South Tribune

27/06/2025

LIVE— The Team Bor Action For Change (BA4C) Led By Dr. Thon Agok Adier Meeting with Ateer Community of Makuach Payam at APT Center Base

This meeting is to present and discuss the Campaign Manifesto with the communities ahead of Forthcoming BCYA-Juba Elections 2025.


Elections 2025-2027.
Bor Action for Change.

27/06/2025

Sherikat Gang R**e: What If It Was Your Little Daughter, Sister, or Mother?

By Garang Abraham Malak

What if the little girl in that video was your daughter? Your sister? Your auntie? Your niece? Close your eyes and imagine her small, fragile, full of dreams violated, broken, left bleeding in silence because no one stood up in time. South Sudan is bleeding. Our daughters, sisters, and mothers are being brutalized while the nation watches, silent and paralyzed.

We gained independence with pride, but for most of us, that pride has turned into a nightmare soaked in pain, hopelessness, and betrayal. By 2024, 92% of our people lived below the extreme poverty line, according to the World Bank. And now, our children are being r***d on camera while we scroll, react, and move on.

The Sherikat gang r**e wasn’t the first, and it won’t be the last. The only reason we even talked about it is because the perpetrators were foolish enough to record it. But let's be honest, this is just one case we saw. Gangs are everywhere: Lologo, Gudele, Malakal, Bor, Wau, name the town, and pain waits in the shadows. Women are not only r***d; they are tortured, looted, violated, and often killed.

In 2019, in Sherikat, my friend’s younger brother was hacked with a panga, his leg, hand, and thigh shattered. We flew my father - a physiotherapist from Renk, because the family couldn’t afford a hospital. Thank God my father helped him walk again. That boy is one face among hundreds, maybe thousands silently suffering, their wounds hidden beneath the weight of fear and shame.

And we all remember Emmanuel Babu — the man who murdered three children in Rock City in 2020. Before that horror, he had a string of r**e allegations. Nothing was done. The police waited until blood was spilled before acting. Then he was hanged. Too little, too late.

According to the South Sudan Global Protection Cluster, between January and June 2024, r**e and sexual assault accounted for 30% of reported protection incidents. Physical violence was at 36%. So don’t act shocked. This is happening every day. Every hour.

Still think it’s okay? That she knew the boys? That she “deserved” it? If you’re defending rapists because the girl was “part of a gang,” then you are no better than them. You are a disgrace.

So who is to blame? Our broken judiciary. Our toothless police. And yes, our leadership, who have failed to strengthen the rule of law. Police officers aren’t paid on time. They lack operational support. How do we expect them to function?

The judiciary, under the recently removed Chief Injustice Chan Reec, has collapsed. Cases from 2020 remain untouched in dusty court shelves while rapists roam free. If not for a few UN-supported GBV courts, there would be no justice at all.

Let’s be honest: it will take another 100 years to build a functioning justice system under this corrupt SPLM regime — a regime that sells our oil in advance while women bleed in silence.

Now, to my people in Sherikat, let me speak directly to you. If you're waiting for the "national government" to fix this, forget it. These same gangs you fear at night? They're the reason you rush to eat at community events. You know the panic of being followed, of not making it home before dark.

Former Inspector General of Police Gen Atem Marol tried his flawed “solution” of rounding up some gangs, sending them to Rajaf, training them halfway, arming them, then releasing them back into the communities. You gave guns to criminals and called it reform.

But there is something you can do. Something we can do. Your youth associations [Bor, Duk, Twic East] need to wake up. Why aren’t the candidates running for leadership even talking about this crisis?

Here’s a bold idea: Pool $50,000. Sign an MoU with the Ministry of Interior. Work with police to deploy 200 trained officers with incentives, human resource support, and consistent salaries. Fund patrol fleets. Set up a proper liaison between police, prisons, and courts so r**e cases don’t vanish. Hold parents of underage gang members accountable. Build community watch programs. Be innovative! Be bold!

We owe this to our sisters. Our mothers. Our daughters. Our children. If we don’t try, we have already failed. The wise will take these words seriously. The foolish will ignore them until tragedy comes knocking at their door.

Garang Abraham is a South Sudanese multimedia journalist and social & behavioral change specialist whose work has appeared on Eye Radio, BBC, Nation Media Group, and other global platforms.

26/06/2025

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Highlights Global Persistence of Abuse
June 26, 2025

Geneva/New York Thursday, June 26, marks the **International Day in Support of Victims of Tortuure, a day designated by the United Nations to reaffirm the absolute prohibition of torture and stand in solidarity with survivors worldwide. Despite its unequivocal ban under international law, torture remains a pervasive tool of repression, with recent reports exposing systemic abuse in conflict zones, detention centers, and even during border enforcement .

A Crime Against Humanity
The UN has condemned torture as "one of the vilest acts" humans can inflict, emphasizing its use to destroy victims' dignity and perpetuate cycles of violence. The Convention Against Torture (CAT) adopted in 1984 and ratified by 174 states, prohibits torture under any circumstances—including war or national security emergencies . Yet, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, notes a rise in torture linked to escalating global conflicts, with over 100 armed conflicts recorded in 2025 alone .

Global Crisis of Impunity
India was flagged as "high risk" in the inaugural Global Torture Index 2025, citing police brutality, custodial deaths, and misuse of anti-terror laws like the UAPA against dissenters .
Bangladesh faces criticism for entrenched torture under remand, with security forces implicated in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings .
Syria and Russia** were singled out by the EU for systematic torture, including against Ukrainian POWs and Syrian detainees under the Assad regime .

Calls to Action
The UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture supports rehabilitation programs, but advocates urge stronger measures:
Ratification of the Optional Protocol to CAT to allow independent inspections of detention sites .
- Enforcement of domestic anti-torture laws, such as Bangladesh’s 2013 Act, which remains ignored .
- An end to trade in torture equipment, as proposed by the EU’s updated **Anti-Torture Regulation** .

Quotes:
"Torturers must never be allowed to get away with their crimes,"* stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres, while the African Commission’s Hatem Essaiem stressed the need for *"national laws that criminalize torture without exception".

As survivors and activists rally worldwide, the day underscores a grim reality: without accountability, the promise of *"never again" remains unfulfilled.

For survivor stories or rehabilitation efforts, visit [UN Torture Fund](https://www.un.org/en/observances/torture-victims-day) or [OMCT’s Global Torture Index](https://www.omct.org).*

OMCT works with 200 member organisations to end torture and ill-treatment, assist victims, and protect human rights defenders at risk wherever they are.

26/06/2025

Four Arrested in Shirkat Gang R**e Case as Outrage Grows

Juba, South Sudan – Police have arrested four suspects linked to the brutal gang r**e of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Shirkat, an incident that has ignited public fury and demands for swift justice.

The Attack
The victim, a Senior One student, was sent to the market last Thursday when she was ambushed by a gang armed with pangas, kidnapped, and taken to an abandoned house. There, at least six men sexually assaulted her while recording the attack on video. Footage obtained by *Hot in Juba* confirms the involvement of multiple perpetrators.

Father’s Plea for Justice
The victim’s father, Col. Abraham Deng Moses of the SSPDF, spoke to reporters at Juba Teaching Hospital, describing the ordeal as "tragic and painful." While urging the public to avoid vigilante violence, he called on authorities to expedite the judicial process.

"I have faith in the police and the judiciary to deliver justice,"* he said. *"But parents and leaders must do more to protect girls and guide young men away from crime and drugs like ‘ice,’ which fuel such violence.”

Police Action & Ongoing Manhunt
Authorities confirmed the arrest of four suspects (aged 19–21), with court proceedings expected soon. Four others remain at large, prompting an active police search.

Legal & Medical Response
Prominent lawyer Josephine Adhet, who filed the initial police report, vowed to monitor the case closely, stating, "The law will take its course." Medical exams confirmed the survivor is physically stable but severely traumatized, requiring psychosocial support and long-term counseling.

National Backlash
The case has sparked nationwide condemnation, with calls for stronger measures against gang violence and gender-based crimes. Under South Sudan’s 2008 Penal Code, r**e carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, a fine, or both.

26/06/2025

LIVE-- THE TEAM BOR ACTION FOR CHANGE LED BY DR. THON AGOK ADIER.

Meeting with Abuodit community of Jalle Payam today, the 26th June 2025 at APT Center Base

This meeting is to present and discuss the Campaign Manifesto with the communities ahead of Forthcoming BCYA-Juba Elections 2025.


Elections 2025-2027.
Bor Action for Change.

24/06/2025

Prison Officer Stabs Woman in Land Dispute, Mayendit County

Mayendit County, Unity State – A woman was stabbed in the stomach and hand by a prison service officer during a violent altercation over a land dispute.

According to Police Director Lt. Col. Tap Door, the incident occurred on June 23, 2025, after an argument erupted between the officer, Tap Dak, and the woman, Nyakuol, regarding ownership of a surveyed piece of land. During the confrontation, Dak allegedly grabbed a spear and attacked Nyakuol, striking her twice—once in the stomach and once in the hand.

Disputed Land Ownership
The contested land had recently undergone a government survey. Dak asserted his claim based on the survey results, while Nyakuol also maintained ownership rights.

“The land belongs to whoever holds rightful ownership as per the survey, as it is government land,”* Lt. Col. Door stated. *“Tap Dak is currently in custody, while Nyakuol is receiving medical treatment at the MSF hospital in Leer.”

Police confirmed that Dak, a prison service officer, had acquired the land through the government surveying process. Nyakuol, however, was reportedly the previous occupant before the land was reallocated by the surveying committee.

Retaliation and Injuries
Following the stabbing, Nyakuol’s relatives retaliated by attacking Dak, inflicting head injuries before police intervened.

Dak is now receiving medical care for his injuries while remaining in police custody. Authorities report that tensions between the families have since calmed.

Government Intervention
Police announced that the disputed land will be reclaimed by the government, and Dak will be assigned an alternative plot.

The case remains under investigation.

24/06/2025

Murle Youth (Kurenen Age-Set) Celebrates Giraffe International Day in Maruwo

Maruwo, – The Kurenen age-set of the Murle community marked the International Day of the Giraffe with a vibrant celebration in Maruwo. The event, held under the theme *"Kuzuti tagɔɔt eeci dεtεn cinai gi"* (translated from the Murle language as "Protecting the giraffe ensures our future"), highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation.

The gathering was supported by **African Parks**, an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species. The event featured cultural performances, educational talks on giraffe conservation, and community engagement activities aimed at promoting environmental stewardship.

Giraffes, an iconic yet vulnerable species, face threats from habitat loss and poaching. The Murle youth emphasized their commitment to safeguarding these majestic animals, recognizing their ecological and cultural significance.

African Parks commended the community's efforts, reinforcing the need for collaborative conservation initiatives to protect South Sudan’s rich biodiversity.

The celebration underscored the role of local communities in global conservation efforts, blending traditional values with modern environmental awareness.

24/06/2025

Trump to deport ‘worst of the worst aliens’ to South Sudan
The ruling, which pauses a lower court’s order requiring extensive due process, marks a victory for the Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda.

JUBA – The administration of United States President Donald Trump is set to resume the deportation of migrants convicted of serious crimes to third countries, including South Sudan, with minimal notice following a Monday Supreme Court ruling.
The ruling, which pauses a lower court’s order requiring extensive due process, marks a victory for Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda.

The case stemmed from a challenge to the administration’s policy of deporting immigrants to countries where they are not citizens, often when their home countries refuse to accept them.

In May, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston issued an injunction requiring the government to provide migrants with at least 10 days’ notice and a “meaningful opportunity” to contest their removal to third countries, citing risks of torture or persecution.

Murphy’s order followed an incident where the administration attempted to deport 12 Asian men—convicted of crimes including murder, arson, and armed robbery—to South Sudan before the flight was diverted to a U.S. military base in Djibouti after Murphy intervened, accusing the government of violating his order by providing only 17 hours’ notice.

According to local media, Solicitor General John Sauer argued before the Supreme Court that Murphy’s ruling imposed “onerous procedures” that hindered the government’s ability to remove “some of the worst of the worst illegal aliens.”

Sauer emphasised the diplomatic challenges of deporting criminal migrants, noting that their home countries often refuse repatriation, leaving the U.S. to negotiate with third countries like South Sudan. He warned that holding detainees at makeshift facilities, such as the converted conference room in Djibouti, posed risks to national security and strained military resources.

The Supreme Court’s unsigned order, issued without detailed reasoning, halts Murphy’s injunction while the government pursues an appeal. The ruling allows the administration to proceed with deportations to third countries, though affected migrants can still file individual claims.

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin celebrated the decision, stating, “DHS can now execute its lawful authority and remove illegal aliens to a country willing to accept them. Fire up the deportation planes.”

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson echoed this sentiment, calling the ruling a reaffirmation of Trump’s authority to “Make America Safe Again.”

South Sudan has been mired in civil conflict since 2013, with the U.S. State Department issuing a “do not travel” advisory due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The United Nations has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, with nearly two-thirds of the country’s 11 million citizens needing aid.

Critics argue that deporting migrants to such unstable regions violates international obligations under the Convention Against Torture, which bars sending individuals to countries where they are likely to face severe harm

21/06/2025

Gunmen burn ambulances, loot drugs at Morobo hospital

June 21, 2025 MOROBO COUNTY
Suspected opposition soldiers attacked a hospital in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, burning two ambulances and looting medical supplies, local officials said Saturday.

The assault on Morobo County Hospital, which is supported by the aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF), occurred Friday evening.

Morobo County lies about 120 miles (190 km) southwest of the capital, Juba.

Charles Data, the county commissioner, blamed forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), a group linked to detained First Vice President Riek Machar.

Data told Radio Tamazuj that the attackers raided staff quarters, stealing computers, phones, money and documents before breaking into the hospital’s drug storage.

“They took all the medicines supplied to us, including microscopes and other equipment,” he said. “Then they set fire to the two ambulances.”

The vehicles were critical for transporting patients to the nearby city of Yei, often making multiple trips daily.

People are devastated,” Data said. “If rebels can attack a hospital like this, no one is safe.

Two ambulances burning at Morobo County Hospital
He urged state and national authorities to intervene and called on aid groups to continue supporting the hospital, which now faces a severe shortage of medicines.

This is not just Morobo’s problem—it’s a national crisis,” he said.

Attempts to reach SPLA-IO representatives for comment were unsuccessful.

Edmund Yakani, a civil society activist and executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the attack.

This is an unacceptable act and constitutes an attack on the protection of civilians and an unarmed facility,” Yakani said. “Turning civilian facilities into weapons of war is a crime and a human rights violation.”

He called for investigations by the ceasefire monitoring body (CTSAMVM) and the U.N. Human Rights Commission in South Sudan, urging accountability for those responsible.

In May, a hospital operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Old Fangak, Jonglei State, was also bombed by SSPDF planes.

Friday’s aattack on the Morobo County Hospital follows recent clashes between government forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO fighters in Morobo and Yei counties, which have displaced civilians and caused casualties.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has struggled with instability since gaining independence in 2011. The violence, which escalated between the main parties to the 2018 peace agreement in early March, has raised fears of a return to large-scale conflict amid rising political tensions.

20/06/2025

President Kiir has appointed Cde. Paul Logole as the new SPLM Secretary General and Cde. Baba Medan as the SPLM Deputy Secretary General.

20/06/2025

Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.

At Southwark Crown Court this morning, the American singer, 36, pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to music producer Abraham Diaw in February 2023.

The popular R&B singer is accused of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously cause grievous bodily harm with intent, alongside assault occasioning actual bodily harm to Mr Diaw at the Tape venue in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on February 19, 2023.

His co-defendant, Dallas rapper and producer Omololu Akinlolu, 38, denied the same charges in a plea and trial preparation hearing this morning.

Brown is also charged with a single count of having an offensive weapon.

Just hours after flying into the UK on a private jet, Brown was arrested at Manchester's Lowry Hotel on May 15 by Metropolitan Police detectives.

He was then charged over the alleged assault but was released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Greater Manchester, on May 21 on a £5million conditional bail agreement.

Manchester Magistrates' Court heard last month that Mr Diaw was standing at the bar of the popular London venue when he was struck several times with a bottle.