A senior United States official warned South Sudan’s leadership of consequences if they continue to obstruct reforms and fail to use national revenue for the public good.
Continue reading ““There will be consequences”: US envoy warns South Sudan leaders”
Year: 2026
Juba county commissioner suspends illegal land demarcation
The Commissioner of Juba County, Samuel Emiliano, has issued a local order suspending illegal land demarcation, land grabbing, and other unlawful land-related activities across the county.
Local Order Number 1/2026, which took immediate effect yesterday evening, directs all individuals and groups involved in unauthorized land allocation, surveying, and occupation to immediately cease such activities.
According to the Commissioner’s Office, anyone found violating the order will face legal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, cancellation of land documents, and prosecution under the land laws of South Sudan.
The Commissioner also instructed security agencies, local administrators, and Payam authorities to enforce the directive in all Payams and Bomas across Juba County.
Authorities say the order is intended to restore lawful land administration, maintain public order, and protect communities from illegal land practices.
Jonglei activists criticizes Bor chiefs over criminal punishment resolutions
Customary and traditional leaders do not have the legal mandate to handle serious criminal cases, the head of civil society in Jonglei State has said while criticizing recent resolutions passed to address gang violence in Bor County.
The resolutions, adopted during a three-day conference of traditional leaders held in Bor from May 7 to 9, prescribed detention without bail, lengthy jail terms for offenders, and banned blood compensation for victims killed in gang violence.
Speaking to Eye Radio on Monday, Deng Bol Deng said denying suspects bail contravenes the laws of South Sudan, noting that bail is a constitutional right.
Bol described the resolutions as illegal and unnecessary, arguing that traditional courts are only mandated to resolve minor disputes such as marriage disagreements, cattle-related conflicts, and mediation matters.
He stressed that serious criminal offenses, including murder and violent crimes, can only be handled through the statutory legal system under the penal code.
According to Bol, the chiefs overstepped their authority by introducing punishments outside the statutory framework, warning that the resolutions are weak, difficult to implement, and can easily be challenged in court.
In his words, customary laws are meant to address light community matters, while criminal cases must remain under formal judicial institutions governed by national law. Continue reading “Jonglei activists criticizes Bor chiefs over criminal punishment resolutions”
SSRA mandates free e-permit for all Imports to curb cargo diversion
The South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) has directed all importers bringing goods into South Sudan to acquire an electronic import permit, known as the E-Permit Certificate, in a move aimed at preventing cargo diversion, enhancing transparency in customs procedures, and improving revenue collection.
According to a public notice issued Monday, the SSRA said the E-Permit Certificate will be mandatory for all imported goods entering the country and will be issued free of charge.
The authority said the system is part of broader reforms intended to strengthen compliance in the importation process while safeguarding public revenue used to fund essential government services.
“The E-Permit system provides a verifiable audit trail for each shipment, reducing illicit trade, protecting national revenues, and supporting the delivery of public services,” the SSRA said in the notice.
The revenue authority warned that some Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents (CFAs) operating within South Sudan and neighboring countries have been involved in cargo diversion, document manipulation, and misinformation, practices it said undermine fair taxation and distort legitimate trade.
“Such practices undermine revenue collection, distort trade, and may result in delays, penalties, or seizure of cargo,” the statement added.
The SSRA emphasized that importers must accurately declare the destination and value of their goods, noting that the institution has strengthened its price verification mechanisms to prevent under-declaration and tax evasion.
Speaking on the significance of the directive, the authority said the free E-Permit requirement is intended to simplify import procedures while ensuring accountability across the supply chain.
“Obtain your E-Permit Certificate for every import — this is both free and mandatory,” the notice stated.
The authority further urged traders, exporters, and customs agents to comply fully with importation procedures to ensure smooth clearance and timely delivery of goods.
It also cautioned members of the business community against relying on unofficial information regarding customs procedures or tax rates.
“Be cautious of false information about tax rates or procedures from third parties. Always consult the SSRA directly for accurate guidance,” the authority advised.
The SSRA reiterated its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and improving government revenue collection for the benefit of the people of South Sudan.
SSPDF chief directs former opposition forces to prepare for integration
The Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Santino Deng Wol Chok has directed former opposition groups that joined the government to remain on standby for possible integration into the national army.
In a directive issued from SSPDF General Headquarters in Bilpam and dated May 11, 2026, Gen. Santino said the affected forces should prepare for further instructions regarding reporting to designated training centers for “reorganization and integration” into the SSPDF.
The directive targets several former opposition-allied groups that previously abandoned rebellion and pledged allegiance to the Government of South Sudan during Santino’s earlier tenure in military leadership.
Among the groups named are Agwelek forces under Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony in Malakal, Lou-Nuer forces under several commanders including Lt. Gen. Deng Yiech Thanypiny and Maj. Gen. Mabor Dhol, as well as forces in Molbok, Bahr el Ghazal, Unity State’s Leer County, and Equatoria regions including Yei, Maridi, Koda, and Mundri.
“All the above-mentioned groups are urged to remain on standby pending further directives,” the statement said, while calling for peace, unity, and national development.
The announcement comes days after President Salva Kiir reappointed Gen. Santino Deng Wol Chok as Chief of Defence Forces during a wider military reshuffle aimed at stabilizing the country’s security sector.
The integration of rival armed groups remains one of the key unresolved provisions of South Sudan’s 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
Peace deal amendments: Inside controversial R-ARCSS changes ahead of elections
Opposition lawmakers on Monday walked out of Parliament, protesting what they describe as violations of the peace agreement. The proponents of the amendments, however, argue that the proposed changes will help pave the way for the conduct of general elections in December this year. Continue reading “Peace deal amendments: Inside controversial R-ARCSS changes ahead of elections”
SPLM, Uganda’s NRM ink political and economic cooperation agreement
The ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening political collaboration, regional integration, and socio-economic transformation.
According to a circular shared by the Uganda Media Centre, the agreement was signed during a meeting of senior leaders from both parties at the NRM headquarters in Kampala on Monday.
The SPLM delegation was led by Secretary General Akol Paul Kordit, who emphasized the importance of deepening relations between the two liberation movements.
Kordit said the cooperation is rooted in shared historical struggles and common values.
He said, “As we modernise, we must preserve the values of liberation, patriotism and service to the people. These are the ideals that inspire our movements.”
He added, “We are here to formalise a relationship that has always existed naturally between our people. Ugandans and South Sudanese are one people living in two countries.”
On his part, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the relationship between Uganda and South Sudan goes beyond formal diplomacy and is anchored in shared history and social ties.
Todwong said, “We consider Uganda and South Sudan as two homes for one people. Our relationship with South Sudan is born out of blood and association with many struggles.”
He further noted that the two countries maintain strong institutional and grassroots connections.
“We have a very strong government-to-government relationship and an even stronger people-to-people relationship,” he said.
The agreement is expected to enhance cooperation between the two ruling parties in areas of governance, development, and regional stability. Continue reading “SPLM, Uganda’s NRM ink political and economic cooperation agreement”
Kiir, Museveni hold talks on security, trade and regional peace in Kampala
President Salva Kiir has held talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on political and economic cooperation, regional peace, and security in Kampala. Continue reading “Kiir, Museveni hold talks on security, trade and regional peace in Kampala”
U.S. says 2018 peace accord remains basis for transitional govt legitimacy
The United States has accused South Sudan’s leadership of mismanaging public resources and failing to translate massive oil revenues and international aid into meaningful public services. Continue reading “U.S. says 2018 peace accord remains basis for transitional govt legitimacy”
U.S. says 2018 peace accord remains basis for transitional govt legitimacy
A senior United States Africa Bureau Official says the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) remains the basis for the legitimacy of the Transitional Government of National Unity, despite describing the agreement as flawed. Continue reading “U.S. says 2018 peace accord remains basis for transitional govt legitimacy”
