The persistent insecurity in Warrap State demands urgent and sustained attention from the government of South Sudan. For far too long, communities have lived under the shadow of violent clashes, cattle-related conflicts, revenge attacks, and the loss of innocent lives. While efforts have been made to restore order, the situation[Read More…]
Columnists
OPINION: Juba’s haphazard construction, a time bomb
Writer: Eng. Maker Mangol Acien Yuol The construction industry in Juba riskily accommodates experienced labourers but not qualified engineers, including those from East African countries. A critical investigation of most of the concrete structures in Juba shows they are built without soil investigations, survey work, blueprints, or designed artwork. Others[Read More…]
EDITORIAL: Government should strengthen local producers to fight higher food prices
Rising food prices continue to place enormous pressure on households across South Sudan. For many families, the cost of basic commodities has increased beyond what ordinary incomes can support. While global inflation, climate change, and regional conflicts have contributed to this challenge, South Sudan has an opportunity to address the[Read More…]
As fuel prices fly high, the government has work to do to rescue citizens
The continued rise in fuel prices is pushing millions of South Sudanese deeper into economic hardship. With a litre of petrol now selling at around SSP 18,500, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford transportation, food, and other necessities. Fuel is at the heart of the economy, and[Read More…]
OPINION: Tonj elites are part of insecurity in Greater Tonj
Writer: Tong Akok Anei It is heartbreaking and deeply concerning how Greater Tonj is butchering itself, but the first challenge is that we failed to point out the real contributing factor that ignites the situation in Tonj amid our cries and yearning for stability. This gave someone like me the[Read More…]
Independence means peace, let us embrace peace
Every year, South Sudanese celebrate Independence Day with pride and hope. Independence reminds us of the sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines who struggled for freedom and self-determination. However, true independence is not only about raising the national flag or commemorating historical events. It is also about living in[Read More…]
Government should construct more schools in rural areas
Education is the foundation of national development, yet thousands of children living in rural areas of South Sudan continue to face enormous challenges in accessing quality education. Many villages have no schools at all, forcing children to walk long distances every day or abandon their education altogether. This situation undermines[Read More…]
OPINION: The failure of South Sudan to achieve its developmental goals as a nation
Writer: Ayuel Mangok Angui When a nation fails to achieve its main objectives, the accountability for its failure to obtain its chief goals is placed on both the government and the compatriots living in that nation. This is because the nation succeeds when both the civilians and the government have[Read More…]
OPINION: Why government must incentivise the private sector, not politics
Writer: Garang Atomdit Today, many of our brightest young people are choosing sycophancy over skills. Not because they lack talent, but because the system makes praising power more profitable than solving problems. A young man who spends his day clapping for an official gets a meal today. Another who spends[Read More…]
OPINION: 1,800 Megawatts of Hope: Why Fula Dam Matters
Writer: Chol Peter Majoh The recent statement by the Minister of Energy and Dams, Agok Makur, that the proposed Fula Hydropower Dam could generate about 1,800 megawatts of electricity and power the entire country is not merely good news; it is a validation of what some of us have been[Read More…]
OPINION: Better suffocated elections than no elections
Writer: Engr. Maker Mangol Acien Yuol Imperfect polls are still better than permanent transitions that cannot bring development, while wars continue across the country. South Sudan must set the country on a path to hold free and fair elections. These imperfect polls can be improved in future elections. As South[Read More…]
OPINION: Six months since the governor of Lakes State Maj. Gen. Madhang Majok took office, insecurity remains
By Marial Lom Ayual Upon the appointment of Governor Major General Madhang Majok Meen, people were very happy, believing that he would pick up from where the former governor, General Rin Tueny Mabor, left the state of affairs. General Rin Tueny displayed all the security resources, including armoured vehicles and[Read More…]
OPINION: Equal pay is needed, and wage exploitation must end in South Sudan
By: Engr. Maker Mangol Acien Yuol South Sudan’s workforce, managed by the Ministry of Labour and Public Service and powering international organisations, NGOs, private companies, and government institutions, is the engine of national development. Yet despite their indispensable contributions, many South Sudanese workers continue to face systemic underpayment, inconsistent job[Read More…]
Government should prioritise domestic health financing
The health of a nation is the foundation of its development. A healthy population is more productive, contributes to economic growth, and helps build a stronger society. For South Sudan, investing in domestic health financing should be a top priority rather than spending large amounts of money on medical treatment[Read More…]
Can a ceasefire be implemented before South Sudan’s December elections?
As South Sudan prepares for the anticipated elections scheduled for December 22, one question continues to dominate public discourse: Can a nationwide ceasefire be effectively implemented and maintained before citizens head to the polls? The answer is yes, but only if political leaders place the nation’s interests above partisan competition[Read More…]
OpEd: South Sudan’s path to energy security lies in integrated renewable energy
By Ajak John Ateng For far too long, South Sudan has been caught between abundant natural wealth and persistent energy poverty. While the nation possesses vast resources, millions of citizens still struggle with unreliable electricity, forcing businesses, schools, hospitals, and households to depend on costly diesel generators and imported fuel.[Read More…]
South Sudan must ensure good road connectivity and security before elections
As South Sudan moves closer to its anticipated general elections, attention is increasingly focused on electoral preparations. While institutions are working to implement the electoral calendar, the country must first address two fundamental issues that will determine whether the elections are peaceful, inclusive, and credible: road connectivity and security. Free[Read More…]
Sowing The Seed Of Truth: There is life after the presidency
Writer: Malek Arol Dhieu Two days ago, the Obama Presidential Centre was opened in Chicago and was attended by former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden. It was such an amazing occasion that raised the eyebrows of every former president, whether in the USA or elsewhere in[Read More…]
NATIONTALKS: Elections must be a contest of ideas, not conflict
The announcement by the National Elections Commission (NEC) that South Sudan will hold its general elections on 22 December 2026 marks a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey. The date is now set, and the responsibility shifts to political parties, leaders, institutions, and citizens to ensure that the electoral[Read More…]
OPINION: University of Juba should own a clinic or university hospital
Writer: Engr. Maker Mangol Acien Yuol The University of Juba, South Sudan’s premier centre of higher learning, must urgently prioritise the health and well-being of its students and staff by establishing an on-campus clinic and laying a clear roadmap toward a teaching hospital. A modest, well-planned clinic would deliver immediate[Read More…]