The Public

AU Chair Briefed on South Sudan Peace Efforts by Envoy Kikwete

Addis Ababa, June 24, 2026 – African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received a briefing from AU High Representative Jakaya Kikwete on the political and humanitarian situation in South Sudan following his recent consultations in Juba and meetings with regional leaders.

The discussions focused on the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), progress on key transitional tasks, and preparations for elections. Kikwete also highlighted cooperation between the AU, IGAD, and the UN in supporting peace and stability.

Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to South Sudan and urged all parties to honor their commitments under the peace agreement, emphasizing dialogue and consensus-building as essential for lasting peace.

"Your Lordships, as an elected Member of Parliament in my geographical constituency, I enjoy both procedural and substantive parliamentary immunity. The substantive immunity protects me in respect of opinions, statements, and expressions made in the course of performing my duties and responsibilities as a Member of Parliament, as these form an integral part of my constitutional and legislative mandate.”

“Accordingly, I cannot be subjected to legal proceedings or held liable for such statements, as this immunity is guaranteed by the Constitution and the law. I am confident that this Honourable Court is fully aware of these well-established legal and constitutional principles. Based on the foregoing, the statements which the Prosecution alleges were made by us during the press conference referred to in this case fall squarely within our constitutional duties and legal functions as elected Members of Parliament. Those statements were made in the public interest and in the exercise of our responsibility to address matters affecting the people of South Sudan.” Hon. Gatwech Lam Puoch

University of Juba lecturer declares interest in contesting for the presidential poll

A senior lecturer at the University of Juba, Aleu Garang Aleu, has expressed interest in contesting the presidency as an independent candidate in the anticipated general elections.

Aleu, who serves as Dean of the School of Community Studies and Rural Development at the University of Juba, is an academic with extensive qualifications, including a PhD and a Master of Arts from Makerere University, as well as a Master of Science degree from the University of Cape Town.

Silent Departure: Kikwete Leaves Juba Without Speaking to Press

JUBA, June 24, 2026 – H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, departed Juba on Tuesday without addressing the media as previously planned.

Kikwete had been expected to brief journalists at Juba International Airport on the outcome of his five-day consultations in South Sudan. However, the briefing did not take place, and the AU envoy left the country without making any public remarks.

The reason for the cancellation was not immediately known.

Luol Deng an American South Sudanese basketballer has been accused by his American Wife over an abusive Ten-Year Marriage

An American woman called Fes Marie, has spoken publicly about her experiences during a ten-year marriage, sharing details about the challenges she says she endured and the personal impact it had on her life.

Marie stated that she entered the marriage at the age of 19, while her then-husband was 41. She explained that she did not initially know his true age and described meeting him during a period in her life when she was a high school student facing difficult living conditions and instability.

Court Resumes Trial of FVP Dr Riek Machar, SPLM/A-IO Leaders

JUBA, June 24, 2026 – The court trial involving First Vice President Riek Machar Teny and other senior SPLM/A-IO leaders is set to resume today, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The proceedings are expected to continue this morning, with Hon. Gatwech Lam Puoch returning to the witness stand to continue his testimony before the court.

The case, which has drawn significant public and political attention, resumed after a brief adjournment earlier this week. Further details are expected to emerge as the hearing progresses.

This morning, the Honourable Ambassador Dr. James Pitia Morgan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, bid farewell to H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea at Juba International Airport, marking the conclusion of his official visit to South Sudan.

Upper Nile Governor Gen. Koang relieved D/SG and State coordinator

The Governor of Upper Nile State, Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol Ranley, has issued Gubernatorial Orders No. 14 and 15, relieving two senior state officials and appointing a new State Coordinator.

According to the orders issued on June 23, 2026, Dobuol Gatluak Kuoth was relieved from his position as Deputy Secretary General for Administration, while David Luel Puoch was removed from his role as Upper Nile State Coordinator.

The governor subsequently appointed Paul Biel Pal Kueth as the new Upper Nile State Coordinator, replacing David Luel Puoch.

The orders were signed and sealed by Governor James Koang Chuol Ranley and took effect immediately.

The latest changes form part of ongoing administrative adjustments within the Upper Nile State government.

Warrap Accuses Unity State of Deadly Cattle Raid in Lolrieth

The Warrap State Government has accused suspected armed criminals from neighboring Unity State of carrying out a deadly cattle raid in Twic County that left two people dead, one injured, and 66 cattle stolen.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Warrap authorities said the attack occurred in Lolrieth village on June 22 and vowed to work with Unity State officials to identify and arrest those responsible.

The state government also reported a separate killing in Tonj East County, where six suspects have been arrested. Governor Bol Wek Agoth called for calm and urged communities to allow authorities to handle the situation.