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Talk of Juba

Your go-to place for latest news on South Sudan & the world. A publication of Eight Seven Group. 1: Who are we? Talk of Juba publishes content on a daily basis.
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Talk of Juba is a South Sudanese nonprofit youth media organisation that aims to inform and educate South Sudan citizens of today and tomorrow. We provide context, analysis and multiple perspectives on world news, politics, economics, business and culture. We have a crowdsourced journalism model that combines a wide funnel with a strong filter. This means that while anyone can write for us, every

article we publish has to meet our editorial guidelines. We have contributors from all over the country, including academics and eminent professionals, journalists and students. Our audience is global and Google tells us that it comes from more than 30 countries or territories.

2: What do we do? Our focus is on issues that really matter to South Sudan, be it environmental challenges or scientific innovations, economic trends or political developments, humanitarian crises or social movements. We publish a unique “360°” analysis that delves deep into an issue. It places the topic in context and then elicits many views on it. Our premise is that everyone has a bias and all of us have blindsides, but when we come together, we have a better approximation of the truth. Our mission is to inform and to educate. Therefore, we produce in-depth reports, publications and videos on various issues. Our reports and publications are meant for the public and are of particular use to policy analysts, business professionals and students. We send our editors to organise discussions and give lectures in schools, colleges and universities around South Sudan.

12/01/2024

Dollar rate goes record high again today

The value of the dollar in South Sudan has surged to new heights, with $100 exchanging for SSP 120,000 in the black market. This comes as the official Bank of South Sudan rate stands at $100 for SSP 109,900.

Despite the weekly auctions of dollars, both the Bank of South Sudan and the national Ministry of Finance and Planning continue to grapple with the challenge of stabilizing the South Sudanese Pound and preventing further depreciation.

12/01/2024

Fierce clashes in Sudan leave dozens dead this week

Violent confrontations between rival Sudanese factions, including air strikes on the capital Khartoum, reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 33 civilians, according to pro-democracy lawyers. The country has been embroiled in nearly nine months of conflict, pitching army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his former deputy, paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The ongoing fighting has led to a devastating toll, with a conservative estimate by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project indicating a death toll of at least 12,190. Furthermore, the United Nations reports that over 7 million people have been displaced by the unrest.

Initially centered in the capital and its surroundings, the conflict has now spread southward, reaching Sudan's Al-Jazira state where hundreds of thousands of people had sought refuge. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate as the violence persists.

Via DW Africa/AFP

12/01/2024

Prophet claims president Salva Kiir Mayardit will win December 2024 election

Joshua Iginla a Nigerian pastor, televangelist, and prosperity gospel preacher has prophesied that President Salva Kiir Mayardit will win the December 2024 election.

In a video prophetic insight seen by Talk of Juba, Joshua Iginla said, “The ruling party will be there and the current president will stick to power, but they have to pray that he finishes what he started.”

He, however, asks President Salva Kiir to pay attention to his health because it is only the living that can rule the nation.

He also claimed a strange disease killing 35 - 45 year old men leaving women as widows would befall the country and that the nation ‘should pray.’ “The enemy is trying to rise up to kill men before their time so that women don’t become widows overnight,” he prophesied.

12/01/2024

NCA warns against unauthorized use of Starlink in South Sudan

The National Communication Authority in the Republic of South Sudan has issued a public circular warning against the use of Starlink equipment in the country.

The Director General, Napoleon Adok, has stated that no license has been issued for such operations and they are therefore illegal.

Violators may face serious consequences, including legal action.

The circular emphasizes the importance of compliance with national communication regulations to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

11/01/2024

Can you tell us the origin of this young girl from South Sudan based on her traditional attire?

📸: Courtesy

11/01/2024

Government to introduce financial IDs for salary payments

The national ministry of finance and planning has announced its intention to implement "financial IDs" for all members of the organized forces and civil servants in a bid to clean up the government payroll.

Despite a backlog of approximately four months' worth of salary payments, Minister of Finance and Planning Bak Barnaba Chol has cited the ongoing digitization of civil servants' records as the cause of the payment delays, emphasizing the aim to eliminate fictitious entries from the payroll.

Speaking to journalists following a meeting with the specialized committee on finance at the national assembly, Bak stated, "In our most recent payment in September, numerous ghost names were identified. However, our objective is to ensure that only eligible individuals receive their salaries."

11/01/2024

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and its allies state that approximately $1.8 billion is necessary to offer humanitarian aid to nine million individuals in South Sudan in the current year.

Minister Albino Akol Atak affirms that the government and its allies are striving to secure the necessary funds to aid those in need.

During a ceremony to officially accept tents gifted by the government of China the previous year, Minister Albino shared this information yesterday.

Via Radio Miraya

At the same event, South Sudan's Ambassador from China, Ma Qiang, declared that their government plans to donate 980 tons of food aid to South Sudan this year.

11/01/2024

60 herds of cattle that were seized by suspected armed youth from the Aguok community on January 9th near the Western Bhar El Ghazal border, in Mangar Ajak, Warrap state, were successfully retrieved and returned to their rightful owners by the state government.

11/01/2024

South Sudan government approves proposal to purchase 100 water tankers worth $ 90,000 each

South Sudan’s economic cluster, a government wing led by Vice President, James Wani Igga has approved a proposed 9-million-US-dollar budget for the purchase of 100 water tankers to supply water in Juba this year.

The proposal was tabled in an economic cluster meeting held in Juba on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

Lily Albino Akol Akol, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and cluster spokesperson said the government will buy 50 water trucks in the initiative's first phase.

“The proposal was approved and will be sent to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance of Central Equatoria for more consultation,” Lily Albino told state-run SSBC

"With the high cost citizens are facing in getting clean water in Juba, the cluster approved 9 million dollars,” she added.

This development comes in light of JICA’s technical cooperation, the "Juba City Clean Water Supply Project" launched in March 2022, providing comprehensive support to South Sudan Urban Water Corporation, the operator of the water treatment facilities in Juba, to ensure proper maintenance and management of the facilities and to enable autonomous operation of the water service.

Via Eye Radio/SSBC

10/01/2024

Bahraini investors express interest in South Sudan's economic sectors.

Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol, met with a delegation of investors from Bahrain led by Shiek Khalifa Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and Fawzi Al Aradi. The Bahraini investors expressed interest in venturing into South Sudan's vast economic sector, with plans to invest in agriculture, livestock, energy, mining, oil and gas, Medicare, and telecom.

The minister assured the Bahraini investors of his full support and commitment to facilitate foreign investment as the country opens up for business. He urged them to fully commit to their course and guaranteed them of unwavering support from the government of South Sudan. The minister expressed his desire to see more investors from the Gulf region invest in South Sudan's economy.

10/01/2024

Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, Gotv, has announced decision to remove Emmanuel TV from its platform.

The popular religious TV station on DSTV channel 390 was used to propagate the preaching of late TB Joshua.

Emmanuel TV, which was founded in 2006, has been on air worldwide on various satellites.

Apart from MultiChoice, Emmanuel TV would also exit StarSat and other pay-tv platforms.

This decision followed an investigative documentary released on January 8 by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on the late TB Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).

Via Legit ng

09/01/2024

In a bid to clear the way for the upcoming rehabilitation and construction of internal roads in Juba City, authorities have initiated an extensive demolition exercise along Jebel-Rock City road. The demolition is targeting illegal structures erected on government reserves.

This move is part of the city's efforts to improve its infrastructure and ensure that all development projects are executed in accordance with the law. The demolition exercise is being carried out in collaboration with stakeholders, who have expressed their support for the initiative.

09/01/2024

South Sudan has a growing population of internet users, with many relying on email as their primary mode of communication.

However, maintaining an empty inbox can be challenging for many South Sudanese due to various factors.

One reason is the high volume of spam emails received, which often clog up inboxes and make it difficult to distinguish between important and unimportant messages.

What's your email reading culture like and do you maintain a zero inbox?

09/01/2024

French President Emmanuel Macron has named the 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as France's new prime minister on Tuesday.
Attal, who has replaced Elisabeth Borne, becomes France's youngest and first openly gay PM.

Attal rose to prominence as the government spokesman and education minister.

The 34-year-old education minister has been one of Emmanuel Macron's most loyal supporters.

09/01/2024

Custom Market Reopens Amidst Tension and Protests

After four days of closure and escalating tensions, a section of the Custom Market has finally resumed operations several vendors have confirmed.

The market had been under police control since Friday last week due to a protest by frustrated and dissatisfied street vendors.

The closure of the market had caused significant disruption to the local economy, as both vendors and customers were unable to carry out their daily transactions. The tense atmosphere surrounding the market had also raised concerns about potential conflicts and further unrest.

However, authorities have now managed to reach an agreement with the protesting vendors, leading to the reopening of the market. With the resolution in place, customers can once again access a wide range of goods and services that the market offers.

"While the market has reopened, tensions still linger in the air. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all market participants," a Juba City Council staff told Talk of Juba

He says efforts are being made to address the concerns raised by the vendors and create a conducive environment for their businesses.

Both vendors and customers are hopeful that the reopening of the market will bring stability and normalcy back to the area. People are now eager to resume their daily routines and regain the economic momentum that was disrupted during the closure.

Joyce a trader says that as the market gradually returns to its usual rhythm, it is crucial for all stakeholders to maintain open lines of communication and work together to prevent any future conflicts. She asserts that creating an inclusive and supportive environment will not only benefit the vendors but also contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of Juba.

"The Custom Market's reopening serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful dialogue and negotiation in resolving conflicts," says Joyce.

📸: Robert

09/01/2024

MoGE&I Sets Start Date for 2024 Academic Year: Term Dates and Examination Schedule Announced

The Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGE&I) has officially announced the start date for the 2024 Academic Year. In a statement released yesterday, the MoGE&I confirmed that the academic year will commence on Monday, February 5th, 2024, and will conclude on Monday, December 20th, 2024.

According to the statement, the academic year will consist of approximately 203 instruction days. Students will undergo termly examinations at the end of each term to assess their progress and knowledge.

Term 1 will kick off on Monday, February 5th, 2024, and will run for a total of 67 instruction days, concluding on Friday, May 10th, 2024. Following the term, there will be a two-week break, starting from Saturday, May 11th, and ending on Friday, May 24th, 2024. During this break, teachers will participate in school-based in-service training (CPD) for ten working days.

Term 2 is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 27th, 2024, and will continue for 71 instructional days, ending on Friday, September 6th, 2024. Similar to the previous term, there will be a two-week break from Saturday, September 7th, to Friday, September 22nd, 2024, during which teachers will engage in school-based in-service training.

Finally, Term 3 will commence on Monday, September 23rd, 2024, and will conclude on Friday, December 20th, 2024, encompassing 65 instruction days. As with previous breaks, teachers will participate in school-based in-service training (CPD) for ten working days during this holiday period.

Additionally, the MoGE&I announced that candidate classes of P8 and S4 will undertake their final examinations in November-December 2024. The examination calendar for these candidate classes will be released separately, providing students and educators with ample time to prepare.

With these dates and schedules now confirmed, students, parents, and teachers can begin planning their academic year accordingly. MoGE&I urges everyone to stay updated with any further announcements or changes that may occur throughout the year.

As the 2024 Academic Year approaches, the MoGE&I remains committed to providing quality education and ensuring the success and growth of all learners.

09/01/2024

MP proposes five-year extension maintaining President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar in office

"For us to be able to have a peaceful, fair and transparent election, we need time and the time that I'm talking about here is a period of five years," says David De Dau, an MP at the NRTNLA

Via: The City Review Newspaper

08/01/2024

𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮

Mane, one of the most followed African footballers in the world, has surprised fans by tying the knot with his longtime partner.

The marriage ceremony took place in Keur Massar, Dakar, Senegal, showcasing the private side of the Al Nassr winger's life.

Despite the secrecy that shrouded his relationship for years, the news of Mane's nuptials has taken the internet by storm.

Mane got married to his longtime sweetheart, Aisha Tamba.

She is originally from Casamança and like her husband, she speaks Madingue.

The Al Nassr winger had also made his intentions clear from the start by taking care of her and paying her bills while she was in school.

The two-time African Player of the Year has managed to keep his personal life away from the media, and this unexpected ceremony has only fueled public interest.

Aisha is known to be from a humble and modest background in Senegal and interestingly, she is not on social media.

Via: Pulse Sports

08/01/2024

Fact-check: The "astronomical event" observed in Juba and Yei was not a celestial alignment, but rather the launch of a Starlink satellite by Elon Musk's company SpaceX. Starlink is a constellation of satellites designed to provide high-speed internet services, among other things, to remote and underserved areas around the world. The sight of multiple satellites in a line is a common occurrence during launches, and should not be mistaken for an astronomical event.

08/01/2024

Did anyone else observe the occurrence of approximately 23 stars moving in a straight line from north to south over Juba?

08/01/2024

P.8 exams script marking pushed to start tomorrow

Marking of exams scripts for the Certificate of Primary Education Examination that scheduled to start in Juba today has been pushed to tomorrow.

69,573 pupils including 28,575 males and 30,908 females to sar for the exams from 20th to 24 of November 2023 according to an Eye Radio report.

"The teachers went to the marking centre today but didn't start work because everything wasn't in place," Teddy James, a marker told Talk of Juba.

She said that they now hope to start work tomorrow.

Media reports suggest that last year, the pupils' results were released in April making the students lose one Academic term and only learned for a term.

📸: Courtesy photo of a marker

08/01/2024

BBC Africa TB Joshua 'investigation' heats up debate

A new investigation conducted by BBC News Africa has sparked a heated debate surrounding the late Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua. This groundbreaking inquiry, divided into a three-part series, delves into various aspects of his activities based on testimonies from individuals who claim to have worked closely with him.

The first part of the investigation sheds light on TB Joshua's penchant for publicity, his reliance on videos, and his desire to gain recognition and acceptance from the Western world. The second part delves into allegations of sexual harassment, while the third video explores his influence among heads of state and the tragic collapse of his guest house.

In response to the investigation, Judith Zgambo commented, "No matter what you bring here or say, we still love him a million times. We will love him forever. His legacy will live on." Similarly, Benda Chanda expressed, "Never fight against someone whom the Lord has blessed."

According to multiple media reports, TB Joshua, leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, visited Juba, South Sudan, in November 2019, where he conducted Presidential prayers at State House J1.

TB Joshua passed away on June 5th, 2021, in Lagos, Nigeria, as confirmed by his church in an official statement.

07/01/2024

Do you happen to know the location of this building in Juba?

📸: Courtesy Photo

07/01/2024

Dr. Luka Biong and Dr. Francis Deng meet General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mr. Biong said that the meeting was a follow-up to their previous engagements in Khartoum on behalf of President Salva Kiir on the final status of Abyei and the return of the people of Abyei who took refuge in Sudan before the Sudanese crisis

07/01/2024

Section of the custom market remains closed for second day

A section of the Custom new market is still under police control following a protest by angry and disgruntled street vendors on Friday.

This past week, the Central Equatoria State government through Juba City Council and the University of Juba struck a deal to allow street vendors to use an unoccupied University land.

"The traders had registered their names with the committees formed in August 2023 and were told that they would be relocated in early 2024," Kenyi Paul told Talk of Juba. "It was agreed. The governor, city Mayor and the University vice chancellor addressed the Street vendors in a joint meeting this past week," he added.

In the initial process, each trader is to pay SSP 4,000 for the temporary business premises.

"Shortly after the governor left, another committee came now asking all the traders to re-register at SSP 150,000 each," said Winnie Shamim.

She said that the new committee also had a list of names, most of whom she claimed are not among the beneficiaries. "Looks like the names are of different people not even known to the head of the committee for the Street vendors," said Shamim.

Juba City Mayor visited the market earlier today but her efforts were fruitless.

All hopes now lie on the Central Equatoria State Governor Adil who's expected to visit the besieged market section tomorrow.

04/01/2024

South Sudanese Emma Kwaje Wins 2023 Future African Leaders Award

Emma Kwaje, a 22-year-old from South Sudan, has emerged as one of the ten winners of the prestigious 2023 Future African Leaders Awards. The award ceremony took place on December 31st in Nigeria.

Emma, the Executive Director and Founder of Banat Power, was honored for her outstanding work in empowering young girls and women to overcome feelings of inferiority. Her community-based initiative has been instrumental in fostering change and inspiring others to rise above societal barriers. In addition to her role as an activist, Emma is also a talented journalist, poetess, and gospel singer.

As a testament to her dedication and achievements, Emma received a generous prize of USD 10,000, along with her fellow winners. The Future African Leaders Awards, organized by the esteemed Future African Leaders Foundation, aims to recognize the remarkable contributions of young individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities.

Joining Emma in this year's winner's circle are nine other exceptional individuals from Togo, Uganda, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Chad, Liberia, Ghana, and Lesotho. Each of these winners has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing African challenges and building a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to finding innovative solutions.

The Future African Leaders Awards, an annual event held on New Year's Eve, serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of these vibrant and inspiring young leaders. Their unwavering dedication to their communities and their relentless pursuit of change exemplify the hope and promise of Africa's future.

Congratulations to Emma Kwaje and all the winners of the 2023 Future African Leaders Awards for their exceptional contributions and commitment to driving positive change across the continent.

17/12/2023

At the much-awaited Made in Yei Festival, a surprising statement has come to light from one of the attendees. The individual fan boldly expressed their opinion, claiming that Woja Music lacks stage performance skills. https://www.talkofjuba.com/2023/12/yei-fan-says-juba-based-woja-music-doesnt-know-how-to-perform/

17/12/2023

Staying trouble-free amidst increased police presence for Juba's Christmas celebrations

Juba police headquarters deploys 3,000 strongmen across the city ahead of Christmas, launching an indiscriminate stop and search exercise causing a rough flow of traffic.
https://www.talkofjuba.com/2023/12/staying-trouble-free-amidst-increased-police-presence-for-jubas-christmas-celebrations/

17/12/2023

OktobaFest, a music concert intended to promote Tusker beer, reportedly suffered from low attendance in Juba last evening. The event, initially slated for October 2023, got postponed in the 11th hour and was rescheduled for Saturday, 16th December 2023.

https://www.talkofjuba.com/2023/12/tuskers-oktobafest-suffers-low-turnout-and-disappointment-despite-high-expectations/

12/12/2023

Police Arrest Five Alleged Gangsters and Suspected Witches in Gumbo

In a successful operation on Tuesday, law enforcement authorities apprehended five individuals believed to be notorious gang members, along with individuals suspected of practicing witchcraft, in the Gumbo Sherikat Residential area of Juba

During the operation, the suspects were found in possession of various dangerous objects, including pangas, knives, as well as illicit substances such as o***m, iced, and ma*****na. The individuals suspected of practicing witchcraft were found in possession of items commonly associated with sorcery and hoodoos.

This significant arrest is a result of the diligent efforts of the police force in their ongoing mission to uphold law and order in Juba. They say apprehending these individuals and seizing the harmful objects and substances is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

The investigation into the activities of the alleged gang members and the suspected witchcraft practitioners is currently ongoing. The police say they are working tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case against the suspects, with the aim of bringing them to justice and preventing any further harm.

The law enforcement agencies encourage residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to them.

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Videos

Prophet claims president Salva Kiir Mayardit will win December 2024 election Joshua Iginla a Nigerian pastor, televangelist, and prosperity gospel preacher has prophesied that President Salva Kiir Mayardit will win the December 2024 election. In a video prophetic insight seen by Talk of Juba, Joshua Iginla said, “The ruling party will be there and the current president will stick to power, but they have to pray that he finishes what he started.” He, however, asks President Salva Kiir to pay attention to his health because it is only the living that can rule the nation. He also claimed a strange disease killing 35 - 45 year old men leaving women as widows would befall the country and that the nation ‘should pray.’ “The enemy is trying to rise up to kill men before their time so that women don’t become widows overnight,” he prophesied.

We're LIVE at South Sudan General Students' Union first ever national convention.

National Security Service has arrested 7 teachers suspected of leaking primary school leaving exams in February. The seven were arrested in Kapoeta, Yirol and Malakal. They’re brought to Juba for interrogations before being arraigned in court to answer to exam leakage charges according to NSS.

SPLM-IO opens general secretariat in Juba

SPLM-IO opening secretariate general in Juba

Youth launches new political party in Juba

This video never gets old. ❤️🇸🇸 “Praying boy at St Theresa Primary School in Warrap. World Vision supports the school with school meals. Confidently leads the whole school in prayer.” 📹 World Vision South Sudan, 2017.

Mabior Garang press conference at JIA before travelling back to Kenya.

Ciin Nyiir Adiang fundraiser

Ciin Nyiir Adiang Mayomdit fundraiser at Freedom Hall, Juba.

Ciin Nyiir Adiang Mayomdit Fundraiser at Freedom Hall, Juba.

Juba City Explains why he cut down trees

Juba City Mayor Kalisto Lado has yet in another hilarious video claimed he is cutting down trees because people were using the tree shades to plan how to dismantle the government. According to him, only President Kiir can appoint or remove a government official.

Miss Deaf Africa arrives back home

Situation of Students at Ibba Girls Secondary School after receiving Praziquantel during a Bilharzia Immunization Campaign

Situation of 107 students in Ibba, Western Equatoria State remains dire after receiving Praziquantel during a Bilharzia immunization campaign Reports say teachers in Ibba including the county education director have been arrested to safeguard them from angry community members Yesterday, the leadership of the Ministry of Health both national Undersecretary and State Minister are on ground now accompanied by Undersecretary of Ministry of General Education and technical team of Epidemiologists, Physicians, Pharmacists and Risk Communication and Community Engagement Adverse effect from such mass drug administration is expected but not at this scale. The team on ground is to find facts and give assurance to the community. There is no reported death case, but situation is reportedly still at its worst

Juba City warns football fans against making noise in video halls He says Messi or Ronaldo don’t know any of them.

Guineans take to the streets to celebrate the ouster of Alpha Conde who was ruling for a controversial third term

Fire fighters quenching fire of a commercial boat that burst into flames at Juba River Port A boat has been spotted burning at the Juba River Port at Hai Gabat in an incident that happened moments ago. Though details are still sketchy, we shall keep you posted.