The payment of salaries to civil servants and organised forces is not merely an administrative obligation; it is a fundamental responsibility of any government. In South Sudan, thousands of teachers, healthcare workers, police officers, soldiers, and other public servants continue to face prolonged delays in salary payments. This situation has[Read More…]
OpEd
Government should pay civil servants and organised forces
The government of South Sudan must prioritise the timely payment of salaries to civil servants and members of the organised forces. For months, many public employees, including teachers, healthcare workers, police officers, soldiers, and other government workers, have endured long delays in receiving their wages. This situation is not only[Read More…]
Sticking Issues and Unfinished Business: Why the Iran ceasefire may not hold
By Wole Simon Middle East Crisis analysis: Beyond the military exchanges and diplomatic maneuvering, several sticking troubles have repeatedly derailed negotiations among the US, Israel, and Iran. These encompass Iran’s uranium enrichment software, its improvement of advanced centrifuges, the demand for verifiable inspections of nuclear centres, and the question of[Read More…]
FEMINISM OR MISANDRY? The Difference Most People Get Wrong
By Nyilueth Mamer Thokgor I recently came across a social media post that read: “A misogynist will die protecting his mother’s honour, but a feminist will betray and humiliate her father for cheap social media attention.” The statement immediately caught my attention. Not because I agreed with it, but because[Read More…]
$3.25 Million Medical Allowances for MPs Exposes Misplaced Budget Priorities
By Engr. Maker Mangol Acien Yuol Public funds reveal a nation’s priorities. A recent payment of $5,000 each to 550 members of parliament and 100 members of the Council of States, totalling 650 MPs, received $3.25 million. Perhaps this raises a simple but urgent question. Why are generous allowances for[Read More…]
Agriculture: The Citizens’ Best Defense Against Famine
This country is blessed with vast fertile land, favourable climatic conditions, and abundant water resources. Yet, despite these natural advantages, many communities continue to face food shortages and the constant threat of famine. As it strives for economic growth and stability, citizens must embrace agriculture as the most reliable solution[Read More…]
Protecting South Sudan by pausing the handshake
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…]
South Sudan leaders should embark on dialogue
In recent years, South Sudan has continued to grapple with cycles of political tension, economic hardship, and fragile peace. Despite multiple agreements and repeated promises of reform, trust among political leaders remains limited, and citizens continue to bear the consequences of stalled implementation and recurring instability. What is urgently needed[Read More…]
Government should empower women in Business
South Sudan stands at a critical point in its economic development, where rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening households, and expanding national productivity depend heavily on inclusive growth. One of the most overlooked yet powerful drivers of that growth is women’s participation in business. If the country is serious about economic recovery and[Read More…]
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…]
South Sudan should return to dialogue to ensure successful changes in peace agreement
The persistent tensions between the government and opposition forces are a reminder that the country’s peace needs more efforts The future stability of South Sudan depends on genuine dialogue and a willingness by all parties to revisit and strengthen the peace agreement. The Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the[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…]
Progress Without Shelter: Juba’s Urban Drive Risks Citizen Dignity
The promise of modern infrastructure in Juba is undeniable. Roads, properly demarcated and aligned with the city’s master plan, are vital for commerce, mobility, and the long-term growth of South Sudan’s capital. Yet, the current urban development drive is unfolding with a troubling human cost: families are being stripped of[Read More…]