9th June 2026

Veteran singer Viviana Nyachan dies in Juba

JUBA, South Sudan – Veteran South Sudanese singer Viviana Nyachan, a celebrated cultural icon known for her powerful voice and influence on the country’s music industry, has died.

Family sources say she passed away on Tuesday evening in Juba.

Nyachan, who hailed from the Shilluk community, was widely respected for her role in promoting South Sudanese culture through music. Over the years, she built a strong legacy by singing in multiple local languages, while remaining deeply rooted in her native Chollo language.

She rose to prominence in the early 1990s and released her first album in 2000, becoming one of the first solo South Sudanese female artists to produce and distribute music both locally and internationally.

Her music often carried strong social messages. One of her most popular songs, “Hakuma Ta Mara,” advocated for women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making following South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

Nyachan also used her platform to call for peace and humanity during times of conflict. In past interviews, she spoke about the pain of war and its impact on her life and art, saying the suffering in South Sudan deeply affected her ability to create music.

Despite these challenges, she remained committed to preserving traditional music and promoting cultural identity.

Her contribution to arts and culture was formally recognized during the 5th Derik Cultural Festival held at the University of Juba in November 2025, where she was honored for her impact on the country’s music scene.

Nyachan’s death marks the loss of one of South Sudan’s most influential musical voices.

Eye Radio will continue to provide updates on funeral arrangements and tributes. Continue reading “Veteran singer Viviana Nyachan dies in Juba”

Hypertension rising as silent killer in South Sudan, could claim 3,000 lives yearly -WHO

About one million people in South Sudan are living with hypertension, according to new data from the World Health Organization, as health officials warn the condition is becoming a major public health crisis that could claim up to 3,000 lives each year.

Health experts say the condition is among the top 20 causes of death in the country, with many people unaware they are living with it.

Most cases are only detected after complications such as stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure, contributing to high illness and death rates.

Data from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health show that outpatient visits linked to hypertension increased by 79 percent between 2021 and 2025, while hospital admissions rose by 29 percent.

The WHO country profile indicates that about 34 percent of adults aged 30 to 79 in South Sudan—around one million people—are living with hypertension.

Health officials warn that without improved screening, treatment, and monitoring, the country could record more than 3,000 deaths each year from the condition.

Authorities are calling for increased public awareness, routine screening, and better access to treatment to reduce the impact of the disease.

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.4 billion adults are living with hypertension, with only about 23 percent having the condition under control.

Data from WHO and South Sudan Ministry of Health|Courtesy

Jonglei activist welcomes new speaker after years of legislative stalemate

The head of civil society in Jonglei State has welcomed the appointment of a new Speaker of the Jonglei State Assembly following two years of parliamentary stalemate without sittings.

Bol Deng Bol, who is also the Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, said the appointment of Gabriel Malual Kon on 13 April 2026 should pave the way for the reopening of the assembly.

Kon, a member of SPLM-IO, replaces Amer Ateny, who was removed from office in February. He is expected to be sworn in this week.

Bol said the new Speaker should work with peace parties to address insecurity, displacement, and delays in salary payments for civil servants in the state.

He also called for the passage of a state budget and stronger financial oversight, saying the Jonglei State Assembly has operated without a budget and parliamentary scrutiny for several years.

Bol Deng Bol said: “The state has not had a functioning budget since the formation of this unity government in 2020.”

“The state has been only functioning outside the budget. We do not know where the state government has been getting the money and how they spend the money, ” he added:

Bol said the prolonged absence of sittings has left the executive operating with wide authority and called for renewed accountability in line with constitutional provisions.

He urged the new leadership to ensure transparent management of public resources and the establishment of a functioning budget for state operations.

Bol further said: “And so, we expect the new assembly to work very hard and ensure that there is a functioning budget.” Continue reading “Jonglei activist welcomes new speaker after years of legislative stalemate”

President Kiir appoints Malual Gabriel Kon Jonglei speaker

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed Malual Gabriel Kon as the new Speaker of the Jonglei State Assembly.

A presidential decree published on the notice board of the State Ministry of Cabinet Affairs on Monday confirmed the appointment.

He replaces Amer Ateny Alier, who was removed from the position in February.

Both officials are members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

Kon previously served as Jonglei State Minister of Peacebuilding before his removal in March.

His supporters welcomed the appointment through social media posts.

Continue reading “President Kiir appoints Malual Gabriel Kon Jonglei speaker”

Authorities launch probe into SSRA over $2m withdrawals

Authorities have launched investigations into suspected corruption involving senior officials at the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) following a report of a irregular cash withdrawals totaling over 2 million US dollars.

According to the report, a total of 2,016,000 US dollars was allegedly withdrawn from SSRA accounts between 23rd December 2025 and 3rd February 2026 for unspecified purposes.

The documents indicate that on 14th January 2026, Benjamin Yom Bol, Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Finance, allegedly withdrew 843,000 US dollars.

On the same day, Paul Ajook Garang, Deputy Commissioner for Accounts, withdrew 93,000 US dollars.

Further withdrawals include 48,000 US dollars taken by Jakline Adut Deng, Acting Commissioner for Cooperative Services, on 20th January 2026, and an additional 150,000 US dollars withdrawn by her on 3rd February 2026.

Additional documents seen by Eye Radio reveal that on 23rd December 2025, Jakline Adut Deng made two separate withdrawals of allegedly 36,000 US dollars and 215,000 US dollars, reportedly to fund activities linked to William Anyuon Kuol, the former Commissioner General, during an event in Majak Payam, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

On the same day, Paul Ajook Garang withdrew 730,000 US dollars, and later on 8th January 2026, he withdrew an additional 700,000 US dollars.

Meanwhile, on 14th January 2026, Jakline Adut Deng allegedly withdrew 58,000 US dollars.

In response to these findings, a letter dated 7th April 2026 from the National Security Service – Internal Security Bureau, signed by Major General Choul Ruey Kompuok, Chief of the Economic Intelligence Division, requested the SSNRA Commissioner General to release key officials for investigation at the NRA headquarters in Juba.

The report has triggered an official audit into the withdrawals, with authorities seeking to establish the legality and purpose of the transactions. Investigations are ongoing. Continue reading “Authorities launch probe into SSRA over $2m withdrawals”

U.S. withdraws equipment including printers from public health laboratory

The United States Embassy in Juba has withdrawn IT and laboratory equipment including printers from the National Public Health Laboratory in Juba.

The items include computers, printers, server systems, and laboratory machines such as a centrifuge, autoclave, and PCR thermocycler.

Officials said the equipment was returned in line with U.S. government regulations and donor compliance requirements, following the transition of the HIV/AIDS laboratory program from ICAP to IntraHealth.

Eye Radio previously reported that the U.S. government ordered the withdrawal of all its funded laboratory personnel and equipment from the facility over security concerns.

According to the report, the decision followed credible information that the National Public Health Laboratory had been occupied by military forces and placed under the control of an individual accused by donors of diverting aid resources.

The U.S. Embassy said the situation posed unacceptable risks to its personnel and equipment, leading to the relocation of its supported activities to other sites. Continue reading “U.S. withdraws equipment including printers from public health laboratory”

Unsafe injection practices linked to 331 child HIV cases in Pakistan

An investigation by BBC has found unsafe injection practices at a government hospital in Pakistan linked to a rise in HIV infections among children.

The report by BBC Eye identified 331 children who tested positive for HIV in Taunsa, Punjab, between November 2024 and October 2025. Many of the cases are believed to be linked to the reuse of contaminated syringes during routine medical treatment.

Undercover filming at THQ Taunsa Hospital showed syringes being reused on multiple patients and poor hygiene practices, including failure to use gloves and improper disposal of medical waste.

Health experts say such practices increase the risk of spreading infections, including HIV.

Local authorities had earlier promised action after the outbreak was first reported in 2024, but the investigation found the unsafe practices continued months later.

Officials at the hospital denied the findings, while government authorities said no conclusive evidence has confirmed the hospital as the sole source of the outbreak.

Health experts warn that weak infection control, shortage of supplies, and overuse of injections are contributing to the spread of disease, calling for stricter safety measures to protect patients. Continue reading “Unsafe injection practices linked to 331 child HIV cases in Pakistan”

Governor Manytuil urges oil company to meet community obligations

Unity State Governor Joseph Manytuil Wejang called on the Sudd Petroleum Operating Company to fulfill its corporate social responsibility obligations, saying his administration will not compromise on the demands of local communities, particularly in areas of primary education, clean drinking water, healthcare, and road connectivity. Continue reading “Governor Manytuil urges oil company to meet community obligations”

Minister Mabiordit heads to U.S. for IMF, World Bank meetings

Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit  departed Juba for Washington, DC on Monday to attend the spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund this week.

According to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the delegation includes Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority Muon Deng Ajuet, Parliamentary Chairperson on Finance Michael Ayuen Johnson, and Undersecretary for Planning Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, among others.

During the meetings, Minister Mabiordit and his team are expected to hold sideline discussions with global financial leaders aimed at exploring ways to strengthen economic cooperation and support South Sudan’s efforts to stabilize its economy.

Key discussions will also center on debt sustainability, poverty reduction, and efforts to mobilize financing for development projects in a high-debt global environment.

Strengthening private sector investment and improving economic resilience are also expected to feature prominently, alongside debates on climate and policy priorities.

During the meetings, Minister Mabiordit and his team are expected to hold sideline discussions with global financial leaders aimed at exploring ways to strengthen economic cooperation and support South Sudan’s efforts to stabilize its economy. Continue reading “Minister Mabiordit heads to U.S. for IMF, World Bank meetings”

Warrap governor donates SSP. 5 million to Gogrial West fire victims

The Warrap State governor has donated five million South Sudanese pounds to support victims of the recent fuel tanker fire in Gogrial West County.

Governor Bol Wek Agoth announced the financial assistance during a condolence meeting, expressing sympathy to affected families and urging unity among residents during the difficult period.

In a press statement dated April 13, 2026, the state government also provided updates on a series of recent tragedies, including fuel tanker explosions in Gogrial West and deadly attacks in Gogrial East County.

Authorities confirmed that several people injured in the explosions are recovering, although one more victim has died, bringing the total death toll to seven.

The government further reported that medical supplies have been delivered to Gogrial East County to assist victims of the attacks. The medicines were donated by the Awan Riau community and are set to be distributed by the county commissioner.

State officials praised the Awan Riau community for their support and called on other communities to show solidarity in assisting those affected by the incidents.

Press release signed by the Press Secretary in Office of the governor

Continue reading “Warrap governor donates SSP. 5 million to Gogrial West fire victims”

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