Juba News Today

27/05/2026

BREAKING: Information Minister Denies Claims UK Trip Was Meant to Pursue Social Media Critic, Calls Allegations “Concocted Story”

JUBA, South Sudan — The Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Hon. Ateny Reout, has publicly dismissed widespread social media claims alleging that his recent travel to the United Kingdom was intended to facilitate the arrest or extradition of a South Sudanese social media personality known by his stage name, Simon Dee.

The allegations, which circulated widely across social media platforms and online outlets, suggested that the minister’s visit to the United Kingdom was connected to efforts aimed at targeting the outspoken social media commentator, who has become known for frequently criticizing and attacking government officials online.

Responding directly to the controversy, Minister Ateny strongly rejected the accusations, describing them as fabricated narratives designed to attract public attention and create unnecessary political drama.

In a lengthy social media response directed toward critics and commentators who shared the story, the minister questioned both the logic and credibility behind the accusations.

He wrote:

> “Ustaz Jacob Jiel Akol, while I concur with you on your conclusion, the most amazing fools are those who believe this concocted story was real. Who said I was going to UK to effect the arrest of an asylum seeker?”

The minister continued by expressing frustration over what he described as widespread misunderstanding and deliberate distortion of facts.

“Why is the understanding fading away even from the people expected to know what others may fail to understand? Did I say anywhere that I was going to UK to arrest that boy? If no, then who made this story believable?” Minister Ateny

He further criticized individuals who amplified the allegations, suggesting that some people had shared stories without properly verifying the source or authenticity.

“I am shocked the Jacob Akol I know would even share an article written by pseudo name in a dubious online media.” Minister Ateny

The minister’s remarks came after social media discussions intensified following posts that linked his travel plans to allegations published by online media platforms claiming he intended to pursue legal or immigration-related action against Simon Dee.

One of the widely shared reactions came from commentator Jacob Jiel Akol, who posted:

> “If this story proves to be the true mission of Ateny Wek’s mission to UK — hope not — he and his British lawyer advisor must look amazingly stupid!”

The comment reflected growing online speculation but also indicated uncertainty over whether the allegations themselves were factual.

Government Officials Increasingly Targeted Online

The controversy has once again highlighted the growing tension between government officials and online personalities in South Sudan’s increasingly active digital political space.

Over recent years, social media platforms have transformed into major political battlegrounds where officials, activists, supporters, critics, and anonymous commentators frequently exchange accusations and personal attacks.

Supporters of Minister Ateny argue that the allegations lacked evidence from the beginning and were driven more by political hostility than facts.

According to individuals close to the minister’s position, Ateny has little reason to dedicate official resources or international travel schedules toward pursuing what they describe as “online provocation.”

Some supporters further argue that the minister’s responsibilities within the Ministry of Information involve far broader national priorities, including media policy, communication infrastructure, broadcasting regulation, digital transformation, and government communication.

Critics, however, maintain that public officials must expect scrutiny and public debate, especially in the digital age where government actions are constantly monitored and interpreted through social media conversations.

Simon Dee, the elusive and controversial figure behind many outspoken criticisms, has remained silent regarding the allegations, something observers say is consistent with his usual approach. With more than 60,000 followers, he has become widely known for what some describe as loud and aggressive online political activism.

Sources close to him claim he is increasingly worried, especially after another political activist was reportedly taken from Dubai to Juba a few months ago. According to those close to him, he may fear for his safety and is concerned about potentially losing his freedom as an asylum seeker.

Simon Dee, who has built a reputation through livestreams, commentary, and highly critical content targeting government officials and political figures, now finds himself at the center of growing controversy. Some critics argue that he may have intentionally escalated confrontations with authorities to strengthen his asylum case. They claim that when he left South Sudan, he was not being pursued by any government institution but was instead seeking better opportunities, including education and employment abroad.

Others speculate that he may have attempted to portray himself as a political opposition figure facing persecution in order to reinforce claims that returning to South Sudan could put his safety at risk and potentially prevent deportation. However, these claims remain speculative and have not been independently verified., .

Supporters describe him as an outspoken voice using digital platforms to challenge authority and discuss political issues.

Critics, however, accuse him of crossing the line from criticism into personal attacks, insults, cyberbullying, and abusive behavior toward individuals in public office.

Minister Ateny appeared to reference this perception when dismissing the allegations, suggesting that the social media personality was primarily seeking publicity.

According to the minister’s position, the controversy itself may have been amplified by individuals seeking attention through political sensationalism rather than factual reporting.

There are still questions remaining over source of viral claims. How authentic is it and why it was made, may never be answered.

While Minister Ateny has now publicly rejected the allegations, questions remain regarding how the story gained significant traction online.

Observers note that politically sensitive stories in South Sudan frequently spread rapidly across pages, blogs, anonymous websites, and discussion groups before independent verification occurs.

The incident has again raised broader concerns about misinformation, anonymous reporting, politically charged narratives, and the speed at which unverified claims can influence public perception.

For now, Minister Ateny’s position remains clear: he insists his UK visit was not connected to any attempt to arrest, extradite, or pursue the social media commentator.

Whether the minister’s statement ends the debate remains uncertain, but the controversy has once again demonstrated how quickly online narratives can shape political conversations in South Sudan. Ateny firmly denied the allegations and normalized the situation saying that Simon is free and he is welcome to visit South Sudan anytime.

25/05/2026

Juba’s Rise: How Independence Transformed a Small Town Into the Beating Heart of South Sudan

Since 2005, Juba has transformed from a relatively small and underdeveloped town into the political, economic, and administrative heart of South Sudan. The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 marked the beginning of a new era for Southern Sudan, and Juba became the center of that transformation. Roads were expanded, government institutions were established, modern hotels and businesses emerged, and thousands of people from across the country and the diaspora moved into the city seeking opportunities.

The growth of Juba accelerated even further after the independence of South Sudan in 2011. Independence changed the destiny of the city completely. Had South Sudan remained merely a region under Greater Sudan, Juba would likely have remained a neglected provincial town with limited investment and little national significance. Instead, becoming the capital city elevated Juba into the symbol of sovereignty, governance, diplomacy, and national identity.

The decision by Salva Kiir Mayardit and the leadership of the liberation movement to maintain Juba as the capital city was historically significant. Capitals attract power, infrastructure, institutions, and resources. Ministries, embassies, international organizations, universities, banks, and major companies all concentrated in Juba because it became the seat of the independent state. That concentration created jobs, businesses, land value appreciation, and economic opportunities that did not exist before 2005.

Today, the indigenous communities around Juba have benefited enormously from this transformation. Many families who once depended largely on subsistence livelihoods now own valuable land, rental properties, businesses, hotels, transportation services, and commercial centers. Areas that were once bushland or sparsely populated settlements have become urban neighborhoods connected to the economic life of the capital.

In comparison to many other major towns in South Sudan, Juba has better-developed schools, more advanced medical facilities, better telecommunications, more paved roads, and greater access to both local and international investment. The city hosts some of the country’s leading private schools, universities, hospitals, and specialized clinics. While challenges remain, the level of development in Juba is significantly ahead of most other states and urban centers in the country.

The reality is that capital cities shape the fortunes of local populations. Around the world, communities living in national capitals often gain advantages from infrastructure, commerce, education, and public services. Juba is no different. The city became the gateway to the world for South Sudan, and its indigenous communities became direct participants in that economic transformation.

For that reason, there is strong argument that the people of Juba and surrounding communities should recognize the historical importance of South Sudan’s independence and appreciate the fact that Juba was selected as the capital. Without independence, or had another city been chosen as the capital, Juba would not have experienced the same level of urban growth, financial activity, and modernization that it has witnessed over the past two decades.

25/05/2026

Liberation War Veteran Has Bullet Removed After 40 Years

JUBA, South Sudan — A South Sudan liberation war veteran has finally undergone surgery to remove a bullet that had remained lodged inside his body for four decades, in what many veterans are describing as a painful reminder of the sacrifices carried by former frontline fighters long after the war ended.

2nd Lt. Kejok Padiet, a veteran fighter of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) from the Mazulum Battalion under Kazuk Division, successfully underwent surgery on 23 May 2026 to remove the bullet that had remained in his body since May 1986 during the height of the liberation struggle.

According to fellow veterans, Padiet sustained the gunshot wound during the Bukteng military operations after clashes involving forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar following his split from the SPLM/A movement. Despite suffering serious injuries, Padiet reportedly refused to abandon the battlefield. Comrades say he continued carrying his rifle and participating in frontline operations throughout the liberation war without withdrawing for medical evacuation.

Medical personnel who carried out the operation confirmed that the bullet had remained embedded in his body for approximately 40 years. Doctors described the surgery as successful, adding that Padiet is currently recovering under medical observation.

The case has reignited public debate over the condition of thousands of South Sudanese war veterans who continue to live with untreated injuries sustained during decades of conflict. Veteran groups say many former SPLA fighters still carry bullets, shrapnel, and untreated fractures inside their bodies due to the lack of specialized medical programs and long-term healthcare support.

“These men and women sacrificed their youth, health, and lives for the liberation of this country,” one veteran representative said. “It is unacceptable that many are still living with bullets inside their bodies in an independent South Sudan.”

Several veterans interviewed described enduring severe daily pain, mobility complications, infections, and psychological trauma linked to wartime injuries that were never fully treated. Others wounded during the 2013 and 2016 conflicts are also reportedly facing similar conditions, with some unable to afford medical scans or surgical procedures.

Critics have accused the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs of failing to establish a comprehensive national rehabilitation and medical support program for wounded veterans. They argue that while the country celebrates independence anniversaries and liberation heroes, many former fighters continue suffering silently without adequate healthcare, pensions, or rehabilitation services.

Medical experts note that removing long-embedded bullets can be highly dangerous depending on their location in the body. In some cases, surgery may carry life-threatening risks if bullets are lodged near major organs, nerves, or blood vessels. Because of this, health professionals and veteran organizations are now calling for a nationwide medical assessment program to evaluate wounded veterans on a case-by-case basis.

Advocates propose categorizing veterans according to medical urgency, identifying those requiring immediate surgery, those needing pain management and rehabilitation, and those whose bullets may be too risky to remove safely.

The Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs has not yet issued an official statement regarding Padiet’s case or broader plans to address the growing concerns surrounding wounded veterans across the country.

For many South Sudanese, Padiet’s surgery symbolizes both resilience and neglect — a reminder that while the liberation war ended years ago, many of its fighters are still carrying the physical scars of that struggle every single day.

22/05/2026

Machar made and entire ethnic Nuer as his private tribal army that he is unable to control. In other words. machar can order the Nuer to go to war, but he can't control them to stop fighting.

20/05/2026

JONGLEI STATE GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON ABSENT OFFICIALS

The Governor of Jonglei State, Dr. Riek G*i Kok, has launched a firm directive ordering government administrative officials to immediately return to their assigned duty stations or face disciplinary measures, including salary suspension and dismissal from public service.

According to an official circular issued by the Jonglei State Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement, all administrative personnel previously deployed to counties including Bor, Twic East, Duk, Nyirol, Uror, and Fangak must report back to work within 14 days.

The order also targets officials currently residing in Juba without authorization. The ministry instructed such employees to return to Bor, the state capital, unless they possess formal permission allowing them to remain outside the state.

Authorities warned that any official who fails to comply with the directive risks being removed from the government payroll and permanently replaced. The circular further reminded civil servants to avoid engaging in political disputes and partisan activities, emphasizing that public servants are expected to remain neutral under civil service regulations.

The issue of absenteeism within South Sudan’s public sector has become deeply entrenched over the years, affecting both state and national institutions. Government workers frequently abandon their duty stations for extended periods — sometimes for months or even years — while still expecting reinstatement and accumulated salary payments upon return.

Observers argue that weak enforcement of administrative regulations by senior leadership has contributed significantly to the normalization of the practice. In many institutions, attendance systems and accountability mechanisms remain largely ineffective, allowing employees to disappear from their posts without serious consequences.

However, critics say the government itself bears much of the responsibility for the crisis. Chronic delays in salary payments and extremely low wages have left many civil servants unable to survive solely on government income. In some cases, employees reportedly go six months to a full year without receiving salaries.

The economic strain has affected nearly every sector of government service, including teachers, police officers, soldiers, ministers, county commissioners, and diplomats stationed abroad. Several public offices across the country have either reduced operations or shut down entirely due to lack of staffing and funding. South Sudan has also struggled to maintain many of its foreign embassies because of financial difficulties.

Analysts argue that the growing culture of abandoning public offices is less about unwillingness to work and more about economic desperation. Many government employees leave their stations to seek alternative means of survival for themselves and their families while waiting for delayed salaries that may never arrive on time.

Governor Riek G*i’s latest directive is being viewed as an attempt to restore discipline and functionality within Jonglei State’s administration. Whether the order will produce lasting results, however, may depend on broader reforms addressing salary payments, public sector accountability, and the country’s ongoing economic crisis.

Follow JTN for more developments.

*i

20/05/2026

This can be a global major war

20/05/2026

If you have a thousand of followers, you can join Temu Affiliate program now and make as much as you could based the effort you put in. Click the link below

https://temu.to/k/pkuwtb73cka

19/05/2026

12/05/2026

According to an SSPDF TV announcer, the army said it withdrew from Akobo not because it was unable to hold its position, but because SPLM/A-IO allegedly sent large numbers of civilians — including women and children, some reportedly carrying AK-47s — into the conflict zone, which the SSPDF described as a tactic intended to provoke mass civilian casualties and generate accusations of human rights abuses.

The SSPDF stated that it remains fully capable of maintaining its military presence in Akobo, but chose to pull back to the Pibor Administrative Area for the time being to avoid further loss of civilian life, particularly among women and children. He emphasizes that they will not allow the IO forces from advance beyond Akobo.