Fear and Hope in Juba: 623 Arrested in Battle Against Gang Violence

-
Image
‎ ‎Central Equatoria State (CES) security forces have arrested 623 individuals suspected of affiliation with notorious street gangs in Juba as part of a sweeping anti-crime operation across the capital . ‎ ‎The suspects are allegedly linked to high-profile gangs such as 4SG Slime, West Coast, ODA, Killers Gang, Black Devils, among others. ‎ ‎While detailed profiles of the detainees remain pending, officials emphasize the operation is in direct response to a recent surge in heinous criminal activity including a particularly disturbing gang rape in the Shirikat area of Juba, which sparked national outrage and hastened the crackdown.  ‎ ‎In the wake of the arrests, CES Governor Rabi Emmanuel Mujung has renewed calls for reformatory schools aimed at providing vocational training and rehabilitation for youth implicated in gang activities. ‎ ‎This includes proposals for a holistic strategy pairing enforcement with social and mental health support a key element raised during recent securi...
Post a Comment

“We Are Back”: SSPDF Recaptures Ulang Amid Fractures in the White Army ‎

-


‎


‎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 elements looted health centers and markets before fleeing. 


“Despite that, the situation is under control. We urge our people to come back home,” he added, noting that efforts with Ethiopian authorities had also helped calm tensions near the border town of Jekow.

‎

‎Still, the calm is fragile.

‎Inside the White Army, cracks are beginning to show. Some of its fighters reportedly laid down their weapons or refused to engage the army. A commander from Nasir, Kang Makana, admitted as much. “Some refused to fight,” he said bluntly. “But reinforcements are coming.”

‎

‎That promise of renewed confrontation hangs over Ulang like a storm cloud.

‎For now, the flags have changed, the soldiers have returned, and the streets are quiet  but many in the town know that quiet in Upper Nile often doesn’t last. 


Peace in this region has always come in brief pauses, not permanent solutions.

‎

‎Until the root causes of youth militarization, local power struggles, and trust deficits are addressed, Ulang’s fragile peace may once again give way to violence. 


But today, for the residents returning to their homes and picking up the pieces, hope has a pulse.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

President Kiir Travels to UAE in Push for Stronger Ties and Investment in South Sudan

-
Image
‎ 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...
Read more

President Kiir Promotes Napoleon Adok Gai to Major General in the National Security Service ‎

-
Image
‎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 ...
Read more

Leadership Overhaul: Kiir Sacks Two Undersecretaries in ICT Ministry

-
Image
‎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...
Read more