called on other opposition forces across the country to follow suit, in what appears to be a strategic consolidation of power under Kiir. ‎ ‎David John Kumuri, the public relations director for the National Security Service, welcomed the defectors and assured them of their safety.  ‎ ‎He said that, “this move demonstrates a commitment to peace and national unity...