Hot in Juba, 12250 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX (2026)

01/09/2026

DJ Cent has taken a swipe at Silver X after an old photo resurfaced, saying he feels sorry for the girls who used to kiss what he described as a “broke and ugly-looking” Silver X before the singer later resettled in Australia.

01/09/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

SSOA Responds to Statement by the Disowned Josephine Faction

Juba, 8 January 2026

The leadership of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), under the chairmanship of Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, has taken note of a misleading public response issued by the disowned SSOA faction led by H.E. Josephine Joseph Lagu.

That response, consistent with previous statements from the same group, reflects political desperation rather than institutional legitimacy. It further reinforces to the people of South Sudan why this faction was rightfully disowned and why it should not be entrusted with the leadership of SSOA.

1. Expired Leadership Cannot Be Revived by Rhetoric

The Josephine faction continues to disregard a fundamental political and legal reality: its claim to leadership expired years ago.

The SSOA Charter is explicit and non-negotiable. The position of Chairperson is rotational and limited to a six (6) month term. H.E. Josephine assumed the chairpersonship in 2020, and her mandate expired within the same year. The Charter provides no provision for renewal or extension of this mandate.

Persisting in claiming the title of “Chairperson” years after the expiry of the mandate does not constitute leadership. It is entitlement presented as authority, without any legal or institutional basis.

2. Silence Did Not Legitimize a Power Grab

The Josephine faction has repeatedly attempted to justify its prolonged control by citing the silence of some SSOA leaders over the years. This argument is politically dishonest and legally unsound.

Silence does not amend the Charter.
Silence does not legalize violations.
Silence does not transform illegitimacy into legitimacy.

What occurred was political restraint exercised in the interest of unity and stability—restraint that was systematically abused by a faction determined to cling to power without a mandate.

3. Their Reaction Exposes a Struggle for Power

Rather than addressing clear and documented violations of the SSOA Charter, the Josephine faction has resorted to emotional rhetoric, recycled titles, and media theatrics.

This conduct exposes the reality of the situation: this is not a struggle for democracy or institutional integrity within SSOA, but a struggle to retain power at any cost.

Leaders who respect institutions abide by the rules governing those institutions and act in accordance with their provisions.

4. The Disownment Was Lawful and Necessary

The decision to disown the Josephine faction was taken to protect the SSOA Charter and to end the personalization of the Alliance.

That decision remains valid and in force. The Josephine faction is no longer a recognized authority within SSOA, and its statements should be regarded as private political opinions without legal or institutional standing.

5. Message to the Citizens of South Sudan

SSOA, under the leadership of Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, remains committed to political stability, security, and the promotion of national unity among the people of South Sudan.

Conclusion

The response issued by the Josephine faction has only reinforced the justification for its disownment: a group unwilling to respect the Charter, unwilling to rotate leadership, and unwilling to work in the interest of political stability and national unity.

SSOA remains fully committed to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), in both letter and spirit, and will continue to advocate for the demilitarization of politics and the consolidation of national unity.

01/09/2026

Pakistan nears $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons, jets to Sudan, sources say

Pakistan is in the final phases of striking a $1.5-billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan, a former top air force official and three sources said, promising a major boost for Sudan's army, battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The deal with Pakistan encompasses 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for scouting and kamikaze attacks, and advanced air defence systems, said two of the three sources with knowledge of the matter, who all sought anonymity.
It was a "done deal", said Aamir Masood, a retired Pakistani air marshal who continues to be briefed on air force matters.

Besides the Karakoram-8 jets, it includes Super Mushshak training aircraft, and perhaps some coveted JF-17 fighters developed jointly with China and produced in Pakistan, he added, without giving figures or a delivery schedule.

Pakistan's military and its defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokesman for Sudan’s army did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment.
Assistance from Pakistan, especially drones and jets, could help Sudan's army regain the air supremacy it had towards the start of its war with the RSF, which has increasingly used drones to gain territory, eroding the army's position.

POSSIBILITY OF SAUDI BACKING

The sources did not say how the deal was being funded but Masood said it was possible the finances would come from Saudi Arabia.
"Saudi Arabia may favour and support all the favourable regimes in Gulf for procurement of Pakistani military equipment and training," he said.
One of the sources said the Saudis brokered the deal but added there was no indication they were paying for the weapons. Another source said Saudi was not providing funds.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are part of the U.S.-led quad grouping of nations that has tried to push Sudan's army and the RSF towards peace talks.

On recent visits, Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan requested Saudi assistance in the war, according to Sudanese and Egyptian sources.

*** This article was first published by Reuters

01/09/2026

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01/09/2026

Government to establish official gazette for presidential decrees and state communications

The government has announced plans to immediately establish an Official Government Gazette that will serve as the formal channel for publishing presidential decrees, official appointments, and other state decisions, marking a shift away from the long-standing practice of televised presidential announcements.

The move, announced by the Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande, mirrors the role played by The Kenya Gazette (pictured) in Kenya, which is used to formally and legally communicate government decisions to the public.

According to the minister, once an authorized government office has officially disseminated information, media houses will be free to report on presidential decrees and other decisions without restriction. He clarified that the new protocol is intended to organize the source of official announcements, not to limit media freedom. However, members of the organized forces will be restricted from publicly rendering opinions on presidential appointments and reliefs.

Mande said the government will urgently operationalize the Official Government Gazette and upgrade the existing government website as a top priority. The Office of the President will work jointly with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Ministry of Information to ensure the gazette is established without delay.

He added that the gazette will provide a permanent, public, and legally binding record of all presidential decrees, ensuring transparency, legal certainty, and respect for the rule of law.

If effectively implemented, the new system is expected to curb rumours, speculation, and the recurring controversies that have, over the years, surrounded President Kiir’s decrees.

01/09/2026

“New protocols for presidential decrees are not intended to bar access to information or infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens and media freedom,” Africano Mande

The Minister of Presidential Affairs, Africano Mande, has clarified that the newly introduced protocols governing the communication of presidential appointments and reliefs are not intended to deny citizens access to information or undermine media freedom.

In a statement issued Friday, Africano said the reforms, outlined in Circular No. 01/2026 dated January 8, are aimed at professionalizing the dissemination of government decisions, strengthening security around presidential instruments, and easing the burden on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) by shifting certain institutional notifications to a direct, protocol-based system.

He stressed that contrary to public speculation, the directive does not alter the authority of the President or transfer appointment powers to implementing officials. “All appointments or reliefs remain the exclusive prerogative of H.E. the President and are only valid once duly approved and signed,” the statement said, adding that the integrity of presidential decisions is “absolute and protected.”

According to the clarification, only highly vetted and trusted personnel within the Office of the President will handle and deliver presidential instruments to ensure a secure and uncompromised chain of custody. Africano noted that an official registry is currently maintained at the Office of the President as a temporary constitutional safeguard, pending the establishment of an Official Government Gazette. This registry serves as the authoritative record to prevent forgery or manipulation, alongside the existing official website.

The minister also said the new system is designed to eliminate delays and unauthorized leaks that previously occurred during the gap between the signing of decrees and their traditional 8:00 pm broadcast on SSBC. Under the revised protocol, concerned institutions will be notified immediately, allowing them to act without delay and reducing the spread of misinformation.

Authorized officials, including speakers, ministers and governors, are now required to submit a consolidated compliance report within 48 hours confirming that presidential directives have been implemented. Security organs will work with relevant institutions to verify compliance and ensure that presidential decisions are neither obstructed nor altered.

Africano emphasized that the protocol applies only to high-level institutional transitions. Other categories of officials not specified in the circular will continue to be announced through SSBC in line with established practice.

On media freedom, the minister reaffirmed that once authorized officials disseminate information, media houses remain free to report on presidential decisions. “The protocol only organizes the source of the announcement; it does not restrict the media’s right to inform the public,” the statement said, while noting that members of the organized forces are restricted from publicly expressing opinions on presidential appointments and reliefs.

The statement also announced that the government will urgently move to establish the Official Government Gazette and enhance the existing official website, in coordination with the ministries of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Information. The move is intended to ensure all presidential decrees are formally published, providing legal certainty and reinforcing the rule of law.

Africano said the measures are meant to align South Sudan’s administrative processes with constitutional authority, national security considerations, and international standards of governance.

01/09/2026

The High Committee of the Mundari Cultural Festival, led by Mr. Bush Buse, has officially extended an invitation to H.E. Rebecca Nyandeng to attend the upcoming Mundari Cultural Festival in Terekeka, scheduled for January 16-18, 2026.

H.E. Mama Rebecca Nyandeng expressed her gratitude for the invitation, highlighting her longstanding close relationship with the Mundari people dating back to the liberation struggle. She pledged her full support and confirmed her intention to attend the festival, viewing it as a source of encouragement and inspiration for the young men and women participating. She also emphasized that the festival will serve to celebrate and promote the rich cultures of the Mundari community and South Sudan, fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among South Sudanese.

01/09/2026

SSCAA restricts access to airside at Juba International Airport

The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) says unrestricted and random access to the airside at Juba International Airport has posed serious safety risks and left the airport operating below International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

In a public notice issued this week, SSCAA announced a strict restriction on access to the airside area, stating that no individual or vehicle will be allowed entry without valid authorization and official permits, including Airside Vehicle Permits (AVP), Airport Restricted Area Permits (ARO), or other SSCAA-approved passes.

The authority noted that in the past, the airside was often accessed freely, including by large groups of mourners receiving bodies, a practice it says compromised aviation safety, security, and orderly airport operations.

Under the new directive, the restriction applies to all persons and vehicles, with exemptions only for President Salva Kiir and the Vice Presidents, along with their officially designated vehicles.

SSCAA warned that any unauthorized access will be treated as a serious violation of aviation safety and security regulations and will attract legal prosecution, urging public cooperation to help bring Juba International Airport in line with international aviation standards.

01/08/2026

Government shuts down Twic East community group over political activity

The government has shut down the Twic East Community Association, accusing the group of violating South Sudan’s NGO law by engaging in political activity.

In a letter dated Jan. 7, 2026, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission said the association, registered in 2021 as a non-political, non-profit organization, acted outside its mandate when it passed a resolution in October 2025 withdrawing confidence from Deng Dau Deng Malek, the Twic East member of parliament.

The commission said the move amounted to political action, which NGOs are barred from undertaking without prior written approval under the NGO Act of 2016.

The revocation takes immediate effect, and the association has been ordered to surrender its registration certificate and constitution to the registrar’s office.

The RRC did not say whether the group was warned beforehand or whether it can appeal. The Twic East Community Association had not issued a public response by the time of publication.

01/08/2026

Undersecretary in General Education dismissed as President Kiir appoints Omot Okony

The Undersecretary in the Ministry of General Education and Instruction has been dismissed, with President Salva Kiir appointing Omot Okony Olok Guon as the new Undersecretary, replacing Kachuol Mabil Piok.

Before his appointment, Omot served for many years as Director General of the National Curriculum Development Centre.

01/08/2026

: Government’s social media ban on organised forces could reshape youth influence and creativity

By Jurel Mamur Majur Director, J Prince Entertainment

The recent government directive banning members of organised forces from posting promotions, uniforms, and official documents on social media is a positive and forward-looking decision. While the order is primarily aimed at restoring discipline and professionalism within state institutions, its broader impact on the country’s youth should not be overlooked.

For many young people, social media has become a space where political identity and public displays of power often overshadow creativity and innovation. The circulation of military promotions and official documents online has, in some cases, encouraged youth to associate success with political alignment rather than personal talent or hard work. By putting an end to this practice, the government is sending a clear message that professionalism and national service are not tools for public validation.

This move creates an opportunity for young people to shift their focus toward productive and creative pursuits. Instead of being drawn into political ideologies, youth can invest their energy in areas such as entrepreneurship, arts, music, technology, sports, and other innovative fields that contribute to social and economic development.

However, policy restrictions alone cannot fully engage the youth. To maximise the positive impact of this directive, the government should take proactive steps to support young people through inclusive initiatives. Supporting concerts, cultural festivals, talent development programs, and creative industries would help youth feel recognised and valued. Such platforms allow young people to express themselves constructively while strengthening national unity.

In conclusion, the government’s directive is a strong step toward restoring institutional discipline and reshaping youth influence. When combined with meaningful youth support initiatives, it has the potential to empower a generation that is creative, innovative, and focused on building the nation rather than following political currents.

01/08/2026

Stephen Lual declares support for President Kiir, backs SPLM national dialogue

Stephen Lual Ngor, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, has declared his full political support for President Salva Kiir Mayardit and endorsed the SPLM’s push for a national dialogue.

In a statement issued in Juba, Stephen described Kiir as a key figure for stability and unity as South Sudan navigates its political transition. He welcomed the SPLM’s decision to prioritize national dialogue, saying it reflects the party’s responsibility in safeguarding peace and guiding democratic reforms.

Stephen said the president remains committed to implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement, maintaining security, and steering the country toward elections.

He urged political parties, peace agreement signatories, and other stakeholders to support the SPLM-led dialogue process, saying broad participation is essential for national stability.

Stephen concluded by calling for unity behind the president’s vision, arguing that it remains critical to sustaining peace and securing South Sudan’s future.

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