Lawmakers in South Sudan are urging the finance ministry to uphold a previously approved 400 percent salary increase for civil servants in the 2023-2024 fiscal budget, despite government claims of insufficient resources to support the hike.

A vehicle belonging to Clintwood General Traders was ambushed by suspected rebels of the National Salvation Front in South Sudan’s Kajo-Keji County, resulting in two deaths and two injuries. Alex Alingo, a survivor of the attack, provided details of the incident. The report was filed by Viola Elias from Kampala, Uganda.

Truck drivers have halted their operations at the Nimule border point in protest against new charges on commercial vehicles by South Sudan's Ministry of Interior. The Kenya Drivers’ Union reports over a thousand trucks are affected, impacting the transportation of imported goods into South Sudan.

South Sudan's speaker of the National Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba, is calling for support from members of the East African Community (EAC) for South Sudan and its president, Salva Kiir, as he prepares to take on the leadership of the regional bloc. Kumba made these remarks during the 16th Conference of the Speakers of the EAC in Juba.

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) condemned weekend attacks by armed youths on villages in Angath, Wunpeth, and Korioch, resulting in at least 27 deaths and 14 injuries. The violence is attributed to armed young men suspected of crossing from Warrap State, according to the area's information minister.

Five people were killed and three injured in South Sudan when gunmen ambushed a convoy of trucks on the Juba-Nimule Road. The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) blamed the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels for the attack, citing similar past incidents. The first truck managed to escape with three wounded, while the other two were burned, resulting in five civilian deaths. The SSPDF is taking measures to investigate and evacuate the bodies. NAS spokesperson Suba Samuel denied recent accusations and countered with claims against the SSPDF.

Parents in Juba, South Sudan, are struggling to afford school fees due to an economic crisis marked by high costs and delayed salaries. Both private and public schools have increased their fees, making it challenging for government employees to enroll their children. The economic situation is forcing many parents to keep their children at home.

South Sudan faces a surge in deadly road ambushes, with recent attacks resulting in multiple civilian and aid worker deaths. The government is urged to address the violence, with accusations directed at the National Salvation Front, which denies involvement. Humanitarian organizations express concern over safety, and calls for adherence to peace agreements are reiterated.

A government committee in South Sudan investigating the death of freelance journalist Christopher Allen claims he entered the country illegally and was not accredited by the Media Authority. Some South Sudanese journalists argue that the government is biased and call for an independent body to investigate the killings of journalists.

There is a mixed reaction to the South Sudanese government's decision to deploy the South Sudan People’s Defense Force to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as part of an East African peacekeeping force. Some citizens believe the troops should focus on conflict hotspots within South Sudan to restore peace domestically.

The UN condemned the murder of two aid workers in South Sudan and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The victims, working for the Italian charity Doctors with Africa CUAMM, were ambushed while returning from a food relief mission. This incident is part of a series of attacks on humanitarian workers in the country, with four aid workers killed in the past month alone. South Sudan, one of the most dangerous countries for aid workers, has seen 128 humanitarian workers killed since 2013. Despite a ceasefire in 2018, the country remains plagued by armed violence and ethnic clashes.

The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) in Sudan is calling for rival parties in the country's conflict to negotiate a cessation of hostilities and a permanent ceasefire to enable humanitarian access. Coalition members meeting in Juba, South Sudan, stress their dedication to resolving the ongoing conflict.

Nineteen-year-old Ishan Ahmed Abdallah, a Sudanese national, and her South Sudanese husband, Deng Anei Awen, face death threats from her father due to tribal racism and opposition to their marriage. The couple, fearing for their lives, have sought asylum and appealed to human rights organizations for protection. The case has sparked significant social media attention and discussions about patriarchal norms and Sharia law in Sudan and South Sudan. Legal experts state there are no legal barriers to their marriage, but cultural and social constraints persist.

Riya William Yuyada, executive director of Crown the Women-South Sudan, has been honored with the Ginetta Sagan Award by Amnesty International USA for her dedication to women's safety, equality, and empowerment in South Sudan. The award, which includes a $20,000 grant, recognizes women who protect the dignity and lives of women and children in crisis regions. Yuyada plans to use the funds to build a healing center for survivors of rape and gender-based violence. Co-winners include Norma Andrade from Mexico and Naw K’nyaw Paw from Thailand, both recognized for their human rights work.

As South Sudan marks World Press Freedom Day, radio listeners in Juba express a strong desire for credible information. A resident highlights VOA's South Sudan in Focus radio program as a reliable source for updates on the country's situation.

Community policing has significantly reduced crime rates in Juba, South Sudan, leading to a peaceful Easter celebration. Major General Daniel of the South Sudan Police Service highlighted the success of these efforts, contrasting it with previous years when criminals exploited the festive period to commit thefts. Viola Elias reports from Juba.

Church leaders in South Sudan are urging the signatories of the revitalized peace agreement to implement the deal, highlighting the economic crisis affecting the majority of South Sudanese who are yearning for peace. The moderator general of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan emphasizes the need for action to address the country's challenges.

South Sudanese church leaders, including the Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, and the head of the Anglican Church, delivered Easter messages emphasizing the need for peace, unity, and nation-building. They called on leaders to fulfill their responsibilities and implement the 2018 peace agreement. The Anglican leader also criticized the Church of England's support for same-sex marriage, declaring impaired communion with such practices.

Health officials in South Sudan’s Jonglei State report an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations, but some residents still believe in unfounded myths and refuse to get vaccinated. Viola Elias provides coverage from Juba for South Sudan in Focus.

The head of Traffic Police in Juba, South Sudan, has cancelled the requirement for motorists to present Driving Assessment Certificates to police, a measure that was initially implemented in August 2021 to combat the use of fake licenses.

South Sudanese residents in Nairobi, Kenya, express concerns over their safety and disruptions to normal life due to protests led by opposition leader Raila Odinga. As foreigners, they refrain from engaging in local politics but are affected by the events.

South Sudanese political party leaders outside of government are requesting the Vatican to arrange a meeting with all political parties during Pope Francis' upcoming visit to Juba. A leader from the United South Sudan Party expressed disappointment upon learning that the Pope plans to meet only with leaders who are part of the government.

Authorities in Juba County, Central Equatoria State, are urging the state government to evacuate armed pastoralists from the area. The Juba County commissioner emphasized their commitment to ensuring the pastoralists leave, following a visit to internally displaced persons in Kuda Boma. Viola Elias reports from Juba.

Hundreds of commercial trucks bound for South Sudan have halted at the borders due to insecurity after a series of armed attacks last month resulted in at least 15 deaths. Truckers from Uganda and Kenya demand safety guarantees before proceeding. David Kirotho Mathinde of the Kenyan Drivers Association criticized the South Sudanese government's inaction on security. Colonel Santo Domic of the SSPDF announced plans to reinforce security on major roads to Juba. Daniel Deng noted that around 3,000 trucks are waiting at the Uganda border, warning of rising fuel and food prices if the situation persists.

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors have identified some effective treatments but no breakthrough therapy. Anti-inflammatories like dexamethasone and antibody treatments show promise, while drugs like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin lack sufficient evidence. Monoclonal antibodies are effective early in the disease but face logistical challenges. New variants may impact treatment efficacy. The medical community continues to refine guidelines and seek better solutions.

The U.N.'s Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Alain Noudéhou, has urgently appealed for $1.7 billion to assist 6.6 million people facing food insecurity. The 2021 humanitarian response plan aims to save lives, provide essential services, and support recovery efforts. South Sudan faces challenges from communal conflict, COVID-19, and frequent flooding. The U.N. Refugee Agency also seeks $1.2 billion to aid South Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries.

Ishan Ahmed Abdallah, a Sudanese national, married Deng Anei Awen from South Sudan without her parents' consent, leading to public death threats from her father due to tribal racism. Despite the father's claims of her being taken against her will, Ishan asserts her love for Awen and fears for their safety. The couple has fled to Juba and appealed for asylum. The case has sparked discussions on Sharia law and patriarchal norms in Sudan and South Sudan. Legal expert Saleh Mohmoud states that intermarriages are not legally prohibited if the man is Muslim. Reports suggest the couple may have secured asylum in Sweden, but this remains unverified.

Nine people died when a pickup truck overturned while crossing a flooded road in Luri village, near Juba, South Sudan. The bridge collapsed in 2012, and the alternative road is unsafe during high water levels, leading to over 50 drownings in three months. Survivors Elizabeth Ajawa and Mary Albino recounted their experiences. Luri County Commissioner Emmanuel Paul Fartakin stated the driver ignored orders not to cross. Residents, including Stephen Wani and Pitia John, expressed frustration at government inaction despite promises. The national government has contracted IBMC construction company to repair bridges in the area.