By Kiden Stela Mandela Dear South Sudanese and the people in this great nation, In our beautiful culture, a greeting is never just a word. It is a connection. To shake hands, to grasp another’s hand firmly, is a compulsory mark of respect, warmth, and brotherhood. It is how we[Read More…]
Columnists
Notebooks, Not Rifles: The tragic reckoning of journalists who became the story
Writer: Wole Simon Journalists set out with notebooks, pens, cameras, a flak jacket, and a helmet with the wording “PRESS”. These are the weapons used during information gathering and documentation. This is ethical and protective. It is what distinguishes a pressman from the combat. On the other hand, no soldier[Read More…]
Why do crimes in Juba areas need proper law enforcement?
By Kiden Stela Mandela Crime continues to worry many citizens across Juba City, especially in places such as Juba Town, Sherikat, and Lologo. Cases of drug abuse, gang violence, theft, and assault are increasingly becoming common in residential areas, markets, and streets. Many people now fear walking alone at night[Read More…]
We spent a lot of dollars on cultural festivals: Why we must rethink our priorities?
By Khamis Lokudu Let me say this plainly so nobody gets confused. Culture is not our problem. Never has been. The drums, the dancing, the beautiful robes, and the stories of our elders—these things are good. They hold us together and remind us where we came from. Nobody in their[Read More…]
Why technical and vocational education matters for youth employment
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…]
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…]