JUBA — The South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) has made an official announcement. They have mutually separated from Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Nicolas Dupuis. This concludes his 28-month tenure just two weeks before critical Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification fixtures.
The announcement was delivered during a press briefing in Juba on Thursday. The Acting Chairperson of the National Team Committee, Abraham Ajo Kuol, emphasized the amicable nature of the departure.
The Mutual Settlement Agreement SSFF officials stated that the decision was finalized. It was done through a mutual settlement agreement signed on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
No Financial Dispute: The Federation explicitly stressed that this was not a contract termination. It was not a dismissal either. The separation involves zero financial disputes. There are no outstanding legal liabilities between the SSFF and the departing coach.
Federation Gratitude: The SSFF publicly thanked Dupuis for his professionalism. They acknowledged his tactical guidance and overall contributions. These efforts helped in the structural development of the national team over the past two and a half years.
Dupuis’ Farewell: In his parting message, Dupuis expressed his gratitude to the Federation, the players, and the citizens of South Sudan. He urged fans to maintain their unwavering support for the Bright Stars during the upcoming transition. Interim Leadership and the Djibouti Double-Header The timing of the separation places immediate operational responsibility on the remaining technical bench.
Coach Ashu Steps Up: Assistant Coach Ashu has been appointed to temporarily lead the senior squad.
High-Stakes Fixtures: The interim leadership faces an immediate and high-pressure mandate. The Bright Stars are in the final stages of preparation. They are getting ready for a crucial AFCON qualification double-header against Djibouti. The matches are scheduled for March 26 and March 29, 2026.
Home Advantage: Both critical matches will be hosted domestically at the Juba National Stadium. This situation demands a rapid recalibration of the squad’s tactical approach. Ashu will temporarily command the squad.
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/AKOBO — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has officially announced its full military control over Akobo town in Jonglei State. This follows a highly controversial and rapid offensive. The military leadership has reversed its policy this week. They have given explicit directions. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and all Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) must resume their humanitarian operations in the area immediately.
The “All-Clear” Directive The announcement was delivered by SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang. This represents a rapid shift from the military’s posture just days prior. At that time, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) had ordered the evacuation of civilians. He also mandated the closure of UNMISS facilities in the vicinity.
Security Assurances: Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai provided “firm assurances” about stabilizing the security situation in Akobo town. He stated that the SSPDF has successfully neutralized opposition elements. Additionally, they have secured the perimeter.
Call for Humanitarian Return: The military is actively urging all humanitarian partners to return to their bases. This is to resume the “vital work of delivering essential services” to the local community. The recent hostilities have severely disrupted these services.
The Context of the Offensive The capture of Akobo represents a significant shift in the territorial control of northern Jonglei State.
Overruled Appeals: The offensive proceeded despite a massive, unified appeal. This appeal was issued on March 7 by Civil Society Networks across all 10 States and 3 Administrative Areas. They begged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to halt the CDF’s orders to expand the war into Akobo.
Humanitarian Dilemma: NGOs and UNMISS now face a complex operational reality. Returning to Akobo means operating under the direct security umbrella of the SSPDF in a town that, until very recently, served as a primary refuge for civilians fleeing military operations in neighboring Uror, Ayod, and Nyirol counties.
RUKUNGIRI/JUBA — A law enforcement officer attached to Uganda’s Rubanda Town Council has been sentenced to six months in prison by the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Rukungiri District.
The committal follows her failure to compensate a former partner. He financed her education with the understanding of a future marriage. The ruling marks a significant enforcement of legal restitution regarding breached domestic agreements within the East African region. The “Education for Marriage” Dispute Richard Tumwiine, a primary school teacher, lives in Kambuga Sub-county, Kanungu District. He filed the civil suit against Fortunate Kyarikunda.
The Agreement: Tumwiine provided the court with evidence that he had financially sponsored Kyarikunda’s educational pursuits with the explicit, mutual expectation that the two would wed upon the completion of her studies.
The Breach: After completing her education and securing employment as a law enforcement officer, Kyarikunda canceled the engagement, prompting Tumwiine to seek legal recourse for his financial investments. The legal battle began in early 2023. It escalated because the defendant failed to engage with the judicial process. The legal battle began in early 2023. It escalated because the defendant failed to engage with the judicial process. Legal Escalation and Financial Breakdown
Initial Ruling (January 2023): The Kanungu Grade One Magistrate’s Court ruled in favor of Tumwiine. Kyarikunda was ordered to refund Sh9,439,100 for the direct educational expenses.General Damages: The court awarded an additional Sh1,000,000 to Tumwiine as compensation for the “inconvenience and psychological distress” caused by the broken promise.
Default and Committal: Kyarikunda failed to file a legal defense or appear before the court. Consequently, the unpaid compensation compounded to a total of Sh14,099,100. After repeatedly failing to meet the payment orders, the Chief Magistrate’s Court issued the six-month prison committal.
LONDON/JUBA — The Premier League title race experienced a seismic shift over the weekend. Arsenal Football Club established a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the table. This followed a crucial, grinding victory. The Gunners capitalized perfectly on a rare slip by defending champions Manchester City. At the same time, the battle for European qualification saw dramatic reversals for both Chelsea and Liverpool.
Arsenal Capitalizes on Pragmatism
Manager Mikel Arteta’s side secured a vital 1-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Tactical Execution: Arsenal is increasingly relying on dead-ball efficiency to break down opponents. The team’s heavy reliance on set-pieces highlights a pragmatic shift to secure points when open play is stifled.
Key Playmaker: Winger Bukayo Saka remains the instrumental engine of the squad, consistently creating the high-leverage situations that lead to these decisive set-piece goals.
Manchester City’s Title Defense Falters
As Arsenal secured maximum points, Manager Pep Guardiola’s squad suffered a massive setback in their pursuit of the title.
Dropped Points: Manchester City drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest. This result exposes unexpected defensive vulnerabilities during the crucial March run-in.
Mounting Pressure: The dropped points place immense pressure on City. They must perfectly navigate the remainder of their fixture list if they hope to keep pace with the North London leaders.
The Race for Europe: Chelsea Surges, Liverpool Sinks
The weekend also radically reshaped the battle for the top five and Champions League qualification.
Chelsea’s Resurgence: Chelsea Football Club surged into the top five following an emphatic 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa. The victory was driven entirely by a masterclass from forward Joao Pedro, who netted a decisive hat-trick.
Liverpool’s Crisis: Conversely, Manager Jurgen Klopp’s (or current manager’s) Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The unexpected loss severely damages their prospects of securing a Champions League spot. It raises immediate questions about the squad’s consistency.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly selected leader of Islamic Republic of Iran
TEHRAN/JUBA — In a historic and highly anticipated declaration, Iran’s Assembly of Experts issued a formal statement on Sunday, March 8, 2026, confirming the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader of the Islamic Republic.
The announcement concludes weeks of intense regional speculation following the assassination of his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and marks a profound structural shift in the nation’s governance.
The Sunday Declaration
The formal statement from the 88-member clerical body comes just days after internal sources leaked that a majority consensus had been reached but that “security conditions” were preventing a formal public ratification.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Sunday announcement indicates that the internal divisions regarding the timing and optics of the succession have been managed, allowing the state to project a unified command structure.
Consolidation of Power: Mojtaba Khamenei, previously a shadowy but immensely powerful figure deeply embedded within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the state’s intelligence apparatus, now formally assumes absolute authority over Iran’s military, judicial, and political systems.
A Hereditary Succession in a Revolutionary State
The elevation of the second son to the highest office represents a massive ideological pivot for the Islamic Republic.
The 1979 Paradox: The Iranian state was founded in 1979 explicitly on the overthrow of a hereditary monarchy (the Pahlavi dynasty). The transition from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to his son Mojtaba establishes a de facto hereditary succession, a move that is expected to draw fierce scrutiny from both domestic reformists and exiled opposition groups.
Continuity of Hardline Policy: Geopolitical analysts widely anticipate that Mojtaba will maintain, or even intensify, his father’s hardline domestic policies and aggressive regional posture.
Global and Regional Ramifications
The formalization of the new supreme leader arrives at a moment of peak volatility in the Middle East.
With South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently condemning Iranian missile attacks and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Juba and other East African capitals will be closely monitoring Tehran’s next strategic moves.
The seamless transfer of power signals to international adversaries—including Israel and the United States—that Iran’s central command remains fully operational despite the recent assassination of its long-time leader.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important to reflect on the deeper meaning of women’s financial autonomy.Money often means something fundamentally different for men and women.
For many men, money represents power, status, influence, and authority. It amplifies their position in society, opening doors to opportunities, social networks, and recognition.
For women, however, money often represents something more profound: freedom.Financial independence gives women the freedom to make choices, the freedom to leave unhealthy or abusive situations, the freedom to set standards, and the freedom to exist without having to depend on a man for survival.In this sense, money for women is not just about status, it is about security and dignity. It is a safety net and an exit strategy when circumstances become harmful or limiting.For generations, many societies conditioned men to believe that being a provider was enough to be considered a good partner.
Kindness, emotional presence, shared responsibility in raising children, and understanding a partner’s needs were often not expected.But times are changing.As women gain access to education, careers, and financial independence, they are no longer limited to relationships based purely on economic survival. Instead, they are increasingly seeking partnerships built on respect, emotional connection, and mutual support.
This shift sometimes leaves some men asking:”I have a good job, I’m financially stable, I own a house, what more do women want?”The answer is simple: women want to be treated well. They want partnership, emotional availability, respect, and someone who sees them as a full human being, not merely a role or a service provider.These are the things money cannot buy.This reality highlights the importance of investing in women’s education, skills, and career development.
Financial independence is not just about personal success, it is about expanding choices, strengthening women’s voices within relationships, and ensuring that partnership becomes a matter of mutual respect rather than necessity.On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering women economically and socially. When women are financially independent, they gain not only security but also the power to build healthier, more balanced relationships and stronger communities.
Empowering women economically is not just a women’s issue, it is a foundation for a more just and equitable society.
A Legacy of Liberation, Leadership and Sacrifice in South Sudan
Lt. Gen. David Majur Dak Thel Nak was a highly decorated military commander, a foundational figure in the South Sudanese liberation struggle, and a dedicated community leader. Serving with distinction in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and later the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), his four-decade career was defined by unwavering commitment, strategic brilliance, and ultimate sacrifice for the sovereignty of his nation.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on August 8, 1962, in Amiel, Dongchak Payam, within Duk Padiet of Duk County, David Majur was the penultimate child in the monogamous family of Dak Thel Nak and Arual Majock Deng. He belonged to the Pan-Tiok, Atiga, and Nyiel sections of the Hol community, while his mother hailed from the Pathel section (Pan-Aluk).
Despite the profound hardships facing Southern Sudanese during his youth, he pursued education with remarkable determination. His academic journey began at Maderesah Duk in 1967 and continued through Bor Alif Primary School and Kongor Intermediate Primary School. He sat for his Primary Leaving Examination at Bor Intermediate before relocating to Khartoum, Sudan, where he graduated from Marwi High School with a Sudan Certificate in 1982. The systemic marginalization and discrimination he and his people faced in Sudan deeply influenced his worldview, prompting his decision to join the military shortly after completing his secondary education.
Entering the SPLM/A and Early Engagements
On September 5, 1983, months after the inception of the movement, he officially joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). He completed his initial military training at the Bonga Training Centre in Ethiopia on December 28, 1983.
Recognized early for his tactical acumen, he was assigned to the SPLA Division One. Throughout the early years of the liberation struggle, he served in several of the movement’s most historic and decisive battalions, directly under the command of the SPLA’s founding architects:
Tiger & Timsah Battalions: Under Commander Arok Thon Arok
Military Education and Advanced Certifications
Lt. Gen. Majurdiid was a lifelong student of military science, evolving into an exceptional battlefield strategist with specialized expertise in air defense, artillery, and command and control operations. His extensive international and domestic certifications include:
SPLA Foundational Training: First Batch Air Defense Units (1984), Shield Two (1985), and First Batch Artillery Units (1995).
Regional Military Academies: Administrative Command and Control Course at Mbarara Military Academy, Uganda (1995); Specialized Air Defense and Artillery Weapons Training, Uganda (2005).
Advanced Strategic Studies (Egypt): African Cooperation for Decision Makers (Military Higher Academic Certificate); Nasser Higher Military Academy, Cairo (2018); Command Thunder Naval Training (2020).
Modernized Command: Command and Control First Batch & Malou (2008) and Commanding Officer for Biometric Team Two within the Military Organization Directorate.
Command Trajectory and Pivotal Campaigns
Lt. Gen. Majurdiid’s professional trajectory saw him command specialized units across the vast geography of the conflict. Notable leadership roles included serving as the Commander of BSC Air Defense Units (Red Army); Commander of the Red Army Brigade in Murgungpiarea (1990–1992); and Company Commander of Cosmocsm Units at the Tapari Base Command in Rokon (1996–1999).
He was a veteran of numerous strategic campaigns critical to South Sudan’s liberation:
1985: Secured Nasir during the Jekou operations under Commander Kerubino Kuanyin Bol.
1986–1987: Led critical air defense and artillery units during the capture of the strategic Kapoeta garrison.
1987–1991: Served with the Red Army in Murwangapi under Maj. Gen. Majier Deng Kur.
1987–2003: Engaged in a multi-year campaign in Rokon under Commander Santino Deng Wol Chok.
1988–1997: Commanded essential artillery operations across Kaya, Magwi, and Western Equatoria under commanders including Gier Chuang Aluong and Pieng Deng Kuol.
The Siege of Nasir and Final Sacrifice
Lt. Gen. Majurdiid’s final act of leadership exemplified his lifelong ethos of putting his soldiers and his country first. In early March 2025, while commanding the SSPDF garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State, his forces were surrounded and besieged by heavily armed opposition the SPLA-IO and White Army militia groups under the command of the Suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny. During the intense standoff, he was reportedly offered safe, VIP evacuation by opposition leadership in exchange for surrendering the garrison’s heavy weapons and tanks. [1] Demonstrating extraordinary military integrity, Lt. Gen. Majur adamantly refused to surrender state assets or abandon his approximately 550 trapped soldiers, choosing instead to remain on the front lines. [2]
Tragically, on March 7, 2025, during a mass evacuation brokered by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the agreed-upon safe passage was violated. As he directed the boarding of his troops, hostile militia forces opened heavy fire on the helicopters. [3] Lt. Gen. Majur was killed in action on the tarmac alongside 27 of his loyal bodyguards and a UNMISS pilot. [2] His refusal to take the safe route out—standing by his men until his final breath—cemented his legacy as a true patriot and a commander of unparalleled courage, leading to a state burial with full military honors at the Heroes’ Cemetery in Juba. [4][5]
Posthumous Promotion and State Burial
The profound sacrifice of “Majurdiid” resonated deeply across South Sudan, prompting a period of national mourning and widespread recognition of his exceptional heroism. In honor of his ultimate sacrifice in Nasir and his four decades of unwavering dedication to the nation, H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a presidential decree posthumously promoting him to the rank of lieutenant general.
He was subsequently accorded a formal state burial, a tribute reserved for the nation’s most distinguished patriots. His casket, draped in the South Sudanese flag, was escorted by the SSPDF brass band and laid to rest with full military honors at the Heroes’ Cemetery in Juba. The solemn ceremony drew attendance from the highest echelons of government, top military brass, and thousands of citizens. The eulogies delivered by state officials during the burial enshrined his name not merely as a battlefield tactician but as a national martyr who embodied the purest ideals of the South Sudanese liberation struggle.
Personal Life and Cultural Legacy
Beyond his formidable military persona, “Majurdiid” was a man of deep cultural roots and familial devotion. He was the proud husband of Yar Chut Deng (from Nyuak Payam, Twi East County) and a dedicated father to Arual, Abul, Dak, and Chut Majur Dak, as well as a loving grandfather to Jiel Abul and Achol Arual.
Within his community, he was celebrated not just as a soldier but as a vibrant cultural force. He was an outstanding wrestler, a gifted comedian, and a renowned lyricist and dancer who frequently collaborated with his nephews and cousins. His legacy is one of a multi-dimensional leader who defended his people’s freedom while actively preserving their joy and cultural heritage.
TEHRAN/JUBA — Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has reportedly reached a majority consensus. They have agreed on the successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, severe regional security conditions and internal procedural divisions have indefinitely stalled the formal announcement of the Islamic Republic’s next head of state.
The development was confirmed over the weekend by senior clerics. It marks one of the most critical and secretive political transitions in the modern history of the Middle East.
The Consensus and the “Obstacles”
Speaking to state-aligned Mehr News, Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, a senior member of the clerical body that appoints the Supreme Leader, confirmed something significant. He stated that the 88-member Assembly had broadly agreed on a single candidate.
Procedural Hurdles: Despite the agreement, Mirbagheri cautioned that some obstacles regarding the process need to be resolved. These must be addressed before the public can be informed.
The Reported Selection: Sources familiar with the highly opaque internal discussions reveal insights. They indicate that the Assembly has selected Mojtaba Khamenei. He is the politically influential son of the late Supreme Leader.
Internal Divisions: A majority consensus has been reached. However, the same sources report deep internal divisions. The debate is over how and when to publicly announce the decision. This is complicated by the historical sensitivity of establishing a de facto hereditary succession.
Security Lockdown Prevents Formal Vote
The delay is not solely political. Mohsen Heidari Alekasir, an assembly representative from Khuzestan province, disclosed important information. Current security protocols are actively preventing the members from gathering in person.
An in-person assembly is constitutionally required to formally vote and ratify the new Supreme Leader. AleKasir’s comments highlight the extreme lockdown measures. These measures are currently protecting Iran’s top tier of leadership. This protection follows recent, severe military escalations and missile exchanges across the Middle East.
Regional and Global Implications
The transition period creates a temporary vacuum at the top of Iran’s political and military command structure. This comes during a time of unprecedented regional volatility. As previously reported by the South Sudan Times, the ongoing disruptions in the Middle East—specifically in the Strait of Hormuz—continue to have direct impacts on global energy supply chains and international diplomatic alignments
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.
