Africa East Africa World 

South Sudan to hold much-anticipated elections in 2024

South Sudan will hold general elections next year, the first for the small nation after gaining independence in 2011. Incumbent President Salva Kiir who made the announcement on Tuesday said the long-delayed elections will be held as planned this time round. Kirr has been president of the country since 2011 and signalled he would seek re-election in the polls scheduled… Read More
Africa World 

Three African countries lose UN voting rights over unpaid dues

South Sudan, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have lost their voting rights at the United Nations for non-payment of dues. The three countries are part of six nations facing such a punitive measure for owing arrears in dues to the United Nations’ operating budget. The other countries are Dominica, Venezuela and Lebanon, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. These countries can’t participate in… Read More
Africa East Africa World 

South Sudan’s unity government extended by another two years

– – South Sudan’s unity government has been extended by two years as part of a new “roadmap” towards peace. Government Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro told diplomats on Thursday that the country’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar support this new move. “After lengthy deliberations, the committee agreed to extend the transition period by 24 months,”… Read More
Africa World 

Pope regrets delaying trip to DR Congo, South Sudan

– – Pope Francis has apologized for having to postpone a trip to Congo and South Sudan next month. The delayed trip is attributed to what the Pope said was a painful knee. Speaking to the worshipers in St Peter’s Square, the pontiff said he felt “great sorrow” after canceling the trip initially planned for July 2-7. “I want to… Read More
Africa East Africa World 

South Sudan forms unified army, integrates opposition commanders

– – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has now formed a unified armed forces command and has also integrated opposition commanders into the structure of the armed forces. Per the new structure, the president’s faction has a 60% representation while the opposition occupies the remaining 40%. A line-up of the names of the generals to lead the unified command was… Read More
Africa East Africa World 

South Sudan: Political rivals agree to form unified army

– – In a move that could signal a significant approach towards ensuring a sustainable peace deal, South Sudan’s political rivals have now agreed to form a unified armed forces command. Officials representing President Salva Kiir and his first Vice-President Riek Machar signed the deal on Sunday to fulfil a key pillar of 2018 peace agreement. Major General Martin Abucha,… Read More
Africa World 

Pope Francis to visit DR Congo and South Sudan

– – The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis will be visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in July this year. In a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the Pope is to embark on what is called an Apostolic Journey to these two African countries. In DR Congo, the Pope will visit Kinshasa… Read More
Africa East Africa World 

South Sudan: Unity government still faces challenges after two years

– – Two years ago South Sudan’s rival political factions signed a peace deal that ushered in a unity government that was supposed to restore peace to the country. Former rebel leader of South Sudan Riek Machar and three other persons were sworn in as vice presidents. The formation of a unity government was seen as a major move that… Read More
Africa Business East Africa World 

South Sudan President sacks central bank governor

– – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has sacked the central bank governor. The dismissal of Dier Tong Ngor was announced in a presidential decree read on the national broadcaster. No reasons were given for his sacking. He has been replaced by Moses Makur Deng who has been a director-general in charge of banks’ supervision and research at the bank.… Read More
Africa East Africa World 

Plane crash kills 10 people in South Sudan

– – At least ten people have died in a plane crash in South Sudan. The incident occurred in the eastern Jonglei State, at Pieri airstrip shortly after takeoff while heading to the capital, Juba. A team of investigators is being sent to the site to conduct preliminary investigations. The plane belonged to a local aviation company, the South Supreme Airlines.… Read More