President Salva Kiir Mayardit has relieved Marina Ayen Mayen and appointed Anok Ayang Mayardit as the new Office Manager in his office.

The appointment was announced on 13 April 2026, when President Kiir met and welcomed the new Office Manager at State House, directing her to perform her duties with diligence and professionalism.

In a brief statement, President Kiir said the new appointee should “carry out her duty diligently and with professionalism” as she assumes the role.

The change is described as part of routine administrative adjustments within the Office of the President, although no official reason was given for the replacement of Marina Ayen Mayen.

Anok Ayang Mayardit is now expected to oversee administrative coordination within the presidential office. Continue reading “Kiir relieves Marina Ayen Gregory, appoints Anok Ayang Mayardit as office manager”

The United Nations Security Council is set to debate the renewal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) this week as its mandate is due to end on April 30th, amid growing concerns over escalating violence and threats to civilians.

According to a UN press statement, “civilians throughout the country are at risk of atrocities and need greater protection,” underscoring the urgency of maintaining a strong peacekeeping presence.

The UN said that the mission, established in 2011, is mandated “to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access, support the peace process and monitor human rights violations.”

However, the renewal process is facing uncertainty as conflict continues across several parts of the country.

The UN said government forces have conducted bombardments in Upper Nile and Jonglei states, “often in populated areas,” leading to civilian deaths, destruction of infrastructure, and mass displacement.

It added that “both government and opposition forces have committed rape, looted civilian property and forcibly recruited adults and children.”

The statement further highlighted violence beyond major conflict zones, including a March attack in Unity State that reportedly killed at least 169 people and displaced about 4,000 others.

Meanwhile, the UN warned that the peacekeeping mission is being weakened by funding constraints, with troop levels reduced and patrols scaled back.

“Protection patrols have been reduced by 40 percent,” the UN said, cautioning that such cuts are limiting the mission’s ability to respond quickly and protect vulnerable populations.

The Security Council is now being urged to ensure that UNMISS retains a strong mandate and sufficient resources, warning that any weakening of the mission could have serious consequences for civilians. Continue reading “UN security council to debate UNMISS renewal amid increased violence”

The Kakuwa Community has called for renewed efforts toward peace and stability following the conclusion of a two-day conference in Yei Town.

The gathering, held from April 10 to 11, brought together youth, elders, and community leaders from Yei River, Lainya, and Morobo counties to discuss challenges affecting their communities and explore solutions.

The event, held from April 10 to 11, combined a Youth for Peace Conference with the introduction of the community’s newly elected leadership.

Organizers said the youth conference aimed to provide a platform for young people to discuss challenges affecting their livelihoods and propose solutions. Participants raised concerns including the need for improved security and road rehabilitation in the region.

Speaking at the closing of the event, Kakuwa Community chairperson Issaa Dada Lemi said the initiative was designed to engage both young people and grassroots communities in peacebuilding efforts.

“This twin mission was intended to engage with the youth, who are the energy and future of the community, as well as our grassroots population to chart a way for restoring peace and stability,” he said.

Lemi added that the discussions created space for different groups to openly express their concerns and propose solutions.

“The Youth for Peace Conference offered a platform for the youth to share challenges hindering their progress and suggest solutions. On the second day, elders and women also shared what is affecting peace in our areas and pointed out possible solutions,” he said.

On the second day, community leaders presented the new executive to the public, while elders and women shared concerns they said were affecting peace and stability in their areas.

Representatives of youth and elders from the three counties later endorsed a joint resolution and declaration committing to promote peace and cooperation within their communities.

Lemi said the outcome of the discussions reflected a renewed commitment to peace among community members.

“The youth and elders concluded with resolutions and a declaration to work for peace. This is very encouraging as we see hope returning among our people,” he said.

The meeting was attended by officials from Central Equatoria State and Yei River County. The state government was represented by Jacob Aligo Lo Lado, while Henry Samuel Malimbo was present as the county commissioner.

During the closing session, the signed communique was handed over to the state government representative following endorsement by community leaders, youth, and elders.

Local officials encouraged continued dialogue and community-led initiatives to sustain peace efforts across the region.

The Kakuwa Community is one of the indigenous groups in Central Equatoria State, with a significant presence in Yei River, Lainya, and Morobo counties. Continue reading “Kakwa Community calls for peace after Yei conference”

Activist Edmond Yakani, has dismissed circulating social media claims alleging that he was abducted or detained, insisting he is safe and free, while also reiterating his account of a recent shooting incident in Juba that has triggered widespread misinformation online.

Speaking in an audio statement shared with Eye Radio on Saturday, Yakani strongly rejected reports claiming he had been arrested by state security forces.

“I would like to inform South Sudanese I’m free, I’m okay, I’m not arrested, I’m not threatened and I’m not under any detention,” Yakani said.

“I know this misleading information… was generated to cause panic among our civil population.”

He further alleged that the false reports were part of a broader pattern of misinformation and propaganda campaigns that civil society actors have been working to counter.

“Those behind this information are the enemies of peace and stability in the country… I will never give up in fighting misinformation, fake news and hostile propaganda including hate speech.”

Yakani also linked the circulation of the false claims to heightened tensions following his public comments on a recent shooting incident in Juba.

His remarks come amid continuing clarification over a Friday morning shooting near the Customs Roundabout, which initially sparked rumours on social media alleging an assassination attempt on First Vice President Riek Machar during proceedings at Freedom Hall.

However, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) dismissed those claims and urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue.

Yakani, who said he witnessed the incident, maintained that the shooting was the result of a dispute between two soldiers and not an attack on political figures.

“This information is associated with an isolated incident that took place… at Garang Mausoleum where two soldiers disagreed and they exchanged gunfire among themselves for a short period of time,” he said in a separate statement.

He further clarified that the incident occurred after the court session had ended and away from the main proceedings, adding that it took place near the entrance of the John Garang Mausoleum, approximately 400 metres from the court venue.

In response to the wave of competing narratives, the SSPDF spokesperson, Lul Ruai Koang, urged both the public and civil society actors to avoid speculation as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the gunfire.

“The SSPDF command urges members of the public to remain calm as the concerned authorities ascertain circumstances under which gunshots rang out in Customs roundabouts. On the same note, the army urges individuals from civil society organisations to desist from speaking on behalf of the national army,” Koang said in a statement posted on social media. Continue reading “Edmund Yakani dismisses arrest claims after clarifying shooting incident”