JubaWire

‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...

‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced the renaming of the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal to the University of Aweil and directed the national parliament to formalize its status as a public university. ‎ ‎The announcement was made during the president’s visit to Aweil, where he pledged government support for higher education and institutional development in the region. ‎ ‎President Kiir instructed lawmakers to undertake the necessary legal procedures to ensure the newly renamed University of Aweil is fully recognized as a public university under South Sudan’s higher education framework. ‎ ‎The move is expected to strengthen access to higher education in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and enhance the university’s role in training skilled professionals to support national development. ‎ ‎Further details on the parliamentary process and implementation timeline are yet to be announced.

‎ President Salva Kiir Mayardit has commended the people of Aweil and Northern Bahr el Ghazal State for maintaining peace and unity, describing their commitment to stability as an example for the rest of South Sudan. ‎ ‎The president arrived in Aweil on Tuesday as part of his ongoing tour of the Bahr el Ghazal region, receiving a warm welcome from thousands of residents who lined the streets to greet him.  ‎ Crowds chanted songs and slogans of support, while traditional dancers performed across the town during the celebrations. ‎ ‎Speaking at a public rally in Aweil, Kiir praised local communities for preserving peace and social cohesion despite the country's challenges.  ‎ ‎The president encouraged residents to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and national unity, stressing that stability remains essential for South Sudan's development. ‎ ‎The president reaffirmed his government's commitment to implementing the peace agreement and maintaining security across the cou...

‎ ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived in Aweil on Tuesday, continuing his tour of the Bahr el Ghazal region aimed at engaging communities on key national issues. ‎Also read about:  Yigi Yigi Regains Freedom After Detention in Libya ‎ The President travelled to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State after completing visits to Warrap State, where he met residents in Kuajok and his hometown of Akon. ‎ ‎According to the Office of the President, the regional outreach tour focuses on discussions surrounding economic recovery, security, and development initiatives across the region. ‎ ‎President Kiir began the tour last week in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, before moving on to Warrap State and now Northern Bahr el Ghazal. ‎ ‎Upon arrival in Aweil, the President received a warm welcome from large crowds gathered at Madhol, located along the border between Warrap and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states.  ‎ Residents reportedly lined the roads from Wanyjok through Akuem, Ajaj, ...

South Sudanese comedian Yigi Yigi has announced that he has been released from detention in Libya after spending several days in custody while attempting to continue his journey toward Europe. Read more:  South Sudanese Lawyer Urges Authorities to Crack Down on Nightclubs Admitting Minors/Underage Girls in Juba In a message shared on Facebook on Monday, the entertainer expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying their prayers, encouragement, and messages helped him through the difficult period. Mam Pal Denies Sharing Information Related To The Nasir Incident as Dr. Riek Machar Trial Continues His detention attracted widespread attention online after he shared photos and videos showing conditions inside what appeared to be a crowded detention center in Libya. Yigi Yigi thanked everyone who stood by him during the ordeal and offered special appreciation to Brig. Gen. Angui, popularly known as Mike Mike, for providing support and encouragement while he was detained. Vice President H...

‎A South Sudanese lawyer has called on the South Sudan National Police Service and the Juba City Council to summon owners and managers of hotels and nightclubs in Juba over reports that underage children are being allowed into entertainment venues. ‎ ‎The lawyer said the increasing presence of minors in bars, hotels, and nightclubs is worrying and requires immediate intervention from the authorities.  ‎ ‎The lawyer argued that such places are not suitable for children and could expose them to harmful influences. ‎ ‎The lawyer further urged law enforcement agencies and city officials to investigate the matter and ensure that businesses operating entertainment venues comply with the law.  ‎ According to the lawyer, owners who fail to prevent underage entry should be held accountable. ‎ ‎The appeal follows growing concerns from members of the public about children being seen in some nightlife spots across the capital.  ‎ The lawyer stressed that protecting young people shoul...

Mam Pal Dhoul, one of the accused in the ongoing trial involving suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and other members of the SPLM-IO, has denied allegations that he shared information related to the Nasir incident with fellow suspects or local youth leaders. ‎ ‎Appearing before the Special Court in Juba, Dhoul rejected claims that he passed information to co-accused Puot Kang Chol or youth groups in Upper Nile State.  ‎ ‎Mam Pal Dhuol argued that the accusations were not supported by any witness testimony and were based solely on findings presented by a digital forensic expert. ‎ ‎Dhoul told the court that he is a businessman and has never worked as an intelligence officer, making it unlikely that he would be involved in collecting or distributing sensitive information. ‎ ‎He also disputed allegations that he circulated a list of people killed during the Nasir violence. According to Dhoul, the messages presented as evidence were fabricated while his mobile phones were in th...

‎ South Sudan Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol joined President Salva Kiir Mayardit at a peace rally in Kuajok on Saturday, where leaders urged residents to embrace peace and unity ahead of South Sudan's planned general elections in December 2026. ‎ ‎Speaking to a large crowd gathered in the state capital, Hussein praised the people of Warrap for the warm welcome they gave President Kiir despite heavy rains. He said the turnout reflected the population's commitment to peace, stability, and national unity. ‎ ‎The vice president encouraged communities across Warrap State to avoid communal violence and work together to maintain peaceful coexistence as the country prepares for the upcoming elections. ‎ ‎VP. Hussein also highlighted the need to expand access to higher education. He reiterated his support for the establishment of public universities in Kuajok and Aweil, saying many students face difficulties accessing university education due to the lack of institutions closer t...

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday received a rousing welcome in Warrap State, with thousands of residents turning out despite heavy rain and muddy conditions to greet the country's leader. ‎ ‎The president arrived at Tharkueng, the border point between Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal states, where large crowds had gathered along the Wau–Kuajok road awaiting his arrival. ‎ ‎In a gesture that drew cheers from supporters, Kiir stepped out of his vehicle and walked through the mud to greet residents, traditional leaders, government officials, and supporters who had assembled to welcome him. ‎ ‎Witnesses said men, women, youth, and elders endured hours of rainfall while waiting for the presidential convoy. Many waved flags, sang songs, and chanted slogans as the president made his way toward Kuajok. ‎ ‎Photographs released by the Office of the President showed Kiir moving on foot through the reception area accompanied by senior government officials and security personnel. ‎ ‎The...

‎ South Sudan's Ministry of Health has strongly condemned the killing of a senior Guinea Worm Eradication Program official, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the country's healthcare sector. ‎ ‎In a press statement issued on June 5, the Ministry said Mark Nabeyo, the State Field Coordinator for the Guinea Worm Eradication Program in Eastern Equatoria State, was killed in an armed ambush along the Torit–Oronyo Road on June 3, 2026. ‎ ‎The Ministry expressed deep shock over the incident and denounced the attack as a brutal act against a healthcare worker dedicated to serving communities in the state. ‎ ‎Health authorities called on local authorities to urgently investigate the killing, arrest those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted according to the law. ‎ ‎"The Minister and Undersecretary fiercely condemn this brutal attack on a healthcare worker," the statement said, emphasizing that violence against medical personnel is completely unacceptable. ‎ ‎...

  Mam Pal Dhoul, one of the accused persons in the ongoing trial involving suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven others, appeared before the Special Court in Juba on Friday and denied accusations linking him to the financing of armed youth activities in Nasir County. ‎Speaking through a court interpreter, Mam Pal dismissed claims made by prosecutors and a digital forensic expert that he transferred $15,000 through an individual identified as Mohammed Sherif Ahmed in Dubai to support armed groups in Nasir. ‎ ‎According to his testimony, Mohammed Sherif Ahmed is a personal friend whom he visited in India on October 5, 2024, for business-related matters. Mam Pal told the court that the two later planned to travel together to Dubai, but Ahmed traveled ahead because he did not have a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates at the time. ‎ ‎Mam Pal explained that business associates later sent $15,000 to Ahmed in Dubai on his behalf and confirmed that the money was received....

‎ ‎South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has called on fish traders in Bor, Jonglei State, to temporarily halt trade activities with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as authorities step up measures to prevent the spread of Ebola into the country. ‎ ‎Speaking during Radio Miraya’s Nationwide programme on Thursday, a senior health official, Dr. Kidiende Chong, warned that continued cross-border trade with eastern Congo could increase the risk of the deadly virus entering South Sudan. ‎ ‎According to the ministry, traders from Bor regularly export dried fish to Ituri Province in eastern DRC, which has been identified as the centre of the current Ebola outbreak. ‎ ‎Dr. Chong urged traders to prioritize their safety by suspending the business temporarily until the situation is brought under control. ‎ ‎“We are calling on our people, at least for their safety, to suspend this activity for a while,” he said. ‎ ‎Health authorities expressed concern that the movement of people and goods throug...

‎ President Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to visit Warrap State on Friday, June 5, according to state officials, as preparations for his reception gather momentum both in Warrap and neighboring Western Bahr el Ghazal State. ‎ ‎Authorities in Warrap State announced that arrangements are underway to welcome the Head of State during what is expected to be an important visit to the region.  ‎ Officials have not yet disclosed the full agenda of the trip, but local authorities say preparations are progressing smoothly ahead of the President’s arrival. ‎ ‎In the city of Wau, government officials and security agencies have also begun making logistical preparations as part of activities linked to the President’s visit. ‎ ‎The visit comes at a time when the national government continues to emphasize peace, security, and stability across the country ahead of the planned elections.  ‎ Recent directives from President Kiir have focused on strengthening security and improving governance i...

The SPLM/A-IO has again criticized the Special Court investigating the Nasir incident after Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol completed his testimony during the court’s 83rd session on Wednesday. ‎ ‎The court, which is hearing a case involving First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and several SPLM/A-IO officials, spent the session cross-examining Puot Kang over statements he made during previous hearings. ‎ ‎During his testimony, Puot denied allegations that he financed or supported armed youth involved in the Nasir violence.  ‎ He also challenged evidence presented by the prosecution, particularly findings from a digital forensic report that allegedly linked him to communications connected to the conflict. ‎ ‎Puot told the court that he had been arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) in March 2025 and that several vehicles belonging to him and the government were later seized.  ‎ He said he could not recall the vehicle registration numbers but maintained that the info...

Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, Adut Kiir, has donated 10 vehicles to support South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness efforts as the country continues to strengthen its capacity to respond to potential outbreaks. ‎ ‎The donation was announced during Adut’s visit to health facilities and emergency response institutions involved in disease surveillance and preparedness. The vehicles are expected to improve the mobility of rapid response teams and facilitate the transportation of medical supplies across the country. ‎ ‎According to health officials, the additional vehicles will enhance emergency operations and help frontline responders reach affected areas more quickly in the event of an Ebola outbreak. The support comes as South Sudan remains on high alert due to the Ebola situation in parts of the region. ‎ ‎During the visit, Adut reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health and strengthening the country’s emergency preparedness systems. She emphasized the...

‎The United States has accused President Salva Kiir's government of failing to make sufficient progress in implementing South Sudan’s peace agreement, following the United Nations Security Council’s decision to extend sanctions and the arms embargo on the country for another year. ‎ ‎Addressing the UN Security Council, the United States said the continued sanctions were necessary due to ongoing delays in the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and the deteriorating political and security situation in the country. ‎ ‎Washington argued that South Sudanese leaders have not demonstrated enough commitment to advancing key reforms required under the peace deal, including security arrangements, political reforms, and preparations for national elections. ‎ ‎The renewed measures include the continuation of the arms embargo, travel restrictions, asset freezes, and the mandate of the UN Panel of Experts monitoring the sanctions regime until May 2027. ‎ ‎The U.S. delegation ...

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has approved the release of the 2025 South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (S.4) examination results after receiving a briefing from the Ministry of General Education and Instruction on Monday.  ‎ ‎The approval comes as thousands of students across the country have been anxiously awaiting their results, which were delayed for several months after the examinations were conducted in December 2025.  ‎ The delay had affected many candidates seeking admission to universities and other higher learning institutions within and outside South Sudan. ‎ ‎According to the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, the results were finalized and presented to the President before receiving the official authorization for public release.  ‎ The ministry had earlier assured candidates and parents that the results would be announced before the end of May. ‎ ‎Education officials said the release of the results will allow successful candidates to pro...

South Sudan's President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has directed the Government of Central Equatoria State to strengthen security measures and maintain stability as the country prepares for the upcoming national elections. ‎ ‎The directive was issued during a meeting between the President and state officials, where discussions focused on the security situation, governance, and preparations for the electoral process. ‎ ‎South Sudan President emphasized the need for authorities to work closely with security agencies and local communities to ensure a peaceful environment before, during, and after the elections. ‎ ‎President Kiir underscored the importance of safeguarding citizens, preventing election-related violence, and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities across the state. ‎ ‎Central Equatoria State, which hosts the national capital, Juba, is expected to play a crucial role in the country's electoral preparations.  ‎ ‎President Kiir urged state leaders to remain vigilant ...