22nd May 2026

Taxpayers told to clear arrears before May 15

The Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division has urged taxpayers to comply with tax obligations ahead of the May 15 deadline for filing and payments.

In a public notice issued to taxpayers, Lino Ajang Ajang, said the deadline applies to all monthly tax returns, quarterly filings, and associated payments for April 2026.

“The due date is 15th May 2026 for all monthly tax returns, quarterly filings and payments,” Ajang stated in the notice, adding that taxpayers are “instructed to clear your arrears on the same due date too.”

He explained that taxpayers must also settle any outstanding arrears accumulated during previous tax periods.

“Any tax filing and payment that has not been done during the previous tax periods is also asked to be filed and paid immediately,” he said.

The commissioner further outlined several categories of taxes that must be cleared, including Personal Income Tax Withholdings (PIT-W) on wages and salaries, rental income, government contracts, technical service fees, dividends, royalties, and lottery and other gaming winnings.

Ajang also noted that sales and excise taxes are due from several sectors, including manufacturing companies, hotels, bars, restaurants, financial institutions, travel and tour agencies, and telecommunications companies.

He warned businesses operating without Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) that they are acting outside the law.

“Every unregistered business with South Sudan Revenue Authority, doing business without (TIN), ‘Tax Identification Number’ is doing so illegally and is a criminal offence,” Ajang warned.

He urged businesses to comply immediately by registering and meeting their tax obligations. “Register and get TIN, file and pay your tax obligations right away,” he said.

Ajang concluded by calling on taxpayers to support national development through timely tax compliance. “Let’s pay taxes for our national development and economic stability,” he said. Continue reading “Taxpayers told to clear arrears before May 15”

Kiir mourns late Botswana ex-president Festus Mogae as friend of South Sudan

President Salva Kiir has mourned former Botswana President Festus Mogae as a steadfast friend of South Sudan in a condolence message issued on Thursday. Continue reading “Kiir mourns late Botswana ex-president Festus Mogae as friend of South Sudan”

Catholic priest Fr. Andrea Okello dies in Rumbek

Christians of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek are mourning the death of Fr. Andrea Osman Okello, parish priest of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yirol West, who passed away on Wednesday morning.

Fr. Andrea Osman Okello died at the age of 66 after a short illness. He reportedly collapsed at Holy Family Cathedral on May 13, 2026.

According to Fr. Luka Dor, Coordinator for Social Communication in the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, Fr. Andrea had attended morning prayers and Mass before suddenly collapsing at the gate of the cathedral.

Fr. Dor, speaking on behalf of Bishop Christian Carlassare, Apostolic Administrator of the diocese, said Fr. Andrea dedicated his life to the service of the Church and the community through his priestly ministry and pastoral work.

“He served faithfully and touched many lives through his humility and dedication,” Fr. Dor said, adding that the death had come as a shock to the clergy and faithful.

Fr. Dor reiterated that Fr. Andrea had participated in morning prayers and Mass shortly before the incident, noting that his passing was sudden and unexpected.

“The death of Fr. Andrea Osman Okello has come as a shock to all of us. We did not expect this to happen at this time,” he said.

S. Sudan chief justice orders judges to write verdicts exclusively in English

South Sudan chief justice has issued a circular directing all judges across the country to write their judgments exclusively in English beginning June 1, 2026, with a six-month transition period provided for implementation.

The circular, signed by Justice Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, on May 13, 2026, states that the decision is in line with Article 6(2) of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011, which designates English as the official working language of the Republic.

“In light of the foregoing, and in exercise of the powers vested in me under Article 127(1) (a) and (b) of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, I do hereby issue Judicial Circular No. 1/2026,” the document reads.

The circular further directs that, “All judges in the Republic of South Sudan shall write their judgments in English with effect from 1st June, 2026 and within the period of six months from the date stated herein.”

According to the document seen by Eye Radio, the Constitution takes precedence over all other laws under Article 3, rendering invalid any legislation inconsistent with it. The Judiciary noted that the Civil Procedure Act of 2007, which recognized both English and Arabic as official court languages, contradicts the constitutional provision and is therefore superseded.

The circular also referenced the legal principle “Posterior Derogat Priori,” meaning a later law repeals an earlier conflicting law, emphasizing that newer legislation reflects the latest intention of lawmakers and should prevail in cases of contradiction.

The Judiciary linked the move to South Sudan’s obligations under the East African Community Treaty Act 2026, aimed at harmonizing national laws with those of the regional bloc following the country’s accession to the community.

“South Sudan has domesticated the treaty of the East African Community with view to harmonize the laws of South Sudan with the laws of the Community,” the circular stated.

To support the transition, the Judiciary said it would work with partners, the School of Law at the University of Juba, and other higher learning institutions recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education to strengthen judges’ English language skills.

“The Judiciary, with the support of its partners shall in collaboration with School of Law, University of Juba, and any other Higher Education Institution recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education in South Sudan shall exert efforts towards this goal within available resources,” the circular reads.

Judges were also encouraged to improve their language and professional skills.

“All judges are encouraged to take any opportunity of English language course or training seriously including improvement of their handwriting by way of self-fulfilment,” the document added.

The Judiciary announced that by January 2027 it would review the implementation progress and take appropriate measures against judges who remain unable to write judgments in English.

“By January 2027, the Judiciary shall review progress of the implementation of this Judicial Circular with view to taking appropriate action with respect to those who will still be unable to write their judgments in English,” the circular warned.

South Sudan ICT ministry backs Crawford Capital following U.S. measures

The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services in South Sudan has affirmed its engagement with Crawford Capital Ltd. a day after the United States announced measures targeting entities and officials it accused of undermining the country’s peace process.

In what appeared to be a response to the US sanction on Crawford Capital, the ministry, in a press statement dated 13 May 2026, said Crawford Capital was supporting the development and research of electronic government services in South Sudan.

“The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (MICT&PS) of the Republic of South Sudan affirms its official engagement with Crawford Capital Ltd. in supporting the development and research of electronic government services (e-services) in South Sudan,” the statement said.

The ministry said the engagement forms part of the government’s digital transformation agenda aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, accountability and accessibility in public service delivery.

It added that the engagement was grounded in established institutional procedures and aligned with government-approved reform priorities and resolutions of the Council of Ministers.

According to the statement, Crawford Capital is providing technical and research support to strengthen digital workflows, improve administrative coordination and contribute to the development of citizen-centered e-services.

The ministry also said digital transformation remains a key governance reform initiative intended to modernize public administration and improve service delivery.

“The Ministry remains committed to transparent implementation and the continued advancement of digital systems that support a modern, efficient, and accessible government,” the statement said.

The statement was issued a day after the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on members of South Sudan’s transitional government and accused certain individuals and entities of obstructing implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

In a statement attributed to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Washington said South Sudan was “on the brink of a return to all-out war” and accused transitional authorities of delaying implementation of the peace agreement.

The U.S. statement named Crawford Capital Ltd. among entities accused of siphoning public funds and diverting foreign assistance intended for the South Sudanese population.

Washington also cited reports of human rights abuses, military operations in northern Jonglei State and delays in implementing provisions of the peace agreement, including the release of political detainees.

The U.S. did not immediately release the names of officials affected by the visa restrictions.

Continue reading “South Sudan ICT ministry backs Crawford Capital following U.S. measures”

Government to send peace delegation to Bahr el Ghazal, Unity State

The government has announced plans to dispatch a high-level delegation to Bahr el Ghazal and Unity State to promote peace and reconciliation ahead of the anticipated elections. Continue reading “Government to send peace delegation to Bahr el Ghazal, Unity State”

President Kiir back in Juba after visits to Djibouti and Uganda

President Salva Kiir has returned to Juba after a regional diplomatic tour that took him to Djibouti for the swearing-in ceremony of President Ismail Omar Guelleh and to Kampala for the inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni. Continue reading “President Kiir back in Juba after visits to Djibouti and Uganda”

Management: Bor Hospital under severe drug shortages and inadequate staffing

The Director of Bor State Hospital in Jonglei State says delays in medical supplies and a shortage of health workers are affecting the quality of services provided to patients at the facility. Continue reading “Management: Bor Hospital under severe drug shortages and inadequate staffing”

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