By Kiden Stela Mandela Paying civil servants their salaries on the 24th of every month, as promised, is more than a simple administrative task—it’s a critical move for the well-being of our citizens and the integrity of our nation. A reliable, timely salary schedule is essential for enhancing working conditions[Read More…]
NATION TALK
Gang Violence—A Crisis of Leadership and Future
By Kiden Stela Mandela The capital, Juba, is under siege, not by a foreign army, but by its own youth. A wave of ruthless gang activity is sweeping through our streets, with young men moving brazenly with sharp, broken bottles, machetes (pangas), and even pistols and guns. Their main target?[Read More…]
Grabbing Land from the Poor: A Crisis of Power and Profit
By Kiden Stela Mandela The scourge of land grabbing is not just common; it is a raging crisis tearing at the social fabric of South Sudan, particularly across Greater Equatoria. At its most brutal, this is an act carried out at gunpoint, with powerful individuals threatening rightful residents and causing[Read More…]
The Price of Despair: Why We Must Stop Abortion and Child Abandonment
The painful realities of abortion and child abandonment are stark blemishes on the fabric of our society. Every time a child is discarded or a pregnancy is intentionally ended, it is a cry of anguish that reflects systemic failures: parental neglect, financial instability, fear of judgment, and dangerous advice. As[Read More…]
The mission of Late Pope Francis in South Sudan is not merely a memory; it is a spiritual mandate that continues to challenge the conscience of the nation’s leadership. The Holy Father offered his full-throated support toward peace by placing the country prominently on his diary of holy activities. The[Read More…]
The very institutions meant to safeguard our nation are tragically failing our citizens. When the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF)—the face of our sovereignty—and armed groups engage in perpetual blame games, it’s the innocent citizens who pay the ultimate price. The devastating war in Upper Nile State exemplifies this[Read More…]
Disarmament must be a wide-ranging and comprehensive duty to truly secure our country. Focusing solely on a few sensitive areas is insufficient; a nationwide strategy is essential to avoid persistent insecurity and the rise of armed groups. The prevalence of weapons in civilian hands fuels inter-communal violence, which often erupts[Read More…]
The court has adjourned until Monday, September 29, 2025. This decision was made to give judges more time to review the objections raised by both the prosecution and the defense. Both sides submitted lengthy written responses, and the court likely felt that a delay was necessary to ensure all parties[Read More…]
Attacking civilians and humanitarian workers is a violation of the Constitution of South Sudan. Humanitarian organizations are in our country to support communities affected by conflict and contribute to nation-building. These attacks are not only unlawful but deeply counterproductive. Instead of targeting those who are here to help, our leaders[Read More…]
Banks are the lifeblood of a healthy economy. They act as essential mediators, channeling capital from investors to businesses and individuals to fuel growth. Beyond just storing money, banks provide a range of vital services: they facilitate efficient transactions, offer credit for large acquisitions, and manage risk to maintain financial[Read More…]
The economic reality facing South Sudanese citizens is increasingly dire. A pervasive sense of distress and anxiety marks daily life as people struggle against soaring commodity prices and biting inflation. Meanwhile, the authorities appear to be standing by as the state staggers on the brink of collapse. The primary driver[Read More…]
South Sudan currently faces a plethora of crises, yet Parliament continues to skip some of the sittings meant to discuss vital matters. Parliament is the people’s house which exists to deliberate on issues of national importance and to exercise oversight over government. Painfully, the inconsistency of parliamentary sittings; often without[Read More…]
This is really a call around making a conscious choice to speak up and challenge not just gender bias, but also racial and economic inequality. From challenge comes change and a path to a fairer, better country. Women learn faster in any field of education and can be able to[Read More…]
The obligation to pay tax to the government is the moral responsibility of the citizens in any nation on earth. The citizens do so while in return they expect services delivery from the government. The government agency tasked to collect tax from the citizens, institutions, foreign nationals and entities, does[Read More…]
The government recently introduced new financial reforms designed to stabilize our economy. These sweeping changes include banning the hoarding of local and foreign currency and restricting all transactions outside of official banking systems. These are ambitious goals, but many citizens, including myself, are asking if they will really work.[Read More…]
Our economy is the foundation of our lives. When it fails, people suffer. An economy is more than just buying and selling; it’s a complex system built on production, distribution, and trade. It’s shaped by everything from our education and technology to our political stability and natural resources. It is[Read More…]
By Kiden Stela Mandela South Sudanese people yearn for peace. It’s become a painful cycle where one part of the country finds calm while another is engulfed in violence. Our leaders must take a firm stand and address the clashes tearing our nation apart. The violence has been relentless,[Read More…]
For the past three months, Juba’s residents have been fighting an economic battle, finding some relief from the constant threat of street violence. The government’s recent efforts to arrest suspected gang members in areas like Gumbo Sherikat seemed to be working, and the stories of killings and assaults had notably[Read More…]
The promise of independence in 2011 was one of freedom, prosperity, and self-determination. Yet, over a decade later, many South Sudanese feel that promise remains unfulfilled. The very people who fought to liberate the country, both soldiers and civilians, are now struggling with poverty, hunger, and a lack of basic[Read More…]
Be a live changer of the street children
The number of street children in Juba is increasing daily, and you can find them on nearly every corner. They beg for food and money day and night. Many of these children may be the offspring of soldiers who disappeared during the conflicts of 2013-2016, which claimed thousands of lives.[Read More…]