Memoscar Lasuba, Author at Eye Radio

Police Tighten Security in Wau Ahead of Easter Celebrations

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

Authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have heightened security measures across Wau to ensure public safety during the upcoming Easter celebrations.

The Western Bahr el Ghazal State Police Service says the move is aimed at maintaining law and order as residents mark the holiday period.

Police spokesperson Santino Odhol told Eye Radio on Thursday that officers have been deployed to strategic locations throughout the town.

According to Odhol, security personnel have been stationed at churches, public spaces, markets, and along major roads. Patrols, checkpoints, and rapid response operations have also been intensified to prevent incidents and ensure swift action if needed.

“The Police Service has deployed adequate personnel to strategic locations including churches, public spaces, markets, and major roads. Patrols, checkpoints, and rapid response units have been intensified to prevent and respond swiftly to any security incident,” he said.

He urged the public to celebrate responsibly, respect the law, and cooperate with security personnel during the holiday period.

Citizens have also been advised to avoid reckless driving, excessive alcohol consumption, and any behavior that could disrupt public order.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to closely monitor their children, especially in crowded areas, while business owners and community leaders have been called upon to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Continue reading “Police Tighten Security in Wau Ahead of Easter Celebrations”

Security Improves in Akobo as Residents Return Home

Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

Authorities in Jonglei State have reported a significant improvement in the security situation in Akobo, enabling displaced residents to return to their homes following recent unrest.

The State Minister of Information, Nyamar Lony Thichot Ngundeng, told Eye Radio on Friday morning that humanitarian partners have begun resuming operations in the area to support communities affected by the violence.

According to the government spokesperson, local markets in Akobo have reopened, signaling a gradual return to normal life. The town’s hospital, which was previously vandalized and looted during the unrest, is currently undergoing assessment to ensure it can fully resume operations.

Minister Ngundeng also noted that the state governor has been touring Akobo to monitor the situation firsthand. Plans are underway for state officials to visit other counties to evaluate conditions and ensure the safety of residents returning to their homes.

She emphasized that the improved security situation is playing a crucial role in restoring normalcy and advancing recovery efforts in the area.

“The civilians have returned, as seen on social media. Our partners, the NGOs, have also started their work and are on the ground in Akobo,” Ngundeng said. “The market is open, and the governor has been touring the town, including the hospital, which has now been assessed to ensure it can fully resume operations. The security situation in Akobo today is safe.”

Traders in Raja County count loses after fire destroyed shops

Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

A devastating fire this week destroyed several market shops in Boro Madina, Raja County, causing property losses estimated in the millions of South Sudan pounds, local authorities said.

Joseph Romano Abdurrahman, Executive Director of Boro Madina Payam, told Eye Radio that the blaze started when a trader was refueling a petrol-powered generator at a hardware shop and the fuel ignited.

“The market’s predominance of iron-sheet and other makeshift structures allowed the fire to spread rapidly, making firefighting efforts extremely difficult,” he said.

Romano confirmed there were no fatalities, but dozens of traders lost merchandise and other assets. He warned that the destruction will significantly disrupt the local market, which depends on supplies from Wau and Juba—routes made more challenging during the rainy season.

He urged traders to rebuild permanent concrete shops and store fuel separately from goods to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Most traders have accepted what happened. The individual responsible is currently in detention and under investigation, and some victims have already begun rebuilding their shops,” Romano said.

“We have instructed them to store goods separately from fuel and other flammable materials; these items should not be kept in the same place. We found that building materials, foodstuffs, motorcycle spare parts, and fuel were all stored together, which was the primary cause of the blaze,” he added.

Authorities continue to monitor recovery efforts and provide guidance to traders as they rebuild the market infrastructure. Continue reading “Traders in Raja County count loses after fire destroyed shops”

Traffic police arrest suspects for forging vehicle documents

Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The traffic police directorate has arrested several suspects allegedly involved in forging logbooks and other traffic-related documents in Juba, South Sudan.

Police spokesperson Major General Daniel Justin said traffic police tracked down the suspects from a concealed location and apprehended them in connection with the illegal production of vehicle documents.

The arrests followed close surveillance operations targeting a group suspected of forging vehicle licenses.

Speaking on state TV SSBC, Major General Justin said: “As part of the police’s efforts to combat crime, a group of criminals was apprehended for forging vehicle licenses. They were caught with a number of forged licenses. Investigations revealed they had been engaged in this activity for a long time. Citizens should be vigilant when renewing documents and not delegate this task to others.

Investigators found the suspects in possession of multiple fake licenses, and said they had been engaged in the activity for an extended period.

“If a license is discovered to be forged, the citizen will bear the responsibility. To combat this problem, citizens should deal directly with the traffic police. The accused will now be prosecuted according to the law,” he added.

Major General Justin urged the public to continue cooperating with the police and cautioned citizens to remain vigilant when renewing documents, advising them against using third parties. Continue reading “Traffic police arrest suspects for forging vehicle documents”

Northern Bahr el Ghazal Governor Signs 2025–2026 Budget of 40.5 Billion SSP

Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

Northern Bahr el Ghazal State governor, Charles Madut Akol Deng, has signed into law the state’s 2025–2026 fiscal budget totaling 40.5 billion South Sudanese Pounds (SSP).

The budget was presented to the Governor on Thursday by the Acting Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Santino Wol Aluk, alongside members of the Specialized Committee. The signing ceremony was attended by members of parliament, the minister of cabinet affairs, and other state ministers.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, the state minister of information and communication Gabriel Deng Yel said the Governor commended the Speaker, the Specialized Committee, and the Ministry of Finance for their efforts in preparing the budget.

Yel described the approval as a significant achievement for the people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

“Governor Madut also urged ministers, Members of Parliament, and heads of institutions to perform their duties diligently and contribute effectively to the state’s development,” Yel added.

The Acting Speaker, Santino Wol Aluk, expressed gratitude to Governor Madut and the Specialized Committee on Finance for their work, while the Chairperson of the committee, Aguer Garang Aguer, praised the Governor’s leadership during the budget preparation process.

State Minister of Finance Peter Dut Akot thanked the committee for their dedication in finalizing the fiscal plan. Continue reading “Northern Bahr el Ghazal Governor Signs 2025–2026 Budget of 40.5 Billion SSP”

Greater Pibor residents urged to farm amid looming food shortages

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) are urging residents to start farming immediately, warning that reliance on food aid could leave the region facing hunger.

Jacob Werchum Juok, GPAA’s Information Minister, told Eye Radio on Thursday that many humanitarian organizations, including the UN, are scaling back operations due to funding shortages.

“Many organizations are pulling out because of the funding constraints. There is no funding; most have shut down their activities. The area is most likely to face hunger because people were depending on aid,” he said.

“We have made it clear to all citizens of Greater Pibor: they must cultivate. There is no other way of waiting for humanitarian organizations to bring food. People have to till the land to put something on the table.”

Juok said farming in the area faces serious obstacles, including poor road networks, insecurity, and shortages of seeds and farm tools.

“Lack of mobility is a major challenge. Roads do not connect all the counties, making it difficult to reach farming areas. Insecurity also limits movement, particularly in border areas. Seed shortages, caused by funding gaps among aid agencies, will affect many farmers,” he added.

The minister said the local government has deployed security forces to hotspot areas and is holding peace talks with authorities in neighboring Jonglei State. He also called on organizations to support farming initiatives in Greater Pibor.

Farming in the region has long been affected by cattle rustling, revenge attacks, and seasonal flooding, making timely cultivation a challenge for local communities. Continue reading “Greater Pibor residents urged to farm amid looming food shortages”

Five arrested over alleged gang rape of two teen girls in Wau

Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

Police in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have arrested five suspects in connection with the alleged gang rape of two teenage girls in Wau early this week.

According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Santino Udhol, the incident occurred in the Aweil Jadid residential area, where two girls aged 14 and 15 were reportedly attacked by a group of men on March 30th.

He said the police emergency response unit, 112, received the report and responded to the scene, rescuing the victims.

The police official said a coordinated operation was later conducted, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

He said “During investigations, the suspects confessed to the crime. They are currently being held at the Special Protection Unit police station as further investigations continue.”

Lt. Colonel Udol said the police service has strongly condemned the incident and reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order.

He said residents should remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies while encouraging the public to report any suspicious activities through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information.

Udol said additional security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and safe Easter holiday across Wau and the entire state. Continue reading “Five arrested over alleged gang rape of two teen girls in Wau”

President Salva Kiir reshuffles Unity State officials

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued decrees relieving and appointing a number of officials in Unity State, affecting key positions at both state and county levels.

Ling Gatgach Nhial has been appointed Minister of Finance and Investment, taking over from John Gatluak Doar.

At the county level, the newly appointed commissioners replace their predecessors as follows:

Bol Mayak Riak takes over from Jackson Mut Yien Goah in Mayom County, Stephen Salaam Maluit replaces Kasare Jul Dador in Rubkona, Gordon Koang Biel replaces Gatmai Wal Ruot in Koch, Kaway Chany Buor replaces Simon Dieu Lilylily in Guit, Stephen Taker Riak Dong replaces James Kuol Tap Gai in Leer, and Gatluak Nyang Hoth replaces John Matip Gatluok in Mayendit.

Continue reading “President Salva Kiir reshuffles Unity State officials”

UNICEF: 540 children separated from families amid escalating violence in Jonglei

Posted on April 2, 2026April 2, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

UNICEF reports that 540 children in Jonglei State have been separated from their families while fleeing violence across the state, some of whom are either missing or are believed to have been abducted amid the recent conflict.

Speaking at a press briefing in Juba on Thursday following a field visit to affected areas, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban described the accounts of mothers who lost children as “terrifying.”

He said the conflict has displaced 268000 people since the start of the year and that many individuals; particularly in northern Jonglei; fled violence, with some becoming separated from their children during fight.

“We and our protection partners are working to reunite children with their families,” Chaiban said. Chaiban warned of a widening protection crisis for women and children.

“Women and children have done nothing to contribute to this escalation of violence, and yet many find themselves; sometimes repeatedly; separated from their children, with limited food and no security,” he said after discussions with UNICEF teams and partners and visits to conflict-affected locations.

He also highlighted the damage to public services. “Each health center and water point represents investments by partners, including UNICEF.

Global resources and attention for development are limited; we cannot continually repair and replace infrastructure that is damaged or looted,” Chaiban said, noting that while donor contributions are generous, repeated reinvestment is unsustainable.

Chaiban reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations under humanitarian law to protect vulnerable populations, including women, children, and their property. Continue reading “UNICEF: 540 children separated from families amid escalating violence in Jonglei”

Why 80% of lawyers are based in Juba while states lack judges

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Memoscar Lasuba

The President of the South Sudan Bar Association, Arop Malueth, has raised concern over the concentration of legal professionals in Juba, warning that it is leaving much of the country without access to justice.

Malueth says more than 80 percent of the country’s nearly 5,000 lawyers are based in the capital, while only about 20 percent serve the rest of the country.

He added that the judiciary itself remains critically understaffed, with fewer than 100 judges nationwide.

“We are almost 5,000 in number; 80 percent is stationed in Juba. This is the unfortunate reality. And then 20 is across the whole country,” he said. “Judiciary is understaffed at the country level as a whole. Imagine it might be around 90 something from president to the last person—the number is too small.”

He explained that the Bar Association does not deploy lawyers, as advocates are free to choose where they practice, but said conditions outside the capital discourage many from working in other states.

“We give them the license; they choose where to practice, but we can create a conducive environment to encourage them to go and practice in the other states,” Malueth said.

Malueth also linked the shortage of legal services to broader issues of unemployment and limited government investment in the justice sector.

“The government is not employing, the government is not trying to address employment issues, and it is not making legal service available to the people. That is very challenging,” he said.

The Bar Association is now calling on the government to increase funding to the judiciary to improve staffing levels and strengthen its independence.

“We are calling on government to allocate enough resources to the judiciary because having enough resources helps it to be independent and deliver justice to the people,” he said. “When the judiciary is fully independent, well-resourced, and well-staffed, citizens will be able to access quality legal services.” Continue reading “Why 80% of lawyers are based in Juba while states lack judges”