By FRED OLUOCH In South Sudan, the turnover of senior state officials has been constant under President Salva Kiir’s leadership, with appointments and dismissals happening frequently since 2020. As the country approaches a crucial transition period, President Kiir faces the decision of either holding elections in December as scheduled or extending the transitional government to allow for adequate preparations. This uncertainty has created a revolving door for ministers in South Sudan, leaving the political landscape in a state of flux. President Kiir’s leadership style has led to a lack of stability in the government, raising concerns about the country’s future…

By FRED OLUOCH South Sudan is facing the likelihood of extending its transitional government for the third time due to delays in election preparations and concerns about the feasibility of holding elections in the current environment. Key government officials met in Juba to address the issue, acknowledging challenges in implementing the peace deal necessary for conducting elections.The Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU), scheduled to end on September 22, is expected to be prolonged as the December 22 election deadline appears unrealistic. At a recent presidency meeting with President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, doubts were raised about the…

By FRED OLUOCH South Sudan’s peace talks in Nairobi faced a setback when the SPLM-IO walked out, citing concerns about the 2018 peace deal principles. Despite this, key agreements had already been reached, offering hope for stability. The talks aimed to include factions excluded from the previous peace agreement.Before the withdrawal, eight protocols were agreed upon, covering various crucial issues like security reforms, economic recovery, and humanitarian access. Dr Cirino Hiteng emphasized the need for parties to focus on an implementation matrix. Political commentator Akol Miyen Kuol stressed the importance of President Kiir and Dr Machar’s physical presence to steer…

By FRED OLUOCH The Sudan civil war has caused devastation, with thousands killed and millions displaced. Human Rights Watch reports a surge in sexual violence against women by the Rapid Support Forces during the fight for control of key areas. The report, “Khartoum is Not Safe for Women,” details horrific incidents of sexual assault, with victims facing trauma and social stigma. Advertisement

By FRED OLUOCH South Sudan marked its 13th independence anniversary with muted celebrations, raising concerns about its future. The passing of controversial amendments to the National Security Service (NSS) law has sparked worries among global allies, including the United States. The changes grant the NSS expanded powers to arrest and detain individuals without a court warrant. The US State Department expressed concerns about the legislation, urging President Salva Kiir not to sign it into law. The amendments have been widely criticized for threatening political and civic freedoms in South Sudan. The country, still reeling from years of conflict, faces a…

By FRED OLUOCH South Sudan has been identified as the home of the largest land mammal migration in the world, according to a recent aerial study. The study, conducted by African Parks in partnership with the South Sudanese government, revealed that approximately six million animals migrate annually between South Sudan and Ethiopia, covering an area of 122,774 square kilometers. This remarkable phenomenon, known as the Great Nile Migration, involves millions of antelopes, gazelles, and other wild animals moving across the Boma Badingilo Jonglei Landscape into Gambella National Park in Ethiopia. Surpassing the famous wildebeest migration in East Africa, this migration…

By FRED OLUOCH Fresh demands by the South Sudan holdout group for a permanent constitution before the December 2024 elections have sparked discussions about the implications of holding elections without a supreme law in place. Despite the failure to meet the September 2020 deadline for a permanent constitution, the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) insists on having one before the elections, creating uncertainty about the electoral process.While some argue that the current Transitional Constitution of 2011 can suffice, the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement emphasizes the need for a constitution to govern elections. Concerns about the lack of legal provisions…

By FRED OLUOCH European Union donors are feeling the pressure from multiple crises in the Horn of Africa. Despite being a major donor in humanitarian aid, the EU is facing challenges in meeting the increasing needs of African nations plagued by conflicts and natural disasters. Maciej Popowski, Director-General of Echo, acknowledges the strain on their agency, emphasizing the importance of new donors to support their efforts. Africa is in need of at least $10 billion by September to address various crises such as floods, insecurity, and displacement. The EU has provided significant support, but budget constraints are affecting the level…