As South Sudan paints it Ministry of Finance with new leadership, expectations are high that urgent economic realities will take center stage. With food prices rising across markets in Juba and other states, civil servants are once again bearing the burden of delayed and irregular salaries. The new finance minister[Read More…]
Columnists
In the streets of Juba, too many orphaned children sleep under shop verandas, in unfinished buildings, and along busy roads. They wander through markets looking for food, protection, and hope. Exposed to hunger, disease, abuse, and exploitation, these children are fighting to survive instead of preparing for their future. This[Read More…]
It is time for the parties to act and ensure that free access to humanitarian agencies and workers is implemented. Despites several promises by both the government and the opposition respect the humanitarian agencies and their workers report of abuses continue to surface. As conflict persist in some part of[Read More…]
A Call to Rescue South Sudan’s Economy
As economy struggle, there is need to put more efforts inform of action to get solution. Due to liquidity crisis, the most basic right to access one’s own money has been denied, Banks remain cashless, yet civil servants are paid through them. Teachers, doctors, and soldiers are left stranded, unable[Read More…]
Land Sales and the Rise of “Self-Made Chiefs” in Juba
In recent years, Juba and its outskirts have witnessed a troubling practice that continues to sow confusion and conflict. Groups of people from other counties and states arrive in large numbers, nominate their own chiefs locally referred to as Sultan and begin selling land. They often claim to work in[Read More…]
By Kiden Stela Mandela The suffering of South Sudanese citizens in the diaspora can be laid squarely at the feet of politicians who incite war yet remain unable to deliver peace. South Sudanese have been living in camps since 1983, when they fought to liberate themselves from a Sudanese regime[Read More…]
Defections are the Deadliest Disease Facing Our Nation
Kiden Stela Mandela Political defection has become the order of the day in our country. It is increasingly clear that our continued cycle of violence is fueled by these constant shifts in loyalty. The wars that broke out between 2013 and 2016 were largely driven by power-sharing disputes among leaders;[Read More…]
Warring Parties Must Listen to the Calls for Cessation of Hostilities
Across our nation and beyond, the sound of guns has too often drowned out the voices of reason, dialogue, and humanity. Once again, warring parties are being asked to listen to the calls for a cessation of hostilities. This appeal is not coming from a single group or institution; it[Read More…]
Cultural Festivals: Preserving Identity, Promoting Unity
In a nation as diverse as South Sudan, culture remains one of the strongest pillars holding communities together. Festivals like these stand out as powerful reminders that traditions when celebrated openly and proudly can unite people beyond politics, borders, and generations. Two years ago, the Kakuwa Cultural Festival emerged as[Read More…]
The recent incident in Ayod County, Jonglei State alongside a disturbing pattern of threats against humanitarian agencies has left the public in a state of deep concern. These agencies exist for a singular, vital purpose: to alleviate the suffering of South Sudanese citizens caught in the crossfire of conflict and[Read More…]
The crushing weight of economic inflation in this country demands an immediate end to the delay of civil servant salaries. I call upon the government to address the national crisis and fight for the rights of its workforce. It has now been months since civil servants did not receive their[Read More…]
Church Elites Must Express Up for South Sudan
By Kiden Stela Mandela The economic crisis in South Sudan persists, and the suffering of ordinary citizens continues unabated. This traumatizing situation where affording basic sustenance like bread has become a daily struggle is not normal. It’s a crisis that has pushed citizens to the brink, risking a total loss[Read More…]
The issue of land grabbing and why the poor always losing their land? is rampant in South Sudan, particularly in the capital, Juba. The scale of the problem was brutally illustrated just last weekend when three people were shot by residents of Gumbo, these residents were protesting the actions of[Read More…]
No Need to Shut Down the Hospital
By Kiden Stela Mandela Hospitals must never shut down, not even for a minute. They are visited every day, at all hours, by people suffering from various illnesses that require the immediate attention of professional doctors. The authorities at Bor State Hospital in Jonglei State did well to reopen the[Read More…]
Political Recycling aPerformance Metric or a Policy Failure?
As the appointing authority exercises its power through reliefs, promotions, and dismissals, the persistent issue of political recycling raises serious questions about the criteria used by parties to recommend their members. In a country governed by a shared power agreement among the parties who signed the 2018 peace accord, the[Read More…]
It is a tragedy that the armed forces of this nation the SSPDF (South Sudan People’s Defence Forces) and various armed groups are not conducting themselves in a manner that inspires trust among the citizenry. The recent crisis in Yambio is deeply alarming. Instead of protecting civilians, the SSPDF and[Read More…]
As primary (8) and senior four begins their final examinations on the 24 November, (S4) on the 1 December the Message, cheating in the examination room is unacceptable. Work hard for your future and know that your performance alone determines your next step toward becoming one of this country’s best[Read More…]
As social media continues to spread rumours across Juba and the whole of South Sudan, there is an urgent need for concerned government institutions to consistently provide accurate and timely information. When institutions remain silent, they allow misinformation and disinformation to thrive, leading to widespread speculation and fear among the population. This silence is often interpreted as confirmation, making[Read More…]
The two principal leaders should meet to discuss the status of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), specifically regarding the country controversial swapping of ministries. The leaders some time back held frank deliberations in a friendly atmosphere, which appeared to reflect a spirit of peace, reconciliation, prosperity, and commitment to the[Read More…]
Advocating for President Kiir to ease recurrent Decrees that negatively impact development and service delivery, the demand for greater accountability makes perfect sense. Leaders given the time and authority must be required to present regular accountability reports to their respective state and National Parliaments. This is a critical step towards[Read More…]