Memoscar Lasuba - Eye Radio

Juba’s Matengai residents petition CES assembly over demolitions

Posted on May 8, 2026May 8, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

Residents affected by ongoing demolitions at Matengai area of Juba county have petitioned the Human Rights Committee of the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, citing worsening humanitarian conditions following the destruction of homes.

In a letter addressed to the committee, residents of the Joppa area claim that houses in several residential locations were demolished without prior notice, leaving many families homeless during the rainy season.

The petitioners said women, children, and elderly people are among the most affected, with some reportedly sleeping in the rain without food, shelter, or medical support.

Speaking to Eye Radio, a member of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Committee, Hon. Jackline Apath, confirmed receiving the complaint from the affected residents.

“They brought this letter… they were brought out during rainy season without being given notice so that they could shift. Those most affected right now are children and women,” Hon. Apath said.

“There is no shelter, no food, and children are suffering from malaria and rain exposure… they are demanding shelter and food in the places they were removed from,” she added.

Apath said members of the committee visited the office of the Juba County Commissioner on Wednesday to discuss the allegations raised by the residents.

According to her, the committee was promised a site visit to verify the claims, although no specific date has yet been communicated.

She added that the committee has pledged to follow up on the matter after the assessment visit, in an effort to find a solution for the affected residents.

The affected families maintain that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice or proper arrangements for relocation.

There has been no official response yet from Juba County authorities regarding the allegations. Continue reading “Juba’s Matengai residents petition CES assembly over demolitions”

Senior U.S. state department official arrives in Juba

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

A senior United States official has arrived in Juba for a two-day working visit to South Sudan.

Nicholas G. Checker from the U.S. State Department’s Africa Bureau was received at Juba International Airport by Ambassador Joseph Dut Director for Americas and Caribbean Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the ministry, the U.S. official is expected to hold meetings with government officials during his visit.

The visit comes amid ongoing engagement between South Sudan and the United States on issues of mutual interest and cooperation.

Immigration department introduces technology to speed passport processing

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport and Immigration says it has introduced new technology aimed at reducing long delays in the processing of passports and national identity documents.

Director General Major General Elia Costa Faustino said the directorate has received five advanced production machines, including two for passports and three for national identity cards, along with 100 mobile registration kits to be deployed across the states.

According to the directorate, the upgraded system will digitally connect state offices with headquarters in Juba, allowing faster transmission of data and enabling some services to be processed locally.

Faustino said shortages of passport materials have eased, with 100,000 nationality cards already delivered and additional passport booklets expected soon.

“If people observe now, the number of people here has reduced because everybody who processes his document, either nationality or passport, receives it after one or two days,” Faustino told reporters on Thursday.

He added that a large portion of the backlog built up over the past year has now been cleared, with applicants expected to receive their documents within one or two days.

The Director General said the number of people waiting at the directorate has reduced significantly as processing becomes faster.

Despite the improvements, the directorate said unreliable electricity supply in Juba continues to affect efforts to operate the machines around the clock.

Parliament sets first hearing on peace deal amendments for Monday

Posted on May 7, 2026May 7, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) is scheduled to conduct its first hearing next Monday on the proposed amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), in a move aimed at paving the way for general elections planned for December 2026.

According to an official parliamentary order paper dated May 6, 2026, lawmakers will convene for the first session and ordinary sitting at the Main Hall of the National Legislature, where the proposed amendments will be formally introduced for first reading.

The amendments are expected to be presented by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, as part of ongoing efforts by the transitional government and political parties to revise provisions of the peace deal considered obstacles to the electoral process.

The hearing follows recent approvals by the Council of Ministers to amend parts of the peace agreement in order to align the transitional roadmap with preparations for the country’s first elections since independence.

Among the proposed changes are provisions that would delink elections from the completion of a permanent constitution-making process and a national population census.

Government officials argue that the revisions are necessary to prevent further delays in the electoral timetable.

Last week, the parliamentary spokespersons Oliver Mori previously indicated that the amendments also seek to revise voter registration timelines and harmonize electoral laws with the Transitional Constitution.

The proposed amendments, however, have generated controversy among opposition groups and civil society organizations.

Critics, including members of the SPLM-IO faction loyal to suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, have accused the government of attempting to alter the peace agreement without the full participation of all signatories.

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), which oversees implementation of the peace agreement, has also raised concerns about procedural requirements for the amendments. Likewise, the Western embassies and their allies.

Despite the disagreements, government officials maintain that the amendments are intended to remove legal and political bottlenecks that could hinder the conduct of elections scheduled for December 2026.

Comparative Analysis: 2018 Agreement vs. 2026 Amendments

Constitution and Elections: The 2018 Agreement requires a permanent constitution before elections. The Amendment allows elections to proceed under the Transitional Constitution.
National Census: The 2018 Agreement mandates a population and housing census during the transitional period. The Amendment defers the census to the incoming elected government.
Legal Foundation: The 2018 Agreement bases elections on a permanent constitution. The Amendment establishes the Amended Transitional Constitution as the legal basis.
Election Law Alignment: The 2018 Agreement requires the National Elections Act to align with a permanent constitution. The Amendment aligns the Act with the Transitional Constitution.
Voter Register Timeline: The 2018 Agreement requires the publication of the voter register six months before elections. The Amendment reduces this timeline to three months.
Supremacy Clause: The 2018 Agreement stipulates that the peace deal overrides other legal frameworks. The Amendment removes this clause and focuses on amendment procedures.

Administrative Timeline On April 17, 2026, the Cabinet, chaired by President Salva Kiir, approved the amendment bill. Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny confirmed the Council of Ministers’ endorsement and the subsequent forwarding of the bill to the TNLA.

This is the second revision to the peace agreement within a year. It follows the December 2025 changes that removed the census and the permanent constitution-making process from the immediate electoral timeline. The House Business Committee has reviewed the current amendments, with final parliamentary approval expected in the coming days.

Kiir relieves finance minister, army chief in key govt reshuffle

Posted on May 6, 2026May 7, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed the Minister of Finance and Planning, the Chief of Defence Forces, and several other senior officials in a major government reshuffle announced on Wednesday.

In a series of decrees read on the state television, Kiir, removed Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as Minister of Finance and Planning and relieved Paul Nang Majok of his post as Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.

The head of state and commander-in-chief also dismissed Julius Tabuley Daniel as Deputy Minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development.

Kiir further removed Santino Deng Wol as Undersecretary for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs.

President Salva Kiir also announced new appointments to the affected positions.

He appointed Kuol Daniel Ayulo as Minister of Finance and Planning, while Clement Juma Mbugonvia was named Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

Kiir also appointed Mahjoub Biel Turuk, a former governor of Jonglei State, as Deputy Minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development.

Police arrest officer over viral young man assault in Juba

Posted on May 6, 2026May 7, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

South Sudan police authorities say the police officer seen assaulting a civilian in a viral social media video in Juba has been arrested, with an investigation now underway.

According to police spokesperson Major General Danel Justin, the suspect was identified and taken into custody through his department on the morning of 6 May following the circulation of the footage online.

“In regard to yesterday’s viral video on social media, we have managed to identify the officer involved. He was arrested this morning (Wednesday) through his department. Investigations are currently underway, and appropriate charges will be filed,” Maj. Gen. Justin confirmed to Eye Radio

“Our laws are very strict concerning such behaviour. A court process will be established, and the proceedings will be open to the public, including members of the media.”

The video, which circulated widely online, shows an officer allegedly assaulting a young man along the Konyo-Konyo–Juba Town Road, triggering public concern and calls for accountability.

Maj. General Daniel Justice has declined to name the suspect for investigations reason.

However, an officer who identified himself to Eye Radio as Captain Richard Ruei Kuol of the Criminal Investigation Department admitted to assaulting the man, saying the incident occurred after the individual allegedly damaged his car mirrors.

Gen. Justin warned that South Sudanese law strictly prohibits such conduct by security personnel, adding that due process will be followed.

The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with growing calls for accountability and justice from members of the public. Continue reading “Police arrest officer over viral young man assault in Juba”

Kiir’s govt reacts to U.S. diplomat’s “poisoned water” allegations, defends UNMISS cooperation

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Government of South Sudan has issued a formal rebuttal to recent remarks made by the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Michael Waltz, during a Security Council briefing on the mandate renewal of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

In a press statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Juba expressed “great concern” over Waltz’s April 30 remarks, which were published by the America Times News Service, where the U.S. envoy criticized the South Sudanese government’s cooperation with UNMISS and raised concerns over governance, security conditions, and humanitarian access in the country.

Waltz, in his Security Council address, argued that UNMISS should be “streamlined” and refocused on core peacekeeping tasks, accusing South Sudan’s leadership of undermining the mission through obstruction of operations and failing to meet commitments under peace agreements.

He also cited repeated restrictions on peacekeeping operations and humanitarian access, and questioned progress toward elections scheduled under the country’s transitional roadmap.

Responding to these claims, the South Sudanese Foreign Ministry rejected allegations of misconduct by state security forces, including claims—echoed by U.S. officials and UN human rights experts that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) had deliberately contaminated water sources.

The government called these allegations “unfounded,” insisting that civilians and soldiers share the same water sources and that no evidence supports such claims.

The statement emphasized South Sudan’s “historic partnership” with the United States, acknowledging Washington’s role in supporting South Sudan’s independence.

It further expressed readiness to “jointly verify” allegations with the U.S. Embassy in Juba and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued cooperation with UNMISS through existing coordination mechanisms.

Juba also defended its implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, stating that the transitional government remains on track to hold elections in December 2026.

Officials said preparations are ongoing and reiterated their commitment to democratic transition.

Addressing political tensions, the ministry referenced ongoing legal proceedings against a senior opposition figure linked to the March 2025 Nasir incident, which the statement said resulted in 256 fatalities, including soldiers, a senior commander, and a UN helicopter crew member.

The exchange highlights growing friction between Washington and Juba over the direction of UNMISS and the pace of political reforms in South Sudan, even as both sides publicly affirm continued cooperation.

The U.S. statement, as reported by America Times News Service, underscored concerns that UN peacekeeping efforts risk becoming ineffective without stronger host-government compliance, while South Sudan insists that reforms are underway and cooperation mechanisms remain active.

As UNMISS enters another mandate renewal cycle, diplomatic tensions appear to be sharpening over the mission’s future role, scope, and effectiveness in the country.

CES govt opens Juba Dream Park for families and children

Posted on May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Central Equatoria State Government has inaugurated a new recreational center in Juba aimed at providing space for children and families.

The facility, known as Juba Dream Park, was constructed by an Egyptian firm.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Emmanuel Adil said the park is an investment in public health and a step toward restoring safe recreational spaces in the city.

“This park is more than a green space, it is an investment in public health and it shows how public-private partnership works. Recreational spaces where families and children in Juba play have been tampered with,” he has said.

He said the State Council of Ministers has directed the Ministry of Youth to identify recreational areas across Central Equatoria for future development.

“Last week the Central Equatoria Council of Ministers directed the Minister of Youth to map out recreational centers in the state so that our young people and the public have spaces where they can spend time with their families,” he has said.

The State Minister of Tourism, Animal Resources and Fisheries, Alex Latiyo, said the facility will provide long-needed space for children in the capital.

“Juba is one of the cities that has deprived children of recreational facilities. What we are doing today is going to put smiles on the faces of children,” he has said.

He said the park is open to families and designed for public use, especially children. Continue reading “CES govt opens Juba Dream Park for families and children”

Juba city council uses GPS to curb garbage truck diversions

Posted on May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Juba City Council says it has connected garbage collection trucks operating in the city to a GPS tracking system to prevent drivers from diverting vehicles from assigned routes to unauthorized locations.

The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Waste Management, Stephen Lomude Martin, said the practice previously contributed to waste accumulation in several residential and commercial areas. He said the system has improved monitoring and efficiency.

He said some vehicles were previously leaving designated routes without authorization, leading to uncollected garbage in key parts of the city.

He also said fuel management and accountability among drivers have improved following the introduction of the tracking system.

Stephen Lomude Martin said, “We have discovered that these vehicles, when sent to their designated route and plan, sometimes end up diverting from that plan, which is not known by the leadership. This caused garbage from residential and business areas not to be taken.”

He said fuel consumption has dropped from about 1,600 litres per day to 1,200 litres, saving around 400 litres daily. He said some drivers found involved in fuel misuse have been dismissed.

He said, “After fixing the trackers, we have seen big changes in fuel consumption. Some drivers involved in fuel leakage were immediately fired. We used to consume 1,600 litres per day; now it has come down to 1,200 litres.”

He said the council has saved about 5 million South Sudanese Pounds through improved fuel efficiency and tighter operational control.

He said, “Roughly, we have saved about 5 million SSP after fixing the trackers.”

More than 50 trucks are currently deployed across Juba for daily waste collection and disposal operations. Continue reading “Juba city council uses GPS to curb garbage truck diversions”

World Vision says Warrap operations disrupted by guard protest

Posted on May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

World Vision South Sudan says its operations in Warrap State have been disrupted after former security guards blocked access to its offices in the area.

In a public advisory issued on Tuesday, the organization said the former guards are protesting over alleged unpaid benefits.

World Vision, however, clarified that the guards were employed by Da Global Security Company and not by the organization itself. It said its contract with the company had ended and all contractual obligations had been fully settled.

The organization advised the guards to end their protest at its premises and instead pursue their claims with their employer.

“World Vision clarifies that these guards were employees of DA Global Security Company, not World Vision. Our contract with the company has ended, and all contractual obligations have been fully discharged. Any outstanding salaries, benefits, or severance payments remain the sole responsibility of the company,” World Vision said in part:

The organization warned that the continued protest is disrupting the delivery of vital assistance to vulnerable children and families in Warrap State.