Memoscar Lasuba, Author at Eye Radio

Supreme court lifts temporary block on Kenya–South Sudan fuel import deal

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the enforcement of an injunction issued by the Court of Appeal that halted the implementation of the government’s Kenya–South Sudan fuel import arrangement pending the hearing of an appeal.

The Court of Appeal had issued the injunction following a public interest petition filed by Advocates Without Borders, which challenged the government-to-government fuel supply framework on grounds that it granted Pacific Petroleum Company Limited exclusive rights to import, supply and market petroleum products in South Sudan, allegedly limiting competition in the sector.

In an order dated 13 July, the Supreme Court granted a stay of execution sought by the Ministry of Petroleum and Pacific Petroleum Company Limited, temporarily suspending the implementation of the Court of Appeal’s orders pending determination of the appeal.

The stay of execution means the Court of Appeal’s injunction is no longer enforceable while the Supreme Court considers the case. However, the order does not determine the legality of the government-to-government fuel arrangement, which remains the subject of the appeal.

Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal expanded its interim injunction to include the Ministry of Petroleum, Pacific Petroleum Company Limited, Sovereign Energy Oil Trading LLC, Gulf Energy Limited and Skysoar Holding Company Limited before the matter was referred to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the appeal and decide whether to uphold or overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision.

Continue reading “Supreme court lifts temporary block on Kenya–South Sudan fuel import deal”

SSNBS trains laboratory staff to improve food safety testing

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has started training laboratory staff on new technology aimed at improving the testing of food products and protecting consumers.

The training focuses on the use of a laboratory machine called High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, or HPLC, which helps scientists detect harmful substances and chemicals in food.

With support from the International Trade Centre through the MARKUP II Project, the training is equipping laboratory personnel with skills to operate, maintain, and use the equipment effectively.

SSNBS says the technology will help strengthen food safety testing, including the detection of dangerous contaminants such as aflatoxins, which can affect human health.

The bureau says the equipment had previously not been fully utilized, but the new skills will allow its laboratory to carry out more reliable tests in line with international standards.

SSNBS says the initiative is part of efforts to build technical capacity, improve consumer protection, and strengthen South Sudan’s quality control systems.

Poor transport access leaves pregnant women at risk in Kabo South

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

A local chief in Kabo South, west of Juba, has appealed to the government to improve road infrastructure and provide transport services, saying the lack of access has contributed to the deaths of pregnant women in the area.

Local Chief Emmanuel Joseph Machar said residents have lived for more than 35 years without a vehicle to serve the community or a reliable road connecting them to essential services, including healthcare facilities.

He said the situation has created serious risks for pregnant women, who often struggle to reach hospitals during emergencies.

Chief Joseph said some women in labor are carried in wheelbarrows to the nearest tarmac road while communities search for available transport to take them to health facilities.

“Our community in Kapo has no vehicle to serve the people. For more than 35 years, we have lived without a vehicle or even a proper road. One of our biggest challenges is transporting pregnant women.

“Many times, when a woman goes into labor, there is no vehicle to take her to the hospital. We carry them in wheelbarrows until we reach the tarmac road, hoping to find transport,” he added.

According to the chief, five pregnant women have died this year while being transported to hospital after going into labor, before receiving medical attention.

He said some of the deaths could have been prevented if emergency transport had been available to provide timely access to treatment, including Caesarean section deliveries.

Chief Joseph urged the government to prioritize road construction and provide vehicles for remote communities, saying improved access to healthcare could save the lives of mothers and newborns.

Continue reading “Poor transport access leaves pregnant women at risk in Kabo South”

Abyei petitions UN over alleged recognition of Sudanese rebel coalition administration

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

Abyei Civil Society Organizations have petitioned the United Nations Security Council, seeking clarification over claims that the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has recognized the Sudanese rebel coalition under TASIS administration in the disputed Abyei region.

In a petition dated July 13, the civil society groups expressed concern that any recognition of what they described as an unauthorized entity claiming to represent the Abyei Special Administrative Area could create confusion, undermine legitimate institutions, and affect ongoing peacebuilding efforts.

Acting Chairperson of the Abyei Civil Society Organizations and Secretary General Assistant, Kuol Arop Mading, said the petition was prompted by a public statement allegedly claiming that UNISFA had recognized the TASIS administration.

“Some individuals who claimed to represent organizations had political motives, despite the organizations’ stated aim of promoting peace in the region. They went further to identify themselves as members of the Dinka Ngok community.”

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the Abyei Protocol, and the 2009 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which it said remain the recognized legal framework governing the status of Abyei.

The petition rejects any individual, organization, or self-proclaimed authority claiming to represent the Abyei Special Administrative Area without a lawful mandate, warning that such actions could undermine confidence in legitimate institutions and threaten stability.

The civil society groups are requesting the UN Security Council to seek an official clarification from UNISFA regarding the alleged statement. They further urged the mission, if the claim is inaccurate, to publicly reaffirm its neutrality and commitment to the legal framework governing Abyei.

The petition was also copied to the United Nations Secretary-General, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the African Union Peace and Security Council, IGAD, the Government of South Sudan, diplomatic missions, and international partners. Continue reading “Abyei petitions UN over alleged recognition of Sudanese rebel coalition administration”

Prof Ayii warns: Education system must adapt AI or produce jobless graduates

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Chancellor of Ayii University has called for a major overhaul of South Sudan’s education curriculum, warning that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the global workforce and could leave graduates unemployed if the country’s education system fails to adapt.

Speaking as an invited guest during the first graduation ceremony of Promise Land College in Shirikaat over the weekend Professor Dr. Isaac Ayii Ayii, said AI is changing how people work, learn and solve problems, making it imperative for educational institutions to redesign their programmes.

“The world of AI has now come,” he said. “Artificial Intelligence has put much of human intelligence into machines. Today, machines can perform many tasks without human intervention. If we do not redesign our education system, we will produce people who will never work.”

He pointed to the growing use of AI in fields such as music production and modern warfare, saying technologies including drones are increasingly replacing traditional human roles.

Professor Ayii said educators have a responsibility to keep pace with technological change by developing curricula that prepare learners for emerging industries and future employment opportunities.

“The world is moving very fast, and we, as educationists, are not moving with it,” he said. “Our challenge is to sit down and understand how fast the world is changing.”

While advocating for greater integration of technology into education, Professor Ayii stressed that curriculum reform should also respond to South Sudan’s own development priorities.

He said institutions should train professionals in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, leadership and peacebuilding to address the country’s challenges.

“If we train medical personnel, they will solve our health problems. If we train our people to practice agriculture, we will answer many of our challenges. If we train leaders and teach our people to live together in peace, we will have already helped ourselves,” he said.

Professor Ayii concluded that education should equip graduates with practical, market-relevant skills while enabling them to contribute to national development in an increasingly technology-driven world. Continue reading “Prof Ayii warns: Education system must adapt AI or produce jobless graduates”

South Sudan records 35 newborn deaths per 1,000 live births -Report

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

South Sudan has recorded a neonatal mortality rate of 35 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The findings are contained in a new analytical factsheet released by WHO South Sudan, which highlights persistent challenges in skilled birth attendance and newborn survival despite ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health across the country.

Published under the Knowledge Management Series for Health, the report draws on data from the 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), national reports, and other sources to assess newborn health trends, health system readiness, and service delivery.

The report shows that 54 percent of births were attended by skilled health personnel based on the 2025 MICS household survey. However, routine health facility data from DHIS2 recorded a significantly lower skilled birth attendance rate of 19.5 percent.

It also reveals that only 36 percent of pregnant women completed at least four antenatal care visits (ANC4+), while the country’s Caesarean section rate stands at just 2 percent, well below the WHO-recommended minimum benchmark of 5 percent.

Data at State Level

The data show a strong relationship between skilled birth attendance and newborn survival. Abyei Administrative Area, where 87% of births are attended by skilled health personnel, records the lowest neonatal mortality rate of 18 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Similarly, Western Bahr el Ghazal has 78% skilled birth attendance and a neonatal mortality rate of 22 per 1,000 live births.

By contrast, Warrap records only 41% skilled birth attendance and a neonatal mortality rate of 30 per 1,000 live births, while Jonglei has 32% skilled birth attendance and 35 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births.

At National Level

Nationally, 54% of births are attended by skilled health personnel, but only 36% of pregnant women complete at least four antenatal care visits, underscoring the need to expand maternal healthcare services to reduce preventable newborn deaths.

WHO emphasizes that 84 percent of neonatal deaths are preventable through low-cost interventions such as clean birth practices and kangaroo mother care, which promotes skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns.

The organization further highlights that areas with higher rates of skilled birth attendance consistently record lower neonatal mortality rates in South Sudan.

WHO says the findings expose critical gaps in maternal and newborn healthcare and underscore the need for increased investment in skilled birth attendance, expanded antenatal care coverage, and improved access to emergency obstetric services to reduce preventable newborn deaths across South Sudan.

Warrap governor decries lack of logistics to curb insecurity

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Governor of Warrap State, Ambassador Bol Wek Agoth, says the state lacks the logistical support needed to enable security forces to carry out forceful civilian disarmament.

Speaking during a meeting with Warrap community leaders in Juba, Governor Bol Wek Agoth said his administration is facing what he described as a critical situation due to limited resources.

“Let me say, where do we get resources? We are not even able to get fuel for the forces that should be continuing with disarmament. So, that is a critical thing.”

Governor Wek’s remarks come amid rising insecurity in parts of the Tonj region, where communities have held urgent meetings aimed at restoring peace.

In July alone, authorities reported that 58 people were killed in separate incidents of inter-communal violence across the Tonj region.

Warrap State has continued to face recurring inter-communal conflicts linked to revenge killings, cattle raiding, widespread civilian possession of firearms, and unresolved grievances.

In June last year, President Salva Kiir declared a six-month state of emergency in Warrap State following escalating violence, including inter-communal clashes, cattle raids, and revenge attacks.

However, authorities in Warrap have said the state lacks the logistical capacity required to fully implement the emergency measures. Continue reading “Warrap governor decries lack of logistics to curb insecurity”

Two warthogs rescued from Juba home

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The South Sudan National Wildlife Service has rescued two warthogs from a private home in Juba, warning residents against keeping protected wild animals as pets.

Assistant Director General for Law Enforcement, Lt. Gen. Aggrey Lasu, said the warthogs are protected under South Sudan’s wildlife laws and should not be kept in homes without official permission.

“Keeping animals of Schedule 1 at home is not allowed. If you have these animals in your houses, please bring them to us before it is too late,” Lasu said.

He said wild animals require professional care, including proper feeding, treatment, and handling, which cannot be provided in private residences.

“These ones are domesticated, yet they are wild animals, so we do not need to promote such behaviours,” Lasu said.

Lasu called on anyone keeping protected wildlife to voluntarily surrender the animals to the National Wildlife Service before facing legal action.

The wildlife service said it will continue searching for illegally kept protected animals and urged the public to report cases.

The warning comes a month after a hyena was seen roaming in Juba, raising concerns over public safety.

Lasu said keeping wild animals at home puts both people and the animals at risk, adding that wildlife protection is important for conserving South Sudan’s natural heritage and supporting tourism.

Unity’s Mayom commissioner pledges peace with neighboring counties

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Commissioner of Mayom County, Major General John Bol Mayak, has pledged to strengthen peace and security between Mayom County and its neighboring counties as he resumes official duties for a fourth term.

The pledge came on Monday as he officially opened the Commissioner’s Office, marking the start of full administrative operations following his reappointment in April 2026.

Instead of immediately assuming office after his reappointment, Commissioner John Bol Mayak embarked on a consultation tour across all payams of Mayom County and neighboring areas, including Rubkona County, the Ruweng Administrative Area, Twic, Tonj, and Turalei counties of Warrap State, as well as communities along the international border with Sudan.

According to the county administration, the visits were aimed at assessing the security situation, promoting peaceful coexistence, consulting local leaders, evaluating public service delivery, identifying development priorities, and addressing security challenges affecting residents.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the commissioner said his administration would focus on responsive leadership, strengthening security, improving governance, and delivering services that meet the needs of the people of Mayom County. Continue reading “Unity’s Mayom commissioner pledges peace with neighboring counties”

Sudan rejects inclusion of Abyei in South Sudan’s electoral constituencies

Posted on July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Government of Sudan has rejected South Sudan’s decision to include the Abyei Administrative Area among the country’s electoral constituencies for the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.

According to a statement dated July 13th, published on the Sudan News Agency (SUNA) Facebook page, Sudan said the decision by South Sudan’s National Elections Commission to designate Abyei as one of 102 geographical constituencies violates the 2005 Abyei Protocol and the 2011 Agreement on Temporary Security and Administrative Arrangements for the disputed region.

In the statement, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the agreements, which are referenced in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2046 of 2012, require the two countries to negotiate the final status of Abyei and do not permit unilateral actions affecting the territory.

The Sudanese government called on South Sudan to comply with existing agreements and urged the United Nations, regional organizations, and other international partners to support the implementation of the accords governing Abyei.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining good neighbourly relations while preserving what it described as its legal rights under the existing agreements.

The Abyei Area remains a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan, with its final status yet to be determined through negotiations as provided for under 2005 agreements.