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Hope for Peace: Kiir Decides to Free and Reinstall MacharJuba, 24th September 2025 — A senior source close to President ...
24/09/2025

Hope for Peace: Kiir Decides to Free and Reinstall Machar

Juba, 24th September 2025 — A senior source close to President Salva Kiir has revealed that the Head of State has decided to release First Vice President (FVP) Dr. Riek Machar and reinstate him to his position in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

According to the source, Dr. Machar’s release is expected to take place either today or within the week, marking what could be a significant breakthrough in South Sudan’s fragile peace process.

“All his detained bodyguards are set to be released and allowed to go home today,” the insider disclosed, emphasizing that the move is intended to restore trust and accelerate the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

The reported decision comes amid heightened political and public attention on the Special Court hearings involving Dr. Machar and seven co-accused SPLM-IO members. Observers say President Kiir’s move could ease tensions and revive momentum in the peace deal that has faced repeated setbacks.

If confirmed, the reinstatement of Dr. Machar would mark his return to the unity government after months of political and legal uncertainty.

Neither the Office of the President nor the SPLM-IO leadership has issued an official statement on the matter.

Special Court to Rule on Defense Application in Machar’s TrialJuba, 24th September 2025 — The Special Court hearing the ...
24/09/2025

Special Court to Rule on Defense Application in Machar’s Trial

Juba, 24th September 2025 — The Special Court hearing the high-profile case of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar is today expected to make a crucial ruling that could either halt or advance the proceedings.

The defense team has filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of the Special Court, arguing that it has no legal authority to try the case. Today’s session will determine whether the judges will uphold the defense’s motion and dismiss the case on jurisdictional grounds, or reject it and allow the trial to proceed.

Legal analysts say the decision will shape the trajectory of one of the most closely watched trials in South Sudan’s history, as it touches on both political and constitutional questions.

The outcome is expected to draw keen attention from the public, political leaders, and the international community, all of whom have closely followed the proceedings since the trial began earlier this year.

SPLM-IO MP, Over 1,500 Forces Defect to SPLM IG in WauWau, September 23, 2025 — A major political and military shift has...
23/09/2025

SPLM-IO MP, Over 1,500 Forces Defect to SPLM IG in Wau

Wau, September 23, 2025 — A major political and military shift has unfolded in Western Bahr el Ghazal as Hon. Santino Upiu Madhieu, a Member of Parliament in the Council of States representing the state, announced his defection from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG).

Madhieu, who also serves as Chairperson of the Specialized Committee for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in the Council of States, declared his move on Tuesday during a rally in Rooc Rooc D**g Payam, Achot Boma, Jur River County.

He was not alone in crossing the political aisle. The defection was reinforced by five Major Generals and 1,583 SPLM-IO forces, including senior commanders such as Maj. Santino Ubong Bol and Maj. Gen. Lino Uraya.

The development is seen as a significant blow to the SPLM-IO in the region, strengthening the ruling party’s influence in Western Bahr el Ghazal amid ongoing political realignments across the country.

Officials from the SPLM-IG in Wau welcomed the defectors, hailing the move as a step toward national unity and consolidation of peace. However, the SPLM-IO leadership has yet to issue an official response.

23/09/2025

FVP Dr Riek Machar Teny Introducing himself to the Special Court today at Freedom Hall.

U.S. Slams SSPDF for Looting WFP Aid in FangakJuba, September 23, 2025 — The Embassy of the United States has strongly c...
23/09/2025

U.S. Slams SSPDF for Looting WFP Aid in Fangak

Juba, September 23, 2025 — The Embassy of the United States has strongly condemned continued attacks on humanitarian operations in South Sudan, following the looting of food assistance in New Fangak earlier this month.

On September 7, personnel from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) reportedly raided a boat carrying World Food Programme (WFP) supplies, stealing food commodities intended for civilians facing severe food insecurity. Although the stolen goods were replaced on September 20, the U.S. Embassy warned that the incident reflects a worsening trend of looting and obstruction of aid by armed groups and individuals in positions of authority.

“The fact that those entrusted with protecting the country’s citizens are themselves implicated in undermining lifesaving assistance is especially egregious,” the Embassy said in a statement.

The U.S. urged South Sudan’s transitional government to act swiftly to prevent further attacks on aid operations and to create conditions that can alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Officials expressed particular concern over access restrictions in Upper Nile State, where vulnerable populations face the risk of famine but humanitarian partners are being denied entry.

“Urgent humanitarian intervention is required in these areas, and government authorities must facilitate access,” the statement read.

The Embassy also pressed South Sudan’s leaders to address the “unacceptably high costs and risks” threatening aid delivery, ensure the payment of public sector salaries, and direct national revenue toward meeting the needs of citizens.

South Sudan remains among the most food-insecure countries in the world, with millions depending on international humanitarian support for survival.

Kur & Co Advocates Dismiss Break-in and Threat AllegationsJuba, Sept. 23, 2025 — Kur & Co Advocates has denied reports c...
23/09/2025

Kur & Co Advocates Dismiss Break-in and Threat Allegations

Juba, Sept. 23, 2025 — Kur & Co Advocates has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that its offices were broken into and documents stolen, as well as claims that defense lawyers representing Dr. Riek Machar and others had been threatened by security authorities.

In a statement issued by Advocate Kur Lual Kur, the law firm described the allegations as “completely false,” stressing that no break-ins, thefts, or threats had occurred.

The firm urged the public and those following Dr. Machar’s ongoing trial to verify information carefully and avoid relying on rumors or unverified sources. Instead, it encouraged the public to seek updates from official and accredited channels.

Machar’s Cameraman Detained by National Security in JubaJuba, Sept. 23, 2025 — The Office of the First Vice President ha...
23/09/2025

Machar’s Cameraman Detained by National Security in Juba

Juba, Sept. 23, 2025 — The Office of the First Vice President has condemned the arrest of Mr. Naathdial Tuak Yerock, a senior photographer attached to Dr. Riek Machar, who was detained by the National Security Service (NSS) in Juba on Monday morning.

According to a statement issued by Acting Press Secretary Puok Both Baluang, Mr. Yerock was taken into custody at around 7:30 a.m. while attempting to access Freedom Hall, where the trial of Dr. Machar and seven SPLM-IO officials is underway. He was later transferred to the NSS detention center near the riverside in Juba.

The Office of the First Vice President described the detention as part of a “pattern of arbitrary and unlawful arrests” targeting SPLM-IO members and officials. It has demanded the immediate release of Mr. Yerock and all other SPLM-IO detainees.

Authorities have not yet commented on the arrest.

Clashes Reported Between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Morobo CountyMorobo, Sept. 23, 2025 — Fresh fighting erupted this morning ...
23/09/2025

Clashes Reported Between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Morobo County

Morobo, Sept. 23, 2025 — Fresh fighting erupted this morning at around 8:30 a.m. when South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) allegedly attacked a Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) base belonging to Brigade 4, Division 2B, in Morobo County.

According to a statement issued by SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, opposition forces repelled the assault, leaving at least 15 SSPDF soldiers dead. He further claimed that three PKM machine guns, one RPG, and 15 AK-47 rifles were captured, while several wounded government soldiers were abandoned as the SSPDF retreated.

The SPLA-IO linked the incident to what it described as the “illegal and politically motivated” trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven other SPLM-IO members currently underway in Juba.

The SPLA-IO command congratulated its fighters for what it called a successful operation and vowed that “the struggle continues.”

SSPDF officials have not yet responded to the allegations.

Bodyguards of FVP Machar ReleasedJuba, Sept. 23, 2025 — A source close to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar says all ...
23/09/2025

Bodyguards of FVP Machar Released

Juba, Sept. 23, 2025 — A source close to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar says all his arrested bodyguards have been released.

The exact number freed is still unknown, and no official statement has been issued by authorities.

23/09/2025

Filbato Manyot General Counsel and lead prosecutor responding to the application by the defense team lead Dr Geri Raimondo

Call for Release of Detained Aides of FVP Dr. Riek MacharJuba – Concerns have emerged over the continued detention of bo...
23/09/2025

Call for Release of Detained Aides of FVP Dr. Riek Machar

Juba – Concerns have emerged over the continued detention of bodyguards and staff of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar following his arrest earlier this year.

Sources revealed that during the arrest of Dr. Machar, all individuals present at his office and residence including bodyguards, workers, and even a man who identified himself in court as a generator operator were also taken into custody.

However, only Dr. Machar and seven senior members of the SPLM-IO have been formally charged in connection with the Nasir incident. The rest of the detainees have not been named in the case, prompting calls for their immediate release if investigations confirm they bear no responsibility for any crimes.

Observers and legal experts argue that holding individuals without charges undermines due process and risks violating their fundamental rights. They have urged the investigation committee to expedite its work and free all those not implicated in the ongoing trial.

Judge Orders Media Access to Machar TrialJuba, Sept. 23, 2025 — Special Court presiding judge Justice James Alala Deng h...
23/09/2025

Judge Orders Media Access to Machar Trial

Juba, Sept. 23, 2025 — Special Court presiding judge Justice James Alala Deng has ordered that all media outlets be allowed to cover the trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven SPLM-IO leaders.

He said the public and press are free to attend hearings without obstruction, provided courtroom rules are respected.

Tuesday’s session ended after the prosecution and defense submitted their written arguments. The trial will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 9:00 a.m.

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