Last week, the head of state directed the Ministry of Finance to pay civil servant salaries. These directives came just after the resumption of the Oil flow as Sudan lifted its force majeure. This sounds positive if put into action, however, sometimes statements are announced by top leadership just to[Read More…]
OpEd
The moment you become arrogant, you stop learning.
By Ustaz Mark Bang Many arrogant people think very highly of themselves because of what they have achieved, comparing it to the outside world to boast about their own opinions and desire to be far above others. They monopolize conversations, that what they say is best around the whole[Read More…]
Will the Reopening of the Refinery Benefit South Sudanese?
By Mogga Loyo South Sudan, a nation rich in oil reserves but grappling with economic instability and conflict, has long faced significant challenges in utilizing its natural resources to benefit its population. One of the most prominent developments in recent months has been the government’s announcement of the reopening of[Read More…]
Nation Talks
Subnational violence/attacks in South Sudan remain risky for the people despite the peace agreement signed in September 2018. Since then, the agreement has increased inter-ethnic violence, attacks, and threats across the country, as parties remained separated and their minds occupied with mutual distrust. The situation has been made even worse[Read More…]
People don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad managers
By Ustaz Mark Bang It’s true the manager can make or break a business, but to use the word “always” is wrong. People don’t “always” do anything. People are selfish and usually work for their own best interest; the best manager in the world may be able to reduce[Read More…]
Shisha in South Sudan, a growing trend
By John Majak Deng What is shisha? Shisha, also known as hookah or waterpipe smoking, involves inhaling flavoured tobacco smoke that is filtered through water. The process begins with placing tobacco (often mixed with molasses or glycerin) into a bowl at the top of the hookah. The tobacco is[Read More…]
Nation Talks
South Sudan has made notable progress in promoting women’s political participation under international, regional, and sub-regional frameworks. The adoption of a 35% gender quota under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) represents a significant step forward. Women now occupy 32% of ministerial[Read More…]
Nation Talks
Government institutions operate hierarchically, with directives flowing downwards from the national to the state level, and ultimately to the Payams and Bomas. However, in practice, power remains concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to top-down control and limited local autonomy. This centralized system contributes to economic hardship, widespread[Read More…]
VIPs versus the less privileged [Part 2]
There are only two classes in Juba and you know where you belong. Blame the government or anything because it won’t change the fact that each day one gets to live here is a gift, unmerited. The most privileged men of Juba buy fancy cars from Japan and estates abroad[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (Part Four)
By Ustaz Mark Bang Believe it or not, if you’re throwing a fit, you lack empathy. Thus, you also lack intelligence. You can take all the tests you want, but if you’re absolutely clueless about how the world is working around you, you don’t know anything. I’m not saying this[Read More…]
Nation Talks
Inter-communal violence in South Sudan extends beyond sporadic conflicts; it is a persistent cycle fueled by economic hardships and other factors. This violence is often orchestrated by powerful politicians who manipulate vulnerable communities for their own gain, using tactics like child abduction and cattle raiding to further their agendas. The[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (Part Three)
By Ustaz Mark Bang Franklin D. Roosevelt was able to rebuild the United States with what plenty today would decry as a dangerous slippery slope into Communism. But the Roosevelt administration actually saved America from having its own October Revolution by laying down hundreds of public works projects, regulating the[Read More…]
Nation Talks
Christmas and New Year Season are festivals that promote love, peace, and being together with loved ones, such as family members, friends, lovers, and neighbours, and being happy throughout the festive season in Christians’ lives worldwide. First of all, I would like to thank the government of South Sudan for[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (part 2)
By Ustaz Mark Bang My perspective is that each one of us is a multidimensional being. I came to this understanding through spiritual enlightenment, quantum physics, and learning from those who have an open connection to a knowing beyond the physical. This is to say that we are a body[Read More…]
Dear 2025, you are a good year, aren’t you?
Dear 2025, you are just 6 days old today. From the bottom of my heart, I warmly welcome you. Feel at home! If you were a baby boy, you would be taken to church this Sunday for baptism. If you were a baby girl, you would be taken to church[Read More…]
The Oversight Dilemma inside TNL Parliament: A Critical Look at Oversight Failures During Economic Crises
By Hon. Eng. Boutros Magaya Nbangano, MP- TNLA “TNL Leadership is fully responsible for its failures, in-effectiveness and largely responsible for current economic crises” 1. Introduction This article seeks to address the genuine concerns expressed by citizens regarding the performance of Parliament, particularly in light of the ongoing economic[Read More…]
Illiteracy is number one promoter of ignorance-Part Two
By Ustaz Mark Bang Why are some people choosing to be ignorant? Perhaps they know the trouble that knowledge would cause. Perhaps they are new (to the environment or the company). Perhaps they want to avoid more questions (signs of intellect, yet not enough enthusiasm to be helpful). Perhaps[Read More…]
VIPs versus the less privileged [Part 1]
It takes a lot of courage to accept the reality of this life and everything that comes with it. This has to do with every routine, taking a boda from where you live and having to put up a rude face for the boda man never to charge you twice[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (part one)
By Ustaz Mark Bang People don’t take pride in what is become obvious to them they don’t know. Some care but many don’t some know more than themselves. Most learn what is needful to gain of knowledge that benefits a broadened understanding. I am proud when I know what I[Read More…]
Nyak, what do you pledge for 2025?
I pledge to live in Unity with everyone. I know my unity didn’t work so well in 2024. I had some issues with others. I had also some issues with myself. I didn’t define how I could be united with others. In 2025, I am surely going to pursue my[Read More…]