South Sudan

Mounting calls for Kiir to dismiss Lomuro amid Nuer profiling controversy.

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Peter James

Mounting calls for Kiir to dismiss Lomuro amid Nuer profiling controversy.

South Sudan Cabinet Affairs Minister Under Fire for “Hostile vs. Friendly” Nuer Remark

Published: May 2 2025 – South Sudan Online, Juba

Introduction

A political storm is raging in Juba after Martin Elia Lomuro—Minister of Cabinet Affairs and secretary of the High-Level Standing Committee on peace implementation—classified Nuer-inhabited counties as either “hostile” or “friendly” to government. The comment has ignited nationwide outrage, renewed ethnic tension and triggered calls for his immediate dismissal.

What the Minister Said

During a recent press conference, Lomuro claimed nine of Upper Nile’s sixteen Nuer counties are “hostile,” while seven are “friendly.” Critics say the statement deepens ethnic fault lines at a time when South Sudan’s fragile peace still hangs in the balance.

Immediate Backlash

Nuer lawmakers in the Reconstituted Transitional Legislative Assembly accused Lomuro of stoking division and “weaponising identity.” The Nuer Leadership Forum and Nuer Youth Union branded the remark “genocidal rhetoric,” demanding the minister resign or be fired.

Threat of Legal Action

Labour Minister James Hoth Mai—chair of the Nuer Leadership Peace Forum—has threatened legal proceedings, stating, “We cannot allow language that endangers national cohesion.”

Context: A Region on Edge

Upper Nile has been tense since February, when a senior government commander and several troops were killed. Authorities blame the White Army—a Nuer youth militia they claim is aligned with First Vice-President Riek Machar’s opposition forces.

Nuer Contributions to Liberation

Nuer legislators remind the nation that Nuer fighters played decisive roles in South Sudan’s liberation, arguing that portraying them as “hostile” dishonours their sacrifice and risks reopening war-time wounds.

Government Clarification Attempts

Youth and Sports Minister Joseph Geng Akech attempted damage control, asserting Lomuro’s remarks were “misinterpreted.” Observers, however, say only a formal apology and retraction can ease tensions.

Silence from Lomuro

At press time, Martin Elia Lomuro had not responded publicly. His silence fuels speculation over whether President Salva Kiir will keep him in Cabinet amid mounting pressure.

Why Words Matter

South Sudan’s peace deal relies on trust between communities fractured by years of conflict. Officials and civil leaders warn that careless language from senior figures can undermine reconciliation efforts and trigger fresh violence.

Conclusion

South Sudan stands at a delicate crossroads. Whether Lomuro retracts, resigns or is dismissed, the episode underscores the urgent need for leaders to employ inclusive rhetoric and prioritise national unity over ethnic labelling. Only through mutual respect can the world’s youngest nation safeguard its hard-won peace.

For continuing coverage on governance and peace-building, stay with South Sudan Online.

South Sudan

SPLA Battles Against SAF: Complete Timeline of Commanders & Towns (1983-2005)

Published

58 minutes ago

April 30, 2025

Duor Ngnog Kuot

SPLA Battles Against SAF: Complete Timeline of Commanders & Towns (1983-2005)

SPLA Battles Against SAF: Complete Timeline of Towns, Commanders & Turning Points (1983-2005)

Published 28 April 2025 – South Sudan Online, Juba

Overview of the Second Sudanese Civil War
Key SPLA Victories (1989-2005)
Minor Battles That Shaped the Frontlines
Internal SPLA Splits & Factional Conflicts
Western Equatoria Campaign
Legacy: How Battlefield Wins Led to Independence

Overview of the Second Sudanese Civil War

SPLA battles against SAF defined the 22-year war that culminated in South Sudan’s statehood. From the first skirmish at Bor in 1983 to the peaceful entry into Juba in 2005, SPLA guerrillas turned captured towns into milestones on the road to freedom. Below is the most comprehensive timeline of major and minor engagements—towns taken, commanders involved and pivotal years.

Key SPLA Victories (1989-2005)

1. Battle of Kurmuk (1989, 1997)

Town: Kurmuk, Blue Nile State
Commanders: Kuol Deim Kuol (1989); later Yasir Arman & Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu (1997)
Impact: Opened a northern front and severed SAF’s eastern supply corridor.

2. Capture of Torit (Sept 1989)

Commander: Lt Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit
Torit’s brief fall electrified Equatoria and forced SAF into costly counter-offensives.

3. Battle of Bor (1991)

Commander: Dr Riek Machar (SPLA-Nasir)
Marked the devastating ethnic split inside SPLA, later healed during post-war reconciliation.

4. Capture of Kapoeta (1992)

Commander: Lt Gen James Hoth Mai
Secured the vital Kenya logistics corridor for aid and ammunition.

5. Yei “Small London” Offensive (1997)

Commander: Maj Gen Oyai Deng Ajak
Yei became an SPLA civil-administration model town.

6. Rumbek Lightning Raid (1997)

Commander: Lt Gen Paul Malong Awan
Provided an airstrip and political HQ that anchored SPLA diplomacy.

7. Siege of Juba (1992-2005)

Commanders: Salva Kiir, Oyay Deng Ajak (multiple phases)
Sustained pressure isolated SAF until the city entered the CPA framework and changed hands peacefully.

8. Capture of Malakal (1997)

Commander: Maj Gen George Athor Deng
Temporarily halted Khartoum’s oil export revenue stream.

9. Wau Twin-Axis Assault (1998)

Commanders: James Ajongo Mawut & Pieng Deng Majok
Pushed SAF westward, foreshadowing the collapse of its Bahr el Ghazal front.

10. Gogrial “Triangle” Campaign (1999)

Commander: Anyar Mayol
Cut the Wau–Aweil supply line and protected displaced civilians.

11. Battle of Nimule (2002)

Commander: Brig Gen Obuto Mamur Mete
Denied SAF access to the Uganda border, cementing SPLA logistics superiority.

12. Aweil Final Push (2004)

Commander: Salva Kiir
Secured northern Bahr el Ghazal in advance of the Naivasha peace talks.

13. CPA Entry into Juba (July 2005)

Commanders: Oyay Deng Ajak & Kuol Manyang Juuk
Symbolised victory of diplomacy: SPLA troops marched in under UN supervision.

Minor Battles That Shaped the Frontlines

Smaller engagements—Pochalla defence (1984), Yirol clashes (1986-87), Mangayat ambush (1988)—proved decisive in denying SAF mobility. Raids on Renk (1990) and Bentiu oilfields (1997-98) targeted Khartoum’s economic lifeline, while Paul Malong’s 1995 Aweil ambush isolated SAF garrisons in the north-west.

Internal SPLA Splits & Factional Conflicts (1991-2002)

The 1991 Nasir Declaration triggered painful intra-SPLA battles at Panyagoor, Ayod, Waat and Fangak. Concurrent rebellions—Kerubino Kuanyin Bol in Mapel (1992), William Nyuon in Akobo (1993), and Gordon Kong’s militia (1994-95)—stretched SPLA defences but also honed its decentralised command system.

Western Equatoria Campaign (1990-1994)

Securing Yambio, Maridi, Tambura and Mundri opened the “Equatorian link” to Central Africa. Commanders James Hoth Mai, Salva Kiir and Oyai Deng built rear bases, trained thousands, and broadened SPLA’s diplomatic reach.

Legacy: How Battlefield Wins Led to Independence

By 2003 SPLA controlled or contested most of southern Sudan, shifting the balance that led to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Six years later, South Sudan became the world’s newest nation—its freedom etched town by town on the war map.

South Sudan

Netherlands to shut down embassy in South Sudan

Published

10 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Peter James

Netherlands to shut down embassy in South Sudan

The Netherlands to Close Embassy in South Sudan Due to Budget Constraints

The Netherlands has announced it will close its embassy in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as part of a wider restructuring of its diplomatic missions due to budget constraints. This decision is part of plans to shut five embassies and two consulates worldwide, saving €25m (£21m) as the Dutch government aims to reduce its foreign ministry budget by 10%.

Reasons for Closure

In a letter to parliament, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the closures were necessary to adapt to “far-reaching changes” in global politics, including shifting power dynamics and rising operational costs. Alongside Juba, embassies in Burundi, Libya, and Myanmar will also close, as will consulates in Antwerp, Belgium, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Impact on South Sudan

The closure of the Dutch embassy in South Sudan has raised concerns among analysts, who warn it could signal declining international engagement with the country. Dr. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, an international politics expert at the University of Juba, urged authorities to investigate the reasons behind the move and strengthen ties with remaining partners.

Security Risks and Operational Costs

The Dutch government cited high security risks and operational costs as key factors in closing missions in Juba and Libya’s capital, Tripoli. South Sudan has faced instability since gaining independence in 2011, with a fragile peace agreement under strain and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

International Withdrawals

If the closure goes ahead, the Netherlands will become the third country to withdraw its embassy from South Sudan, following Norway and Germany. The US has also reportedly considered scaling back its diplomatic presence in the country under proposed cuts by the Trump administration.

Historical Relationship

The Netherlands recognized South Sudan’s independence in 2011 and has supported peacebuilding and development efforts for decades. However, the decision to close the embassy in Juba reflects the challenges posed by budget constraints and evolving global politics.

In conclusion, the closure of the Dutch embassy in South Sudan highlights the impact of budget constraints on diplomatic missions and underscores the need for countries to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics. It is essential for South Sudan to address the concerns raised by the closure and work towards strengthening its diplomatic relationships with other nations.

South Sudan

VP Taban proposes ‘firing squad’ for corrupt individuals

Published

17 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Peter James

VP Taban proposes ‘firing squad’ for corrupt individuals

Vice President Taban Deng Proposes Firing Squad to Combat Corruption

Authors: Alhadi Hawari | Michael Daniel | Published: 11 mins ago

VP President Taban Deng, the chairperson of Infrastructure Cluster- Credit: Office of the President

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio ) — Vice President Taban Deng Gai, who also chairs the Infrastructure Cluster, has proposed the use of a firing squad to combat rampant corruption, warning that continued mismanagement could lead to the collapse of key national institutions.

Speaking after the country’s first-ever National Trade Forum on Monday in Juba, the Vice President made the controversial proposal at a national trade forum, citing massive losses from electricity theft and systemic corruption.

Deng revealed that the company is losing an estimated $8 million annually due to electricity theft, facilitated in part by insiders within the system. Despite filing over 350 cases of electricity theft with the police, only two have reportedly made it to court—something he attributed to entrenched corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary.

Deng warned that if these issues are not urgently addressed, JEDCO could face collapse. “The company said if the problem is not resolved, it will collapse and shut down,” he noted. “We must act. There are serious discussions on how to stop corruption. We should consider a firing squad.”

The Vice President’s controversial remarks came in response to reports that some engineers are helping residents bypass power meters, effectively stealing electricity. He described this as a deliberate criminal act that is undermining the country’s fragile economy.

South Sudan has long grappled with systemic corruption. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, the country scored just 8 out of 100, ranking 180th out of 180 countries—making it the most corrupt nation in the world, according to the index.

The two-day National Trade Forum was organised by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to explore ways of boosting the economy through improved trade policy and investment climate.