JubaWire

President Kiir, President Museveni and VP. Bol Mel.  ‎South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace and security. ‎ ‎During their meeting in Juba, the two leaders discussed pressing political and security issues affecting both nations and the broader East African region.  ‎ ‎The discussions covered a range of topics, including South Sudan’s upcoming elections, ongoing peace efforts, and the need for deeper economic collaboration between the two neighboring countries. ‎ ‎Focus on Political and Security Stability ‎South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc stated that the meeting aimed to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors while addressing the political developments currently unfolding in the country.  ‎ ‎With South Sudan preparing for its first post-independence elections, Uganda’s continued support is seen as...

President Kiir and president Museveni.  ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit today welcomed Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Juba for a crucial state visit amid rising political tensions in South Sudan. ‎ ‎The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, regional security, and South Sudan’s current political climate, particularly the growing concerns surrounding First Vice President Riek Machar’s house arrest. ‎ ‎Museveni, a key player in South Sudan’s peace process, has mediated past agreements, including the 2018 peace deal that ended the country’s civil war.  ‎ ‎President Museveni's comes at a time when fears of renewed conflict are growing, following escalating disputes within the transitional government. ‎ ‎Uganda has recently deployed special forces to South Sudan, officially to support Kiir’s government in maintaining security. However, opposition leaders have criticized this move as foreign interference in South Sudan’s internal affairs. ‎ ‎Political a...

‎ President Salva Kiir Mayardiit.  ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reassured the African Union (AU) of his government's unwavering commitment to implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement, even as South Sudan grapples with fresh tensions following the Nasir crisis. ‎ ‎During a high-stakes meeting in Juba, Kiir engaged with the AU Panel of the Wise, a team of seasoned diplomats and conflict-resolution experts, who are on a four-day mission to evaluate South Sudan’s security, political, and humanitarian landscape. ‎ ‎Former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye, head of the AU delegation, emphasized the Union’s dedication to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, underlining that lasting peace is the ultimate goal. ‎ ‎The Panel will engage with key stakeholders across the country to pinpoint areas of consensus and propose solutions to South Sudan’s pressing challenges.  ‎ ‎As a core peace and security organ of the AU, the Panel of the Wise plays a crucial role in conflict ...

  IO defectors and NSS Spokesperson.  ‎South Sudan’s political and military landscape is experiencing renewed tensions after the defection of 463 SPLA-IO personnel to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). The National Security Service (NSS) announced the move, stating that reintegrating the defectors into the government army is essential for stability and peace. ‎ ‎David John Kumuri, NSS spokesman, emphasized the importance of this process, saying, ‎"This reintegration is key to reducing violence and ensuring security across the country." ‎ ‎This marks the third mass defection of SPLA-IO members in recent weeks, following clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, last month. The opposition’s spokesperson, Col Lam Paul Gabriel, was unavailable for comment. ‎ ‎Political Uncertainty Deepens ‎The defections come amid heightened political tensions, including the recent house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM/A-IO. His confinement has sparked inter...

‎The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has raised alarm over alleged violations of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), accusing the ruling SPLM-In Government (SPLM-IG) of undermining the peace process. ‎ ‎In a statement addressed to the African Union Liaison Office in South Sudan, SPLM-IO condemned the arbitrary removal of its officials from government positions and the detention of key political figures, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.  The opposition group also accused the government of orchestrating attacks against its members, particularly in Western Equatoria. ‎ ‎“The SPLM-IG has resorted to unilateral actions that violate the peace agreement, including the illegal replacement of SPLM-IO governors and ministers,” the statement read. “Our members are being targeted, arrested, and harassed.” ‎ ‎Foreign Troops and Security Crackdowns ‎ The SPLM-IO further alleged that foreign troops from Uganda...

NSS uniform.  ‎A 33-year-old officer of South Sudan’s National Security Service died by suicide over the weekend in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State. ‎ ‎Magwi County Crime Officer, Kochi Richard Joseph, confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred around 7:30 PM. He noted that no one has been linked to the officer’s death at this time. ‎The deceased, identified as Ohure from the Lotuko community in Imurok, reportedly shot himself. His body was taken to the hospital and later returned for burial. Authorities are still gathering information, but initial assessments suggest that stress played a significant role in the tragedy. ‎ ‎Crime Officer Kochi emphasized the importance of open communication to reduce cases of suicide in the community. He urged individuals facing difficulties to speak out and seek help rather than suffering in silence. ‎ ‎“Suicide is not a criminal act but a personal decision often driven by overwhelming stress,” he stated. “If you have problems, share t...

James Gatdet Dak  *By James Gatdet Dak* VIDEO CLIP: In December 2011, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, who was the only Vice President by then, risked his life to stop thousands of advancing armed Lou-Nuer youth, also known as the 'White Army.' They were on the move to attack Pibor, an administrative headquarters inhabited by the Murle ethnic group, in Jonglei state. I was on that mission together with him as his Press Secretary.  The situation was very dangerous and risky as the Lou-Nuer youth had already captured Linkuangole town of the Murle, and were about to attack Pibor. The youth were responding to several cattle raids and child abductions carried out by the Murle armed civilian youth into the Lou-Nuer territories. They also accused the government's National Security Service (NSS) of arming the Murle youth. The Murle youth heard that the Lou-Nuer youth were coming. The Murle also mobilized in thousands to meet them at the border between the Lou-Nuer and Murle. Ther...