By Kiden Stela Mandela As the country officially opens its four-day agricultural conference, one message must stand above all: Peace is the foundation upon which any meaningful agricultural transformation can be built. Without peace, even the most ambitious plans, policies, and investments in agriculture will struggle to take root. Agriculture[Read More…]
NATION TALK
Drug distribution must serve the people, not the system
Reports of ongoing drug distribution across the country should ordinarily bring relief and hope to citizens. Yet, for many patients, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Hospitals and health centers continue to grapple with acute medicine shortages, leaving vulnerable populations stranded and desperate. This contradiction raises a[Read More…]
Banks must operate efficiently in order to restore public trust
By Kiden Stela Mandela This nation stands at a critical moment in its economic journey. For some time now, many of the people have faced difficulty withdrawing their own money from commercial banks. This challenge has caused frustration, uncertainty, and, in some cases, a loss of confidence in our financial[Read More…]
Modernizing Juba’s Markets: A Call to Action after Yet another Fire
By Kiden Stela Mandela Yet again, flames have torn through the Konyo-Konyo market, leaving behind ashes, tears, and shattered livelihoods. This is not the first time traders in Konyo-Konyo and custom markets have suffered such devastating losses. Each outbreak tells the same story: insubstantial structures, poor planning, and a lack[Read More…]
Improving Agricultural Production is the Path to Ending Hunger
Agriculture remains the backbone of South Sudan’s economy, yet hunger continues to affect many communities across the country. Despite having vast fertile land, and abundant water resources, the country still struggles with food insecurity. This inconsistency highlights the urgent need to improve agricultural production as a sustainable solution to fight[Read More…]
Peace and Stability Must Come First South Sudan once again finds itself at a crossroads as insecurity, political tension, and humanitarian concerns continue to challenge the country’s fragile transition. While leaders speak about elections and national development, the reality on the ground reminds us that peace and stability must remain[Read More…]
The continuing crisis in Akobo County has once again reminded the nation how fragile peace can be when tensions escalate and communities are forced to flee their homes. Recent developments have created fear and uncertainty among residents, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The South[Read More…]
Life in Juba has become increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. Every day, families struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, water, transport, and rent. The rising cost of living in the capital is no longer just an economic issue; it is a national concern that requires urgent government attention.[Read More…]
Church Leaders should Strengthen Peace Efforts as Civilians Called to Return Home
As leaders continue to call on civilians to return to their respective homes following recent tensions, the role of church leaders in peace building has become more important than ever. In times of uncertainty and fear, religious institutions often stand as pillars of hope, unity, and reconciliation within communities. Across[Read More…]
South Sudan stands at a crossroads. Our Constitution promises equality, dignity, and protection for all citizens, yet women and girls continue to live under the shadow of violence, exclusion, and silence. Parliament cannot continue to delay the passage of laws that safeguard half of our population. Every day of inaction[Read More…]
Peace Begins with Us: Why Citizens Must Lead Stability Efforts in South Sudan
As South Sudan continues to navigate economic hardship, insecurity, and political uncertainty, many citizens place all responsibility for peace and development on the shoulders of political leaders. While leadership plays a crucial role, lasting stability cannot come from the top alone. It must begin with ordinary citizens who choose unity[Read More…]
Newly reappointed Finance minister must focus on paying civil servants and Organized forces
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…]
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…]
Only Accountability will make the current road project different from previous
The recent approval of USD 2 billion for roads infrastructure by the South Sudan Council of Ministers is a bold commitment to infrastructure development. For South Sudan, where inadequate road networks have long hindered trade, service delivery, and national integration, this investment carries immense promise. However, it remains unclear whether[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…]
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…]
By Kiden Stela Mandela In no country is corruption in any form legalized. Governments worldwide have established legal instruments to deter, criminalize, and punish those who engage in it. Similarly, the government of South Sudan has legal frameworks and jurisdictions intended to combat corruption. However, the country lacks well-functioning institutions[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…]