The South Sudan government and some South Sudanese Catholics express excitement over Pope Francis rescheduling his visit to the nation. The Vatican embassy in Juba announced that Pope Francis will visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan early next year after canceling a trip to both countries in July due to health issues.

The UN High Commission on Human Rights has urged South Sudan to end media censorship and repression ahead of the December 2024 elections. The report highlights attacks on journalists and activists, with government officials disputing these claims. Concerns were raised about the National Security Service's role in censoring newsrooms, potentially undermining the credibility of the elections. The report emphasizes the need for a free and democratic environment to ensure credible elections, warning that failure to address these issues could exacerbate violence. Media watchdogs have documented ongoing harassment and violence against journalists in South Sudan.

A U.N. human rights expert has urged South Sudan's leaders to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking, child marriage, recruitment, and forced labor. During a 10-day visit, the U.N. special rapporteur emphasized the need for prevention, assistance, and accountability. The call to action was made in Juba, highlighting the critical need for intervention in these areas.

President Salva Kiir has called for the removal of the arms embargo on South Sudan, emphasizing the need for arms to defend against external threats. Speaking at the sixth Governors Forum in Juba, he urged the international community to reconsider their stance on the sanctions.

South Sudanese citizens are expressing concern over the sharp increase in commodity prices due to the significant depreciation of the South Sudanese pound against the U.S. dollar, marking its lowest value since the country's independence in 2011.

A court in Juba, South Sudan, has detained the managing director of South Supreme Airlines for failing to compensate the families of passengers who died in a 2021 plane crash in Jonglei state. Deng Ghai Deng reports from Bor for South Sudan in Focus.

In South Sudan, journalists face intimidation, threats, and harassment, particularly when reporting on corruption or security issues. Female journalists encounter additional risks, including gender-based violence. Self-censorship is common among journalists due to fear of repercussions. Despite these challenges, South Sudan's Deputy Minister of Information claims the media environment is conducive. Reporters Without Borders notes that at least nine journalists have been killed since 2014, and media outlets are often blocked from covering conflict-related issues.

A United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) survey reveals that South Sudanese citizens are eager to participate in the upcoming 2024 elections, though there are concerns about the government's capacity to effectively organize and conduct the elections.

South Sudanese students in Cairo protested against poor living conditions and alleged that Egyptian authorities violently dispersed their demonstration. Students reported being beaten, arrested, and denied basic services while holed up in the South Sudanese embassy. South Sudan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Dau, acknowledged the situation and stated that the government is working to resolve the issue, emphasizing that scholarships are a privilege. The government urged students to respect Egyptian laws and return to their campuses to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed.

Journalists in South Sudan face significant challenges, including intimidation, harassment, and censorship, particularly when reporting on corruption and security issues. Female journalists encounter additional risks such as gender-based violence. The media environment is described as hostile, with many journalists self-censoring to avoid conflict with authorities. Despite government claims of a conducive media environment, reports from organizations like Reporters Without Borders highlight ongoing threats and violence against journalists.

Media outlets in South Sudan are facing threats when reporting on sensitive topics such as corruption or crimes involving political and military figures. Journalists receive threats of harm or station shutdowns from unidentified individuals after broadcasting such reports.

The South Sudanese army has confiscated thousands of illegal firearms from civilians in Central Equatoria state recently. Civil society activists are skeptical of the government's disarmament efforts, calling for assurances that the weapons are securely stored away from civilians.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is calling on Jonglei State authorities to take measures to persuade armed young men involved in the Pibor conflict to return to their villages. The Jonglei State Cabinet Affairs minister confirms that the state government is working with local authorities to deescalate the violence.

Authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State are addressing food insecurity in the region's main prison through a farming initiative. The acting director of Wau Central Prison reports that inmates and prison personnel have cultivated over 200 acres of land to grow groundnuts and maize.

Residents of Juba, the capital of South Sudan, support the deployment of security forces to disarm civilians in certain areas of the city. There is a call to extend these efforts beyond Juba to other states to address inter-communal violence related to cattle. Deng Ghai Deng reports from Bor for South Sudan in Focus.

A court in Juba, South Sudan, has charged Anglican Bishop David Akau Kuol with 'illegal marriage' and 'child neglect' following accusations by Amos Awan. The charges stem from an alleged unlawful relationship between the bishop and Awan's daughter, lasting nearly 12 years. The case highlights legal and religious issues within the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

In Warrap State, South Sudan, at least seven people were killed and seven others injured in a cattle raid in Twic County on Sunday. The attackers, suspected to be from Unity State, targeted Aweng Payam. Unity State’s deputy governor has not confirmed the origin of the attackers. The incident was reported by Deng Ghai Deng from Juba for Voice of America.

Civil society activists are raising alarms over the illegal detention of Jacob Thon, Secretary-General of the African People’s Congress party, by suspected National Security Service operatives in Juba. Thon, a co-founder of the youth-dominated political party, was reportedly taken from a local hotel. The incident highlights ongoing political tensions and concerns over state security practices in South Sudan.

The Jonglei state government in South Sudan has issued a two-week ultimatum for government employees to report to their work stations or face dismissal. The Secretary-General of Jonglei state highlighted that some employees on the government payrolls are not complying with the Civil Service Act of 2011, which mandates government employees to report to work.

South Sudan's prisons are facing a severe food shortage crisis due to unpaid contractors, affecting around 400 inmates at Bor Central Prison and potentially thousands more across the country. Brig. Gen. Bol Adoor and other prison officials have called for urgent government intervention. The Ministry of Interior has submitted payment documents to the Ministry of Finance, but delays have led to contractors halting food supplies. The Ministry of Finance spokesperson claimed to be unaware of the issue, while the Ministry of Interior is working to expedite payments to prevent further crisis.

Residents of the disputed Abyei region have expressed approval of the renewed discussions between South Sudan and Sudan regarding the area's final status. A delegation led by President Salva Kiir's security advisor met with Sudanese officials in Khartoum to deliberate on the matter.

Tuberculosis cases are increasing in Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan, due to stigma and a lack of public awareness. Bor hospital recorded 70 cases in the last six months, and the state health ministry is treating hundreds of patients for TB across Jonglei State.

The United States Embassy in Juba condemned the recent attack on a World Food Program convoy in Jonglei State, South Sudan, which resulted in two fatalities and several injuries. The U.S. urged the transitional government and its security forces to take action to protect humanitarian workers.

The South Sudan government, led by President Salva Kiir, expresses disappointment over U.S. lawmakers' calls for additional sanctions against top officials, arguing that the country has made progress on the peace agreement. Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Deng Dau Deng criticizes the U.S. senators' statement for creating a negative impression of South Sudan.

South Sudanese basketball fans are celebrating their national team's historic qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, marking the first time an African team has qualified on their first attempt. The team's success has fostered national unity and pride, with residents expressing joy and optimism for future performances. Key figures like Emanuel Bida and Abraham Makuei Ayool highlight the team's positive impact on the country's image and unity, despite ongoing challenges. The team, led by interim coach Luol Deng, is set to compete in the World Cup in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia in August 2023.

At least 13 people have been killed and several others injured in clashes along the South Sudan-Kenya border. South Sudan's minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation stated that the government is aware of the dispute and is collaborating with Kenya to ensure peace and maintain border integrity.

The Troika countries, comprising Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, urge the South Sudan government to swiftly apprehend those responsible for the recent massacre in Kajokeji, Central Equatoria State. They express grave concern over the violence and call for accountability.

South Sudan's holdout rebel groups welcome the government's decision to resume the Rome peace talks ahead of Pope Francis's visit to Juba. The talks, mediated by the Community of Sant' Egidio, aim to include opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement. Rebel leaders express cautious optimism but remain suspicious of the government's motives. The transitional government had previously suspended talks, accusing NAS rebels of violence and preparing for war, which the rebels denied.

Pope Francis is set to visit South Sudan, where he will meet with President Salva Kiir, religious leaders, and civil society groups to promote peace. Activists and political leaders express mixed feelings about the visit's potential impact on the country's peace process. The government plans to include political party leaders in the pope's reception, though no political talks will be allowed. The visit underscores the pope's commitment to South Sudan amid ongoing political challenges.

The U.S. Embassy condemned the targeted attacks on humanitarian workers in South Sudan, which resulted in three deaths and injuries. The embassy called for accountability and action from South Sudan's leaders to end violence and human rights violations. The U.N.'s acting humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, Peter Van der Auweraert, also condemned the attacks and emphasized the duty of South Sudanese authorities to protect humanitarian workers. South Sudan's Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, declined to comment. The U.N. has reported South Sudan as one of the most dangerous places for aid workers.

The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan condemns recent attacks on humanitarian workers and their compounds, resulting in the deaths of three South Sudanese workers. The report highlights the embassy's strong disapproval of the violence against aid workers.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that South Sudan and other countries have lost their voting rights in the General Assembly due to unpaid arrears to the U.N. operating budget. Deng Ghai Deng reports from Bor for South Sudan in Focus.

Violence in South Sudan's Jonglei and Pibor regions has resulted in numerous deaths, displacement of families, and destruction of property. MP Mayen Deng Alier highlighted the severity of the situation and the need for intervention by national leaders. The conflict, involving cattle rustling and tribal issues, threatens national security. MP Hellen Ngaidok expressed concern over the long-term consequences, including trauma and poverty. The South Sudan People’s Defense Force acknowledged being overwhelmed by the attacks, with four soldiers killed recently. A joint statement by international organizations called for urgent action to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.

The World Food Program (WFP) is initiating a new strategic plan for South Sudan, spanning from 2023 to 2025, with a budget of $3.7 billion. The plan, approved by the WFP’s executive board in November, aims to address food security in the region.

Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area report that normalcy has returned following last week's deadly clashes between the White Army militia from Jonglei State and local youth in Pibor. The information minister in Pibor confirms that the attackers are voluntarily withdrawing from Likuangole and Gumuruk, with the death toll now at 72.

Authorities in Jonglei and Central Equatoria states report that 15 people were killed and more than a dozen others injured in separate incidents in Juba County. The head of police in the county confirmed that at least five security forces were among the dead. The report was filed by Deng Ghai Deng from Bor for South Sudan in Focus.

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) is warning that violence in South Sudan's Upper Nile and Jonglei states threatens to derail the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. The interim chairperson of RJMEC has called for the government to investigate the violence and take action.

South Sudanese troops have been deployed to Upper Nile State to address fighting between the SPLA-In Opposition faction loyal to General Johnson Olony and an armed militia from Jonglei state. Major General Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, stated that the army aims to restore calm and protect civilians without interfering in SPLA-In Opposition factional clashes. Fashoda County Commissioner Joseph Achan reported that several villages were destroyed by the militia. The United Nations and UNICEF have highlighted the displacement of thousands and the humanitarian crisis, with UNICEF providing support and calling for an end to the violence affecting children and women.

South Sudanese citizens criticize their leaders for failing to address rampant corruption, accusing officials of diverting resources with impunity instead of providing essential services. The report highlights widespread dissatisfaction with government accountability and resource management.

Factional fighting between the SPLA-IO Kitgwang faction and forces loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, has resulted in at least four deaths. The Kitgwang faction alleges that Machar's forces initiated an attack on their base.

The South Sudan government has suspended its participation in the Rome peace talks, citing a lack of seriousness from holdout groups in finding a solution. A spokesperson for one of the holdout groups described the government's decision as unfortunate.

The Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of South Sudan reports that the country has a high maternal mortality rate, with more than 1,000 mothers dying for every 100,000 live births. The president of the group attributes this to early pregnancy, low healthcare worker salaries, and limited transfusion services.

A report by The New Humanitarian and Al Jazeera has revealed ongoing sexual abuse at the Malakal United Nations camp in South Sudan, implicating aid workers from various organizations including the International Organization for Migration, Doctors Without Borders, the World Food Program, and World Vision. Allegations first emerged in 2015, and despite a U.N.-led task force, the scale of abuse has grown. South Sudan's Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, holds the U.N. responsible, as South Sudanese officials are barred from the camp by UNMISS. Organizations involved have responded with statements of zero tolerance, internal investigations, and a commitment to addressing the issue. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has requested an urgent report to ensure accountability.

Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM in South Sudan was silenced on May 19 by Jonglei State Information Minister John Samuel Manyuon for not broadcasting a speech by Governor Denay Jok Chagor. This action was criticized by media advocates, including the Association of Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS). The South Sudan Media Authority, led by Elija Alier Kuai, ordered the immediate lifting of the suspension, emphasizing the station's independence and the importance of free speech. The station resumed normal transmissions following the directive.

The International Criminal Court's trial of former Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman, also known as al-Kusayb, is a significant event for many former residents of Sudan's Darfur region now living in South Sudan. Abd al-Rahman faces 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for actions allegedly committed in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. The trial is seen as a long-awaited moment of justice for the estimated 300,000 civilians killed and 2.7 million displaced by the Janjaweed and Sudanese government forces. Individuals like Ibrahim Yaya Osman and Mohamed Hussein, who have suffered personal losses due to the conflict, express a strong desire for justice and accountability.

South Sudan is experiencing its worst hunger crisis, with an estimated 8.3 million people facing extreme hunger in the coming months. The World Food Program's Marwa Awad highlights the dire situation exacerbated by conflict, floods, and rising food prices. WFP's food rations have been cut, affecting families like Kec Magok Muoth's, who now rely on a small vegetable garden for income. The soaring market prices further diminish food accessibility. Elderly residents, such as Abuol Malual, are also struggling with inadequate rations. WFP's Adeyinka Badejo attributes the crisis to climate change, regional conflict, displacement, and economic factors. The WFP had to suspend assistance for over 100,000 displaced people in South Sudan due to funding shortages.