Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing South Sudan today. Thousands of young people graduate from schools and universities every year, yet many struggle to find jobs or opportunities to support themselves. While white-collar employment remains limited, technical and vocational education offers a practical solution that can empower[Read More…]
Columnists
Parents should take care of their children as human trafficking cases rise in parts of the country
By Kiden Stela Mandela Human trafficking is becoming a growing threat in parts of South Sudan, and parents must now take a more active role in protecting their children from falling into the hands of criminals. Reports of children disappearing, being lured with false promises, or transported illegally across borders[Read More…]
Peace is paramount to transform South Sudan’s agricultural sector
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…]
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…]
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…]
Government Should Allocate More Budget to Education sector
Education is the foundation of every strong and prosperous nation. For a young country like South Sudan, investing more money in education is not a luxury it is a necessity. If the government truly wants development, peace, and economic growth, it must allocate a larger portion of the national budget[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…]
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…]