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Jonglei In Focus Media is an upcoming online media outlet in South Sudan that gives you the breaking news, gossip, sports, and entertainment in Jonglei state and neighbouring states.

Opinion: Red Belt Is Not a Rebel Movement but a Response to Government Failure.In recent weeks, the Red Belt has increas...
30/09/2025

Opinion: Red Belt Is Not a Rebel Movement but a Response to Government Failure.

In recent weeks, the Red Belt has increasingly been branded as a “rebel group,” a dangerous label that not only misrepresents the facts but also risks inflaming tensions further in Jonglei State.

To view the Red Belt through the narrow lens of rebellion is to misunderstand both their origins and their purpose. These young men are not an armed opposition force against the government but rather a community defense group that emerged in response to decades of state failure to protect its citizens and their properties, particularly in Bor.

For far too long, Jonglei State has lived under the shadow of violence cattle raids, child abductions, and deadly attacks that often originate from armed youth groups in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. Entire communities have been terrorized, villages emptied, and families left mourning, all while the government’s promise of protection remained a distant dream. Security forces have consistently been either under-resourced or entirely absent. This absence created a vacuum, and it is in that void that the Red Belt was formed.

The Red Belt is not motivated by a desire to overthrow the government, nor does it operate under a political manifesto like classical rebel groups. Rather, it arose out of a simple and urgent need: to protect the unprotected. Young men, tired of seeing their families slaughtered and their cattle stolen, organized themselves to defend their communities. To criminalize this response is to criminalize survival itself.

Critics who insist on labeling the Red Belt as rebels overlook the deeper structural issues that birthed them. The reality is that when a government repeatedly fails to secure its people, it should come as no surprise that ordinary citizens turn to self-defense. History teaches us that whenever the state neglects its duty to protect, parallel forces of protection inevitably arise whether they are local vigilantes, community defense groups, or other forms of grassroots security. Jonglei is no exception.

That said, it is important to acknowledge that any armed group whether state-sanctioned or not carries risks. There are legitimate concerns that community defense groups can sometimes cross the line, escalate conflicts, or even become politicized. But this risk cannot erase the fact that their very existence is a direct symptom of state failure.

The proper response is not to brand them as rebels, but to engage them constructively. Dialogue, integration into community policing, and support for local peace initiatives are far more sustainable solutions than condemnation or blanket militarization.
The danger of mislabeling the Red Belt as rebels goes beyond semantics. Such rhetoric legitimizes heavy-handed crackdowns, which could worsen grievances, fuel resentment, and push frustrated youth further from the government.

Once stigmatized as rebels, these young men are denied the chance to be seen as stakeholders in peace and development. That would be a grave mistake for a state already reeling under fragile trust between citizens and institutions.

What Jonglei needs is not another cycle of accusations and counteraccusations but a sincere recognition that insecurity has been a long-standing reality that the state has not adequately addressed. The Red Belt is a byproduct of this neglect, and any serious effort to restore stability must begin with this honest acknowledgment. Instead of dismissing or demonizing them, the government should explore ways to transform this group into a positive force through structured community defense programs, livelihood opportunities, and peace dialogues with neighboring communities.

The government of South Sudan has a constitutional responsibility to protect every citizen, regardless of where they live. For the people of Bor and greater Jonglei, this responsibility has not been fulfilled for decades. It is in this painful absence that the Red Belt stepped in not as rebels, but as defenders of their own survival.

To call them rebels is to shift blame from where it truly belongs: the government’s persistent failure to safeguard its citizens. It is time to change the narrative. The Red Belt should be understood not as a threat to the state but as a mirror reflecting its shortcomings. Only when the state takes up its rightful duty of protection will groups like the Red Belt cease to exist. Until then, labeling them rebels is not only unjust but dangerously misleading.

With what happened in Bor Town recently, we should not term it as rebellion but misunderstanding between them and the government which should be address amicably. Let’s put aside the conclusion but rather look into the root cause of the conflict.

BY Concern Bor Citizens.

  THE RED BELT: DEFENDERS OF BOR, NOT ENEMIES OF THE STATE. ‎‎For years, the people of Bor have lived under the shadow o...
30/09/2025



THE RED BELT: DEFENDERS OF BOR, NOT ENEMIES OF THE STATE.

‎For years, the people of Bor have lived under the shadow of fear. Murle attacks left countless families in mourning, children abducted, cattle raided, and innocent lives lost. Many of them felt abandoned, left to suffer with little protection from the state government.

‎It was in this pain and struggle that the Red Belt was Established. A group of young men, sons of Bor soil, stood up when nobody else did. They took the risk of arming themselves and patrolling the outskirts, driving away the common enemy. Since then, the cases of child abduction, cattle raiding, and random killings have reduced. People could once again breathe, knowing that someone was watching their backs.

‎But today, the same force that has given hope to the Citizens of Bor is under attack. Just two days ago in Bor Town, misunderstandings between government forces and the Red Belt led to clashes that cost lives. Since then, the Red Belt is being branded a rebel movement and hunted down.

‎It is true that the Red Belt made a mistake by accepting a fight with government forces. They should have exercised restraint and remembered that their guns were raised to defend the community, not to face the same state they protect. However, this mistake does not make them rebels. The government should handle the case with wisdom through dialogue, reconciliation, and understanding instead of declaring them an enemy.

‎•The Red Belt is not fighting the government.
‎•The Red Belt is not a rebel force.
‎•The Red Belt is a shield against the Murle enemy.

‎These young men have never pointed their guns at innocent citizens. Their fight has always been against the Murle raiders who cross borders to steal children and shed blood. They have never sought power, land, or political influence but only protection for their mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers.

‎If Bor lose the Red Belt, then it will once again be exposed. The Murle will come back with more raids, more killings, and more abductions. The government must understand that these boys are not enemies, but partners in defending a community that has suffered too much.

‎The Red Belt deserves respect, not condemnation. They deserve support, not persecution. They rose because of our pain, and until that pain ends, their mission cannot be mistaken.


‎✍️Thon'Ageer, Bor Citizen.

🌍 NEWS FLASHAngakuei Youth Association Hosts Open-Air Campaign in Juba📍 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – August 30, 2025The Angakuei ...
30/08/2025

🌍 NEWS FLASH
Angakuei Youth Association Hosts Open-Air Campaign in Juba

📍 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – August 30, 2025

The Angakuei Youth Association (AYA) is holding a major open-air campaign today at the BCYA Centre in Juba. The event runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and forms part of the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) 2025–2027 electoral process.

This campaign marks a crucial moment in the race for AYA leadership, featuring two competing tickets — each with a vision aimed at “Reviving Angakuei’s Greatness.”

🗳️ The Competing Tickets

🔹 Ticket 1: Revive Angakuei’s Greatness

Thiong Mabior G*i – Aspiring Chairman

Akech Bol Ajak – Aspiring Deputy Chairman

Eng. Adier Kok Ngor – Secretary General

Mathiang Machar Mathing – Finance

🗳️ Ticket 2: Angakuei Agenda First

Mr. Peter Kuot Ngong – Aspiring Chairman

Mawut John Ayuen – Aspiring Deputy Chairman

Alier Majak Manyang – Secretary General

Majur Wai Reng – Finance

🎤 Today’s campaign gives both teams an opportunity to present their agendas, engage with voters, and lay out their vision for the future of the Angakuei community.

🕊️ The Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) is overseeing the process to ensure fairness, transparency, and democratic participation.

✅ Stay tuned for more updates on the AYA Elections 2025!

✨ ANGAKUEI AGENDA FIRST – THE TEAM OF VISION AND UNITY ✨The Angakuei Youth Association in Juba deserves leaders who put ...
30/08/2025

✨ ANGAKUEI AGENDA FIRST – THE TEAM OF VISION AND UNITY ✨

The Angakuei Youth Association in Juba deserves leaders who put community first, leaders who carry the voice of the people, and leaders who stand for unity, development, and progress.

The team of Mr. Peter Kuot Ngong (Aspiring Chairman), Mawut John Ayuen (Aspiring Deputy Chairman), Alier Majak Manyang (Secretary General), and Majur Wai Reng (Finance) represents a new chapter of hope for our youth and community at large.

With a clear vision rooted in love, inclusivity, accountability, and service, this team stands ready to:
✅ Promote unity and cooperation among all Angakuei youth.
✅ Build strong networks for opportunities in education, jobs, and entrepreneurship.
✅ Strengthen transparency and accountability in community affairs.
✅ Put the Angakuei community interest above self-interest – always Agenda First.

This is not just a team, it is a movement of change, vision, and service. Together, we can build a stronger, more united Angakuei community in Juba and beyond.

🗳️ Vote for the team that puts the community first. Vote for Angakuei Agenda First.

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐏 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒: 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐎𝐘 𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐕𝐀 𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐕𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈...
29/08/2025

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐏 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒: 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐎𝐘 𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐕𝐀 𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐕𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐘

𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚, 𝟐𝟗/𝟎𝟖/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – In a move that reflects her commitment to bridging the gap between the people and their leaders, Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Hon. Adut Salva Kiir, paid a humbling visit to liberation veteran Maj. Gen. William Deng Garang Beny, one of the freedom fighters during the struggle for independence.

The visit was not only an expression of gratitude and respect to those who sacrificed for the nation but also a strong message of unity, and inclusion.

During their meeting, the Envoy and the veteran exchanged ideas on the need to plan for the next generation, ensuring that the legacy of the liberation struggle translates into lasting development for all South Sudanese.

Community members present during the visit expressed joy and hope, stating that help is finally reaching the people. One of the Veterans children remarked, “They often say the children of leaders forget the people, but today’s visit proves otherwise. This act shows true leadership.”

Hon. Adut reaffirmed her open-door policy, aimed at bringing people closer to their leaders. She stressed her intention to reunite the old guards, tap into their wisdom, and integrate their experience into national programs for peace and prosperity.

Her outreach has been widely appreciated as an example of inclusive leadership that honors history while shaping the future.

copied office of the presidential envoy.

ANGAKUEI YOUTH ASSOCIATION -JUBA _____________________________________________✨ REVIVE ANGAKUEI’S GREATNESS ✨___________...
29/08/2025

ANGAKUEI YOUTH ASSOCIATION -JUBA
_____________________________________________
✨ REVIVE ANGAKUEI’S GREATNESS ✨
_____________________________________________
The Angakuei Youth Association in Juba (AYA) stands at a turning point, and the time has come to restore pride, unity, and progress for our community. With vision, integrity, and commitment, this dynamic team is ready to lead with purpose and deliver real impact.

✅ Thiong Mabior G*i – Aspiring Chairman
A leader with a proven record of dedication, courage, and community service. Thiong brings fresh ideas and the determination to unite and uplift every Angakuei youth.

✅ Akech Bol Ajak– Aspiring Deputy Chairman
A passionate mobilizer who believes in teamwork, inclusivity, and empowering young people to take ownership of their future.

✅ Eng. Ader Kok Ngor – Secretary General
Organized, visionary, and driven, Eng. Ader is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective communication within the association.

✅ Mathiang Machar Mathiang – Finance
Trustworthy, disciplined, and skilled in resource management, Mathiang will ensure financial responsibility and sustainability for the association.

This team is not just campaigning — they are on a mission to revive Angakuei’s greatness, build unity, create opportunities, and amplify the voice of every youth in Juba and beyond.

🗳️ Vote for Leadership. Vote for Integrity. Vote for Revival.

Together, let’s make Angakuei Youth Association stronger, united, and impactful!

Breaking: Summary of the presidential decrees tonight:President Salva Kiir has issued a series of presidential decree re...
21/08/2025

Breaking: Summary of the presidential decrees tonight:

President Salva Kiir has issued a series of presidential decree relieving the following officials:

1. Dr Marial Dongrin Ater as Minister of Finance and Planning
2. Dhieu Mathok as Minister of Invest.
3. Arop Nuoi Arop as First Undersecretary of Finance in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

Kiir then appointed the following officials:

1. Athian Diing Athian as the new Minister of Finance and Planning
2. Joseph Majak the new Minister of Investment.
4. Garang Majak Bol as the new First Undersecretary of Finance in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The decrees were announced on the state-run SSBC.

Statement on the Appointment of Adut Salva Kiir as Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes* By Activist Da-Ter ManyangA...
20/08/2025

Statement on the Appointment of Adut Salva Kiir as Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes*

By Activist Da-Ter Manyang

As a human rights activist and advocate for transparent governance, I express my deep concern over the recent appointment of Adut Salva Kiir, the daughter of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, as Presidential Envoy on "Special Programmes"

This appointment raises serious questions regarding the principles of merit-based recruitment and equal access to public employment opportunities.

In a country still striving to strengthen its democratic institutions and combat systemic corruption, such actions reflect a worrying trend of nepotism and clannism at the highest levels of government.

Public positions are not personal entitlements, nor should they serve as tools for consolidating family or ethnic power. Instead, they are meant to serve the interests of all citizens and should be filled through transparent, competitive, and inclusive processes that reflect the diversity and talent of our nation.

By appointing his daughter to a powerful and influential position without public vetting or demonstrated qualifications, President Kiir undermines public trust in government institutions and violates the principles of accountability and fairness. It sends a message that loyalty to the ruling family outweighs competence, and that connections are more valuable than qualifications.

I call on President Kiir to reconsider this appointment in light of its broader implications on governance, public morale, and institutional integrity. Furthermore, we urge the government to establish clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms to prevent nepotism and promote equitable access to public service opportunities for all South Sudanese.

Only through a commitment to fairness, transparency, and justice can we build a government that truly serves its people.

🚨 Breaking News:President Salva Kiir has appointed the first daughter Adut Salva Kiir as presidential envoy on special p...
20/08/2025

🚨 Breaking News:

President Salva Kiir has appointed the first daughter Adut Salva Kiir as presidential envoy on special programmes.

The appointment was announced on the state-run SSBC this evening.

Jonglei State leads South Sudan with the best performing school and best performing student in the 2024 Secondary School...
20/08/2025

Jonglei State leads South Sudan with the best performing school and best performing student in the 2024 Secondary School Examinations.

Amazing Grace High School in Bor, Jonglei State scooped the top score with 85.2% while Greenbelt also in Bor takes the number one student with 91.6% in the name of Philip Manyok Ayuen Abeny.

Congratulations to Elijah Manyok Jok and the Bor Development Alliance Team!A massive congratulations to Elijah Manyok Jo...
27/07/2025

Congratulations to Elijah Manyok Jok and the Bor Development Alliance Team!
A massive congratulations to Elijah Manyok Jok and the entire Bor Development Alliance (BorDA) team on your resounding victory in the Bor Community Youth Association (BCYA) elections in Juba for the 2025-2027 term!
This win is a testament to your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and the trust the community places in your leadership. The Bor Development Alliance has consistently demonstrated a commitment to empowering youth and fostering development, and this new mandate as the leadership of BCYA is a significant step forward for the entire Bor community.
We are incredibly excited to see the positive impact you and your team will undoubtedly bring to the youth of Bor. Your vision and hard work are an inspiration, and we look forward to witnessing the progress and initiatives that will unfold under your leadership over the next two years.
Congratulations once again on this well-deserved achievement!

SSPDF Warns of 'Harsh and Punitive Measures' as Disarmament Begins in Warrap and Unity.JUBA, South Sudan – June 9, 2025 ...
09/06/2025

SSPDF Warns of 'Harsh and Punitive Measures' as Disarmament Begins in Warrap and Unity.

JUBA, South Sudan – June 9, 2025 – The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) today issued a stern warning to armed youth in Warrap State and Mayom County of Unity State, stating that "harsh and punitive measures" will be administered to those who fail to comply with an impending disarmament drive.

The announcement, released from the Directorate of Media and Press, outlines a two-phase operation to collect weapons in the regions recently placed under a six-month state of emergency.

The SSPDF command has announced the arrival of forces tasked with conducting what they term "voluntary and forceful disarmament." The first phase grants a one-week grace period, effective immediately, for all armed youth in the designated areas to voluntarily hand over their weapons to civilian authorities and SSPDF forces.

However, the press release makes it clear that once this week-long window closes, a more aggressive approach will be adopted. "Upon the elapse/expiry of one week grace period, SSPDF forces will launch coordinated and simultaneous forceful disarmament exercises in Warrap State and Mayom County," the statement reads.

Maj. Gen. L*l Ruai Koang, SSPDF Spokesperson and Director of Media & Press, whose signature appears on the document, stressed that these operations are fully sanctioned by the presidential decree declaring the state of emergency.

"Forces on disarmament are operating under laws/TORs contained in presidential decree on declaration of state of emergency," the release stated.

"All armed youth are requested to comply with the presidential decree. Failure, will result in administration of harsh and punitive measures."its adds.

This aggressive stance highlights the government's determination to bring an end to armed violence and improve security in these restive areas, even if it means resorting to force after the initial voluntary surrender period.

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