Politics

AKOBO/JUBA — In a highly publicized move to project stability in newly secured territory, Jonglei State Governor H.E. Riek Gai Kok has arrived in Akobo County. State communications are framing the gubernatorial visit as a mission centered on “peace, stability, and reconciliation” among local communities.

The governor’s arrival marks the highest-level civilian political intervention in Akobo. This marks the first intervention since the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) captured the town earlier this month.

Planting the Party Flag

Governor Riek Gai Kok was received by a coalition of local administrators. This included the Akobo County Commissioner, traditional chiefs, community elders, and notably, senior military officers.

A central goal of the governor’s visit is the official inauguration of the Akobo County headquarters. Additionally, it includes the formal opening of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) local office.

• Political Consolidation: Opening the SPLM office occurs promptly after a military offensive. This action serves as a clear signal of political consolidation. It changes the state’s presence in Akobo from an active military operation. The change moves it to established, party-led civilian governance. This transition occurs ahead of the 2026 electoral timeline.
• The “Peace” Narrative: The rhetoric of reconciliation is being heavily used to stabilize a civilian population. This population recently saw severe conflict and mass displacement into neighboring counties.

The Militarized Reality of “Restoration”

While the governor focuses on administrative unity, the backdrop of his visit remains deeply militarized. SSPDF officers in his welcoming committee highlight the military influence. This presence underscores that the current “peace” in Akobo is maintained by a heavy, newly established military apparatus.

The state government is pushing to strengthen governance in Akobo. At the same time, the SSPDF is demanding humanitarian NGOs return to the area.

JUBA — The minister of justice and constitutional affairs, Hon. Justice Michael Makuei Lueth, has officially refused to review a legal petition filed on behalf of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, citing the use of “disrespectful, impolite, and uncouth language” and condemning the legal team for leaking the document to social media.

The standoff leaves Dr. Bol Mel—a highly prominent political and business figure (Note: correcting your draft here, as he is a Senior Presidential Envoy and businessman, not a former Vice President)—in continued legal limbo as he reportedly remains under house arrest without being formally arraigned in court.

The Ministry’s Ultimatum

The official pushback was delivered in a formal letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed directly to Adv. Kiir Chol Deng of Kiirdit & Co. Advocates, the law firm representing Dr. Bol Mel.

In the letter, Minister Makuei acknowledged receipt of the March 6 criminal motion but outright declined to consider the client’s case based on two primary grievances:

• “Disrespectful” Tone: The Minister took deep offense to the wording of the petition. He specifically quoted the phrase “that this honorable Minister advises…” as an example of language that is “unbecoming and not acceptable in all standards.”
• Trial by Social Media: Makuei sharply criticized the legal team for allowing the petition to circulate online on the exact same day it was submitted. He argued that by turning the petition into an “issue for public discussion and judgment,” the matter is “no longer in the hands of the Ministry”.

Demanding Accountability

Before any legal proceedings regarding Dr. Bol Mel’s detention can resume at the Ministry level, Minister Makuei has issued a strict ultimatum.

The case will not be considered until Kiirdit & Co. Advocates submit a formal, written explanation and apology regarding both the “impolite and inappropriate” tone of the petition and a clear accounting of exactly how—and by whom—the March 6 document was leaked to the media.

It currently remains unclear whether Adv. Kiir Chol will comply with the Minister’s demands to secure a hearing for his client.

JUBA/YAMBIO — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a sweeping series of presidential decrees. These decrees overhaul the Western Equatoria State (WES) government. They systematically relieve and replace over a dozen officials affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLM-IO).

The decrees were disseminated late Friday, March 13, 2026, via official state communication channels. They represent a major reconfiguration of the state’s executive cabinet, independent commissions, and local county leadership.

The Cabinet and Executive Shakeup

The most significant alterations occurred within the state ministries. Changes also took place in the governor’s advisory team. These changes targeted portfolios critical to state economics. They also targeted public messaging.

• Finance & Planning: Hon. Morris Bazia was relieved as Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment, replaced by newly appointed Hon. Bakiki Simple John Francis.
• Information & Communication: Hon. Elia Usini Dominic was dismissed from his role as Minister of Information, with Hon. Mohamed Juma Bistin appointed to take over the portfolio.
• Legal Affairs: Hon. Azera Mina was removed as State Legal Advisor, succeeded by Hon. Costa F. Akile Fulanguru.
• Labour & Public Service: Hon. Isaac Mursal was also relieved of his ministerial duties, though a direct replacement was not immediately named in the initial decree broadcast.

Commissions and Local Government Reconfiguration

The overhaul extended deeply into the state’s independent commissions. It also reached local government structures. These areas have recently been flashpoints for political friction in Western Equatoria.

• Anti-Corruption & Human Rights: Hon. Abuida Samuel (Chairperson, Anti-Corruption) and Hon. Charles Alley (Deputy Chairperson, Human Rights) were dismissed. They have been replaced by Hon. Bazia Tito Morris and Hon. Hipai Regina Romano, respectively.
• County Commissioners: The political leadership of three critical counties has been entirely replaced.
  • Nagero County: Hon. Henry Bangagada was replaced by Hon. Nicola Vero Usini.
  • Mvolo County: Hon. Ruben Amai was replaced by Hon. Isaac Sebit Brown.
  • Nzara County: In a notable internal reassignment, Hon. Isaac Atoroba Moses was moved from his position on the Conflict Resolution Committee to take over as the new Commissioner of Nzara County, replacing Hon. Lino Futaki Kuago.

The Political Context

Under the framework of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), specific parties like the SPLM-IO must fill allocated positions. The party’s leadership must hand in nominees. A mass reshuffle of this scale typically indicates a coordinated internal reorganization initiated by the interim Chairperson of the SPLM-IO Hon. Stephen Phar Kuol. He aims to strengthen party discipline at the state level. However, this move places immediate operational pressure on the WES government under Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa 

JUBA — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has officially appointed Hon. Daniel Akot Akot as the new Speaker of the Council of States. This appointment ends a months-long leadership vacuum in the upper house of South Sudan’s national legislature.

The appointment was announced via a presidential decree. It reshapes the legislative hierarchy. The country navigates complex political and economic hurdles during the extended transitional period.

Filling the Legislative Vacuum

The elevation of Hon. Daniel Akot Akot, a veteran political and military figure within the ruling SPLM party, restores formal leadership to the Council of States.

• The Predecessor: The position has been vacant for several months following the sudden dismissal of the former Speaker, Hon. Deng Deng Akoon.
• Institutional Stability: The Council of States plays a critical role in overseeing state-level governance. It ensures decentralized resource allocation. The Council also resolves jurisdictional disputes between the national government in Juba and the 10 States and 3 Administrative Areas. A prolonged vacancy at its helm had severely limited the chamber’s legislative capacity.
• Strategic Timing: This appointment arrives during a period of intense institutional friction. There have been recent clashes between the executive Economic Cluster and the Ministry of Trade. These clashes are over digital revenue collection. A fully constituted parliament is essential for passing the sweeping economic and security reforms mandated by the revitalized peace agreement.

The Political Landscape

The removal of Deng Deng Akoon months prior was part of a broader series of administrative reshuffles by the presidency. The installation of Daniel Akot Akot is significant. He is known for his historical weight within the liberation struggle and the SPLM. This move signals an effort to consolidate experienced, loyalist leadership within the legislative branch. This comes ahead of the highly anticipated general elections.

JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has made a formal request to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. They are seeking clarification. They are demanding actionable evidence. This request follows severe allegations that the military destroyed and poisoned vital civilian water sources during recent offensives.

The pushback from the military command highlights escalating tensions between Juba and international oversight bodies. The humanitarian fallout from the ongoing conflicts in Greater Upper Nile has become a focal point of global scrutiny.

The UN Allegations and the SSPDF Response

The controversy centers on reports of armed forces engaging in deliberate scorched-earth tactics. They intentionally contaminated boreholes. They also destroyed water infrastructure to displace local populations.

Demand for Clarification: The military apparatus has strongly rejected the premise of the allegations. The SSPDF is formally challenging the UN Commission. They request specific locations, dates, and forensic evidence. This is to substantiate the claims that state-aligned forces engaged in the poisoning of water supplies.

Operational Integrity: Army leadership asserts that their operations adhere to standard military engagement protocols. This includes the recent, highly controversial capture of Akobo. Their goal is to neutralize armed opposition and militias. They aim to avoid targeting civilian survival infrastructure. Echoes of Local Alarms: The UN allegations closely mirror warnings. These warnings have been issuing from local civil society. Community leaders have also been issuing them for weeks.

Prior Warnings: On February 18, 2026, the Lou Nuer Community Council (LNCC) publicly accused forces of systematically targeting civilian lifelines. They specifically cited the “destruction of water points.” They also mentioned attacks on health and educational facilities in northern Jonglei.

Humanitarian Catastrophe: The weaponization of water in regions like Jonglei is a serious issue. This region has recently battled a severe cholera outbreak. It relies heavily on deep boreholes during the dry season. Such actions constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and accelerate mass civilian displacement.

The Diplomatic Friction

This demand for clarification places the UN Commission in a delicate position. The SSPDF is simultaneously urging UNMISS and NGOs to return to areas like Akobo to resume service delivery.

However, the military is simultaneously disputing the very human rights reports generated by the UN’s investigative arms regarding how those areas were captured

JUBA — The legal defense team for former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel has filed a formal petition with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. They are demanding his immediate release or a fair trial. He has faced nearly four months of detention without charge.

In a criminal motion seen today, Saturday, March 7, 2026, the law firm Kiirdit & Co. Advocates argued that their client is being held in “total isolation.” This has been the case since his arrest on the night of November 12, 2025.

Key Allegations in the Petition

The petition outlines a series of alleged constitutional violations by state security agencies:

Illegal House Arrest: Bol Mel has been detained at his residence for approximately 120 days. He has not been presented before a competent court. He also has not been formally charged with any offense.

Denial of Basic Rights: The lawyers allege that the former Vice President has been held incommunicado. He has no access to his immediate family, legal counsel, or medical doctors.

Seizure of Property: Security agencies reportedly seized private properties, including houses and vehicles, without a court order or legal warrant.

Health Crisis: The legal team warns that Benjamin Bol is “seriously ill.” He has been denied adequate medical attention. They state that his life is now at risk.

The Legal Demand

Kiirdit & Co. is urging the Minister of Justice. As the government’s chief legal adviser, the Minister is requested to issue a binding legal opinion on the matter.

Show Cause: The government must explain why the detention continues without an active investigation or trial.

Access: Immediate visitation rights for family, lawyers, and physicians must be granted.

Due Process: If sufficient evidence exists linking Bol Mel to a crime, he must be produced in court. Otherwise, he must be released immediately.

The Context of the November Purge

Benjamin Bol Mel was once a powerful figure in both the presidency and the private sector. He served as the head of ARC Resources. However, he was swept up in the November 2025 security reshuffle.

The Charges (Unconfirmed): The government hasn’t filed formal charges. However, state-aligned media previously suggested his detention was linked to “high-level financial malpractices.” It also involved unauthorized political maneuvering during the mid-2025 economic crisis.

The Crackdown: His arrest coincided with the removal of several other top officials in the finance and security sectors. Many of these officials remain in detention alongside former Finance Minister Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol.

JUBA — The United People’s Alliance (UPA) is a prominent non-signatory opposition coalition. It has expressed deep skepticism over the government’s recent high-profile corruption crackdown. They labeled it a strategic maneuver to distract from the “imminent collapse” of the South Sudanese state.

In a candid interview with Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, March 3, 2024, UPA Spokesperson Bor Gatwech Kuany argued. He stated that the wave of arrests targets the finance and security sectors. This is an attempt to ease mounting regional pressure. This follows the recent African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa.

“Symptoms of a Collapsing State”

The UPA’s critique centers on a paradox. The government is arresting its own key operators. Meanwhile, intercommunal violence spirals out of control in the peripheries.

Violence as Evidence: Kuany cited the “horrific” massacre of nearly 200 people in Abiemnom (Ruweng) and the killing of 21 people in Ayod (Jonglei) as clear indicators of state fragility.

The “Deflection” Theory: The opposition suggests the arrests. This includes the arrest of former Revenue Authority chief Simon Akuei Deng. These actions aim to signal “reform” to international observers. These actions happen while avoiding meaningful political dialogue.

Command Confusion: “In Juba, arrests are ongoing. They target people we believe are running the government. So we do not know who is giving orders,” Kuany remarked. He questioned the stability of the inner circle.

The Stalled Path to Peace

The UPA is led by Pagan Amum, who is the leader of the real SPLM. It remains a critical “hold-out” group. This group did not sign the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Tumaini Initiative: The coalition participated in the Kenya-led Tumaini (Hope) Initiative in 2025. Yet, the process has remained stalled for months.

South Africa Retreat: There are rumors of a high-level peace retreat in South Africa. However, Kuany revealed that the UPA has not yet received an official invitation. They stay “ready to attend any initiative aimed at rescuing this country.”

The Government’s Defense

Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny has consistently maintained that the arrests are strictly legal and not political.

Financial Malpractice: The government asserts the detainees are being investigated for large-scale “financial malpractices” that have crippled the economy.

No Charges Yet: Critics point out that despite the public nature of the arrests, none of the high-profile figures have been formally charged in a court of law. This includes the recently dismissed and detained Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol.