JubaWire

‎‎South Sudan peace process, Riek Machar trial, SPLM-IO, 2018 peace agreement, December 2026 elections, political stability ‎South Sudan, peace agreement 2018, Riek Machar trial, SPLM-IO, unity government, democratic transition, 2026 elections, civil society, observer skepticism. ‎ ‎Juba, South Sudan - September 30, 2025 ‎ ‎South Sudan’s fragile peace process is under renewed scrutiny as government leaders and international observers disagree sharply on the country’s path forward toward a full peace deal and the December 2026 elections.  ‎ At the heart of the dispute is the ongoing trial of opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar and his associates — an issue many say threatens the core of the 2018 peace agreement. ‎ ‎Key Issues ‎ ‎1. Trial of Riek Machar and SPLM-IO Colleagues ‎Dr. Riek Machar, suspended First Vice President, along with seven co-accused from his SPLM-IO party, face charges including treason and murder.  ‎ These relate to a deadly attack in March on a government mil...

‎ ‎Unity State reopens Bentiu High Court after 11 years of closure, restoring access to justice, tackling case backlogs, and strengthening rule of law with UNMISS and Norway’s support. ‎ ‎Bentiu, Unity State - September 30, 2025 ‎ For the first time in more than a decade, residents of Unity State can access formal judicial services after the reopening of the high court in Bentiu.  ‎ The mobile court, inaugurated by Governor Riek Bim Top on Tuesday, marks a turning point for a community that has endured 11 years without direct access to justice. ‎The reopening is widely seen as a significant step in strengthening the rule of law, reducing the backlog of cases, and restoring public confidence in South Sudan’s fragile justice system. ‎ ‎A Justice System Restored After 11 Years of Silence ‎ ‎The Bentiu High Court has been non-functional since 2014, a period marked by conflict, displacement, and institutional collapse.  ‎ In the absence of formal judicial services, residents were f...

Defense Minister’s No-Show in Parliament Raises Accountability Questions Over Veterans’ Welfare ‎ ‎Juba, South Sudan - September 30, 2025 ‎ The scheduled parliamentary briefing on the welfare of veterans and war victims hit a dead end on Tuesday after Defense and Veterans Affairs Minister Chol Thon Balok failed to appear before lawmakers, forcing Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba to defer the session. ‎ ‎Missed Opportunity on a Critical Issue ‎ ‎Balok was expected to present a long-awaited report detailing how the government is supporting veterans of the liberation struggle, families of fallen soldiers, and the welfare of current South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel. ‎ ‎The absence comes at a sensitive time when complaints about neglect, unpaid benefits, and poor living conditions among veterans are growing louder.  ‎ Analysts warn that postponing such a briefing risks reinforcing perceptions that the government is detached from the plight of those who fought for the nation...

South Sudan Court Rejects Dr. Riek Machar’s Bid to Block War Crimes Trial: Justice or Politics?  ‎ ‎Juba, South Sudan   ‎ In a ruling that could reshape South Sudan’s fragile political landscape, a Juba court has dismissed a petition by former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar seeking to block a high-profile trial that accuses him of murder and war crimes. ‎ ‎The court’s decision, delivered earlier this week, paves the way for prosecutors to proceed with charges against one of the country’s most powerful and controversial figures.  ‎ The ruling has been hailed by some as a breakthrough for justice but condemned by others as a politically motivated move that risks destabilizing an already fragile peace. ‎ ‎ ‎The Court’s Decision ‎ ‎Machar’s legal team had petitioned the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the charges violated both domestic law and the terms of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS).  ‎ His lawyers claimed that as a principal signat...

Prosecution Explains Why Puot Kang Tops Nasir War Crimes Trial Not Dr. Riek Machar ‎Juba, South Sudan  ‎ Prosecutors in the ongoing Nasir War Crimes Trial have explained why Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol is listed as the first accused while opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar appears fifth on the charge sheet. ‎ ‎According to the Prosecution, Kang played a central role in financing and sustaining the March assault on Nasir, making him the lead suspect in the case. ‎ ‎“The attacks were planned, funded, coordinated, and commanded by SPLA-IO commanders, financed by the 1st accused, Mr. Puot Kang Chol, and the 3rd accused, Manpal Duor,” prosecutors told the court. ‎ ‎ ‎Why Dr. Riek Machar Is Fifth, Not First ‎ ‎While Machar is accused of giving military orders, prosecutors say Kang’s financial network was the backbone of the operation, enabling the White Army militia and SPLA-IO fighters to launch the deadly four-day siege. ‎ ‎This, they argue, makes Kang the primary suspect, with Ma...

‎Entebbe, Uganda  ‎ Ugandan security agencies have confiscated the personal archives of the late South Sudanese liberation leader, Dr. John Garang de Mabior, during an attempt to transport them out of the country.  ‎ ‎The seizure took place at Entebbe International Airport on Sunday, when a British-German citizen and a Ugandan national were arrested along with the archival material.  ‎ ‎What Happened ‎ ‎The two individuals were intercepted as they tried to take the documents to South Africa.  ‎ ‎Among the archives were Dr. Garang’s letters and other personal materials.  ‎ ‎The suspects reportedly claimed to be in possession of letters authorised by Mabior Garang, Dr. Garang’s son, which would permit the shipment. However, Mabior has not issued any public statement about the matter so far.  ‎ ‎The Kampala Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests and that homes of those involved were searched.  ‎ ‎Background ‎ ‎Dr. John Garang de Mabior was a central fi...

By Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth September 27, 2025. Someone needs to tell my friend, Nathaniel Oyet Pierrino, the Acting Chairman and C-in-C of SPLM/SPLA IO, that issuing false and unfounded allegations is both irresponsible and reckless. Making such statements amounts to incitement and war-mongering, which only undermines peace and stability in our country. The accusation that there is a plot to kill Dr. Riek Machar Teny was directed at H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, two unnamed Vice Presidents, and a former Minister of Petroleum who was also not named.  The SPLM/SPLA IO people have rushed to assume that the two Vice Presidents are H.E. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and H.E. Taban Deng Gai, and that the unnamed former Minister of Petroleum is myself, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth.  This assumption is misleading and baseless, considering that South Sudan has had many Vice Presidents and several former Ministers of Petroleum. Let me be absolutely clear: Dr. Riek Machar Teny, myself, and many others...

‎Bor, Jonglei State   ‎ ‎At least three people have been killed and two others left seriously wounded after armed members of the infamous “Red Belt” gang opened fire in Bor town on Saturday evening, in what local officials have described as one of the deadliest market attacks in recent months. ‎ ‎The incident occurred around 6:00 PM when the armed group stormed Marol Market, Bor’s busiest trading hub, sparking panic among traders and residents. ‎ ‎According to eyewitnesses, the gang members initially attempted to gain access to a local wrestling ground with firearms but were denied entry by security forces stationed at the venue.  Moments later, the attackers shifted their focus to the market, where they unleashed deadly gunfire on civilians. ‎ ‎Timeline of the Attack ‎ ‎Witnesses told reporters that the armed men arrived in groups, appearing organized and determined. ‎ ‎“They came in from different directions, and when security stopped them from entering the wrestling gr...

‎Juba, September 26, 2025  In a landmark decision that could significantly ease the financial strain on South Sudanese citizens, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has ordered the reduction of electricity tariffs charged by the Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO).  ‎ The announcement was made on Friday evening through the state broadcaster, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), sparking relief and cautious optimism across the capital. ‎ ‎The move comes after months of mounting public frustration over the high cost of electricity, which has been a major burden for households and small businesses already grappling with economic hardship. ‎ ‎The Presidential Order ‎ In his directive, President Kiir emphasized that access to affordable electricity is a basic right and an essential driver of social and economic development. ‎“This order is meant to ensure that electricity services are accessible and affordable to our people,” SSBC quoted the President’s message as sayin...

‎ ‎ Juba  -  September 25, 2025 ‎ ‎The trial of 13 men accused of gang-raping a 16-year-old girl in Sheirkat has been scheduled for October 1, 2025, marking a crucial moment in South Sudan’s fight against gender-based violence (GBV).  ‎ The hearing will be held before a mobile court convened at the police station where the suspects are currently detained. ‎ ‎Molana Josephine Adhet Deng, the lawyer representing the survivor, confirmed the date earlier this week, emphasizing the case’s wider significance. ‎ ‎“This case is vital in our fight against violence towards young women,” Josephine said. “It is not only about one victim it is about restoring dignity and showing that the law will protect survivors of sexual violence.” ‎ ‎The announcement has been welcomed by the victim’s family, community members, and human rights advocates who have long decried the culture of impunity surrounding sexual and gender-based crimes in the country. ‎ ‎ ‎A Nation Shocked by Brutality ‎The S...

‎ ‎Bentiu, Unity State – September 25, 2025 ‎ ‎Mass protests erupted in Bentiu on Thursday morning as thousands of residents poured into the streets demanding the immediate release of Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, the suspended First Vice President, along with seven senior SPLM-IO officials currently facing trial for treason in Juba. ‎ ‎The demonstrators denounced the ongoing legal proceedings as unlawful and a clear violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018.  ‎ ‎The protesters carried placards and banners some of which have gone viral on social media calling on the government to drop the charges, release the detained leaders, and recommit to the peace accord. ‎ ‎“We are out today to say that the arrest of our leaders is unjust and threatens the peace deal,” one protester told local reporters. “The government must stop this trial and respect the agreement that brought us peace.” ‎ ‎The march, which began at Bent...

  ‎ ‎KAPOETA, Eastern Equatoria A violent raid on Wednesday evening targeting the National Security Service (NSS) office in Kapoeta town has left at least five officers wounded several in critical condition, according to state authorities. ‎ ‎Attack Details ‎ ‎Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of Eastern Equatoria State described the perpetrators as a group “affiliated with SPLA-IO,” who launched a coordinated assault on the NSS facility. The attackers opened fire directly on the building before retreating toward the Singaita River.  ‎ ‎Between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., gunshots were also reported toward a nearby military barracks.   ‎ The governor stated that responding security forces who pursued the assailants were ambushed near the river, where attackers, hidden in the bush, struck from the highway.  ‎ ‎Casualties & Response ‎ ‎Authorities confirm that approximately five officers sustained gunshot wounds, with “several of them critically” injured. They are cur...

‎Juba, September 24, 2025  Seventy-two bodyguards of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar were released on Wednesday from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) detention facility at Giada in Juba, after spending 178 days in custody. ‎ ‎The development was confirmed by Nyenagwek Manayom, Executive Director in Dr. Machar’s office, who said the guards had been held since March this year. ‎ ‎According to Nyenagwek, one of the detainees, Luka Gathok, died while in custody.  ‎ Out of those released, 22 are currently receiving treatment at Juba Teaching Hospital, highlighting concerns over the conditions of their detention. ‎ ‎Despite the release, four of Machar’s senior bodyguards remain in custody. They have been identified as Mark Diu Yoah, Par Dang Yuot, Kuok Dang Yiel, and Hoth Chiok. ‎ ‎The release comes amid heightened political tensions, with Dr. Machar himself facing trial in Juba alongside seven senior SPLM-IO officials on treason charges. ‎ ‎Human rights observer...

‎ ‎ Juba, September 24, 2025.  ‎ Governor Bol Wek Agoth of Warrap State has met with the Chief of Defense Forces, General Dau Aturjong, at the Bilpham Military Headquarters in Juba to review the progress of the State of Emergency and ongoing disarmament efforts in the state. ‎ ‎During the meeting, Governor Bol briefed General Dau on the success of the disarmament campaign, noting that the initiative has brought relative calm to Warrap and allowed citizens to move freely without fear of violence. ‎ ‎The discussions centered on strategies to ensure that disarmed communities are adequately protected from criminal groups.  ‎ Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration between state and national governments in maintaining peace and stability. ‎ ‎General Dau commended Governor Bol for his leadership in reducing communal conflicts, pledging the full support of the national army to consolidate the gains achieved.  ‎ He assured that the South Sudan People’s Defence For...

‎ ‎Opposition forces in South Sudan have claimed responsibility for seizing a government army garrison in Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State, following heavy fighting earlier this week. ‎ ‎In a joint statement, fighters from the National Salvation Front (NAS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) said they launched a dawn attack on the Kadi’ba garrison, killing at least 13 soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).  ‎ The groups further claimed they captured several weapons, ammunition, and an armored personnel carrier (APC). ‎ ‎Video footage released by the opposition appears to show jubilant fighters standing near the seized APC and weapons.  ‎ The NAS–SPLA-IO alliance said the operation was carried out in retaliation to what they described as “continuous incursions, harassment, and looting of civilians” by government troops in the area. ‎ ‎Local officials have confirmed that clashes did occur but could not verify the oppos...

A prominent member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has crossed over to the ruling SPLM party, bringing with him a significant number of forces. ‎ ‎Santino Upiu Madhieu, a Member of Parliament in the Council of States representing Western Bahr el Ghazal, announced his defection on Tuesday in Rooc Rooc Dong Payam, Jur River County. ‎ ‎Madhieu, who also serves as Chairperson of the Council’s Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Committee, was received alongside five Major Generals and approximately 1,583 forces.  ‎ The group includes senior officers such as Maj. Santino Ubong Bol and Maj. Gen. Lino Uraya. ‎ ‎His defection is seen as a political and military boost for the SPLM in Western Bahr el Ghazal ahead of the much-anticipated elections.  ‎ It also underscores the growing pressure within SPLM-IO ranks, which has faced internal challenges and recent waves of defections. ‎ ‎Local leaders and SPLM officials in Jur River County welcomed t...

‎ ‎In a move that has sparked debate in legal and academic circles, Geri Raymando Legge, the lead defence lawyer for suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, has set an exam question for his law students at the University of Juba based on the same treason case he is currently arguing in court. ‎ ‎Legge, who doubles as a lecturer at the School of Business and Management through the Center for Human Resource Development and Continuing Education, incorporated the case into the Constitutional Law paper for third-year, semester five students. ‎ ‎The Exam Question ‎According to sources at the university, the treason charges against Machar and seven senior SPLM-IO officials formed the basis of the very first exam question. ‎ ‎The scenario presented to students mirrored the charges read out by the Minister of Justice on September 11, which included: ‎ ‎Treason ‎Conspiracy to rebel ‎ ‎Murder ‎ ‎Crimes against humanity ‎ ‎The exam question asked students to imagine Machar approaching a la...

‎ ‎The highly anticipated trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, entered a decisive stage this week as a Special Court in Juba prepared to rule on an objection raised by Machar’s defence team.  ‎ At the heart of the matter is whether the court itself has the authority under the constitution and the 2018 peace agreement to try Dr. Riek Machar and seven of his close allies. ‎ ‎The outcome of this jurisdictional dispute could shape not only the trial but also South Sudan’s broader political and legal trajectory at a time of fragile peace and looming national elections. ‎ ‎The Jurisdictional Objection ‎Machar’s defence lawyers submitted a strong challenge, insisting that the Special Court was improperly established and that the trial violates South Sudan’s constitution. ‎ ‎According to them, the charges Machar faces are rooted in alleged violations of the ceasefire provisions of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in th...

James Gatdet Dak Lampuar September 20, 2025 Salva Kiir on Monday, September 22, 2025, will make sure that all local, regional and international media outlets are invited to mockingly cover arraignment and parading of H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, in the kangaroo court in Juba, and the reading of all the politically motivated and fabricated charges against him. This will make Salva Kiir's hateful heart happy, at least temporarily.  But, the Dr. Riek Machar I know will instead pity Salva Kiir, and those who ill-advised Kiir,  for destroying the 'last' peace agreement between them in the country. The arraignment in the court will also include the 7 other political detainees from Dr. Riek Machar's SPLM-IO Party, namely Cde Puot Kang Chuol, Cde Gabriel Duop Lam, Cde Gatwech Lam Puoch, Cde Camilo Gatmai Kel, Cde Mam Pal Dhuor, Cde Mading Riek Yak, and Cde Dominic Gatgok Riek. Kiir will not however allow the media to cover the responses of the defense team and the rebutal...