JUBA — A massive coalition of Civil Society Networks from all 10 States and 3 Administrative Areas has issued a joint emergency statement on Saturday, March 7, 2026. They are appealing directly to President Salva Kiir Mayardit. They urge him to intervene against an imminent military operation in Akobo County, Jonglei State.
The joint press statement follows reports about new military orders. The office of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) issued these orders on March 6. They aim to extend ongoing military hostilities into Akobo. Civil society groups warn this move could have “devastating” consequences. The population is already reeling from conflict in neighboring counties.
The CDF “Evacuation” Orders
According to the coalition, the military leadership has ordered drastic measures in preparation for the offensive:
UNMISS Closure: An explicit order for the closure of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) facility in Akobo.
Mandatory Relocation: A directive for the mandatory evacuation of all civilians residing in Akobo town and its surrounding areas.
NGO Impact: The move effectively halts the operations of NGOs currently providing life-saving assistance in the region.
A Pattern of Suffering in Northern Jonglei
The appeal highlights that the people of Uror, Ayod, Nyirol, and Duk have already “suffered immensely.” This was during recent confrontations between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
Atrocities Cited: The groups noted that hostilities in northern Jonglei have resulted in the “killing and maiming of civilians—majority being children, women, and elderly,” as well as mass recruitment into armed groups.
Genocide Warnings: This regional alarm mirrors a February 18 statement from the Lou Nuer Community Council (LNCC). The council warned about military operations in these counties. These operations are characterized by “Areil” (aerial) bombardments and the destruction of health facilities. Such actions could lead to a “crime of genocide”.
The Humanitarian Crossroads
Akobo has served as a critical place of refuge for those displaced by the fighting in Uror and Nyirol. The civil society coalition argues that pushing the front line into Akobo violates the 2018 R-ARCSS. It will fuel further community polarization along tribal lines.
“Violence is never an acceptable undertaking to settle disputes under any circumstances… [President Kiir must] urgently intervene by putting on hold the order issued by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) yesterday.” — Joint Civil Society Statement, March 7, 2026.
The Ruweng Precedent
The urgency of the appeal is underscored by the recent “barbaric” attack on Abiemnom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area on March 1, which the government confirmed left 169 people dead, including the County Commissioner. Civil society groups highlight the Abiemnom massacre. They consider it evidence of the “horrible consequences” when military operations and communal tensions intersect.
JUBA — South Sudan is grappling with a rapidly deteriorating internal security situation. It is marked by massacres in the north. There is also a controversial military expansion in Jonglei State. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a rare condemnation of regional missile attacks in the Middle East.
1. The Abiemnom Massacre: 169 Confirmed Dead
On March 2, 2026, the Ministry of Information released a formal statement. The statement addressed a “barbaric” dawn attack on Abiemnom County, Ruweng Administrative Area. This attack occurred at 4:29 AM on Sunday, March 1.
Casualties: The government confirmed that over 169 people were killed and more than 68 wounded.
High-Profile Losses: Among the dead are the County Commissioner of Awarpiny and the Executive Director of Abiemnom County.
Government Stance: Minister Ateny Wek Ateny condemned the “heinous and cowardly” act. He directed security organs to investigate the incident. They must hold those responsible accountable. He urged communities to refrain from retaliatory actions.
2. Civil Society Urges Halt to Akobo Military Offensive
Civil Society Networks from all 10 States and 3 Administrative Areas issued a joint appeal on March 7, 2026. They addressed President Salva Kiir Mayardit. They urged him to put an immediate hold on orders issued by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF).
The Orders: The CDF has reportedly ordered the extension of military operations into Akobo County. This includes the mandatory relocation of civilians. Additionally, the UNMISS facility will be closed.
Humanitarian Alarm: Civil society leaders warn that these orders violate the 2018 R-ARCSS. They caution that this will lead to “horrible consequences.” These consequences include trauma, displacement, and maiming of vulnerable groups like children, women, and the elderly.
Previous Hostilities: The statement noted that the people of Uror, Ayod, Nyirol, and Duk have already suffered immensely. They have faced ongoing confrontations between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
3. Lou Nuer Community Council Warns of “Genocide”
On February 18, 2026, the Lou Nuer Community Council (LNCC) expressed deep concern. They are worried about the “increasing devastating security situation” in northern Jonglei.
Operation Allegations: The LNCC alleged that SSPDF operations in Lou Nuer areas (Uror, Nyirol, and Akobo) have resulted in the burning of houses, destruction of water points, and killing of vulnerable groups.
General Johnson Olony: The Council highlighted public announcements by General Johnson Olony Thabo. They claimed he ordered soldiers to “leave no stone unturned.” He allegedly targeted markets, health, and educational facilities.
Genocide Warning: The LNCC stated these atrocities could lead to a “crime of genocide” against the Lou Nuer community. They appealed to both the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to stop hostilities. They urged them to engage in dialogue.
4. Foreign Policy: Condemnation of Middle East Attacks
There was a notable shift toward global diplomatic engagement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a press statement on March 6, 2026. This statement addressed the situation in the Middle East.
Iran Condemned: South Sudan condemned missile and drone attacks. These were launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran against “friendly countries.” These countries include Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Türkiye, and others.
Violation of Law: The Ministry described the targeting of the energy sector as a violation of international law. They also viewed the impact on supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz as a breach of the UN Charter.
Alignment: The Government agreed with the statements issued by AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. They also concurred with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
As the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), under the able Leadership of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Paul Nang Majok, prepare to enter Akobo to restore peace and security, I call upon all citizens of Akobo to raise white flags across every corner of the town.
The white flag is a universal symbol of peace and reconciliation. By raising it, the people of Akobo will be sending a clear and powerful message that they reject violence and stand firmly for peace, stability, and the protection of innocent lives.
The people of Akobo have always desired peace. Sadly, many of them have been living under fear and intimidation caused by the presence of SPLA-IO forces and armed elements of the White Army. These groups do not represent the true will of the people, who are tired of conflict and want to return to normal life.
Encouragingly, there are already clear signs that citizens are preparing to welcome the restoration of peace in their town. The majority of the people stand with peace, and those who continue to oppose it will soon find themselves isolated and rejected by the very community they claim to defend.
The Lou Nuer community is known for its resilience and wisdom. It has always valued unity, coexistence, and the preservation of life. The voice of peace among the Lou Nuer is stronger than the voices of those who thrive on instability and violence.
This is a critical moment for Akobo. Let the people demonstrate their courage by choosing peace over conflict. Let white flags rise across the town as a symbol of unity and a declaration that the people of Akobo stand together for peace and peacefully welcome SSPDF, their peace forces.
After the SSPDF peace forces entered Akobo and restored peace many opportunities will be provided to the citizens there.
H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan will build roads linking Lou Nuer areas to Bor town and many job opportunities will be created.
History will remember those who stood on the side of peace.
In South Sudan, there is a common saying: one must take rumors seriously. Citizens often recount how widely circulated warnings, dismissed at first, eventually materialize into devastating realities.
The recent attack in Abiemnhom, which claimed over 200 lives, was reportedly anticipated through warnings weeks before it occurred.
A medical professional who survived alongside senior county officials reflected that he would never again ignore such signals.
These narratives speak not only to the insecurity faced by communities but to a deeper crisis: a state unable to anticipate, respond, or protect its people.
Yet this article is not about Abiemnhom. It is about the heartbreaking tragedy of mismanaged oil wealth — South Sudan’s so-called blessing that has too often been a silent curse, with ongoing arrests fueling rumors that some politicians or military leaders have embezzled oil revenues worth $2 billion. For a nation whose survival has depended on oil, billions of dollars have flowed, yet ordinary citizens see little benefit.
Roads crumble, hospitals remain under-resourced, clean water is scarce, and communities in oil-producing areas bear the brunt of environmental degradation. Children in Unity and Ruweng Administrative Areas are born with deformities linked to pollution from oil operations, livestock die from contaminated water, and yet billions are generated while these communities remain in despair.
Over the past decade, several reports have exposed alarming patterns of financial mismanagement. A 2025 United Nations report alleged that approximately $1.7 billion was paid between 2021 and 2024 to companies connected to senior political figures for road contracts that were never delivered.
The Sentry’s 2018 report documented over $80 million in payments from Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet) between 2014 and 2015 categorized as “security expenses,” many linked to actors in the civil war. More recently, a Radio Tamazuj investigation revealed that a private digital payment platform gained authority to manage multi-million-dollar oil levies, controlling revenue streams quietly and without transparency.
If properly managed, oil could significantly transform South Sudan’s economy. At an average global price of $80 per barrel and production of approximately 110,000 barrels per day, daily revenue reaches about $8.8 million. This translates into roughly $264 million per month and approximately $3.17 billion annually.
In a country of around 11 million people, such revenue, if transparently administered could expand healthcare access, modernize agriculture, strengthen infrastructure, and reduce dependency on external assistance. The scale of opportunity is breathtaking; yet the failure to manage these resources responsibly has made South Sudan’s wealth a source of heartbreak rather than hope.
South Sudan’s oil sector is a complex web of state and foreign involvement. Nilepet, the fully state-owned enterprise, remains the primary operator and custodian of national oil assets. Yet, most productive blocks are held in partnership with foreign firms, including Chinese and Malaysian companies that control approximately 80 percent of the stakes.
While these partnerships bring technical capacity and investment, they also constrain the government’s flexibility and the potential for equitable wealth distribution. Current arrangements, if left unregulated, risk perpetuating systemic inequities — billions of dollars flowing out while citizens are left with broken roads, empty schools, and poisoned rivers.
The heartbreak of oil mismanagement is visible in every neglected village along the oil corridors. Yet, hope lies in reform, not rejection. Privatization, when done transparently and responsibly, can be a tool to transform this curse into a blessing. Transparent privatization does not mean relinquishing national ownership, it means structuring contracts, revenues, and oversight to ensure national benefit.
Even with 80 percent of shares held by foreign partners, the government can implement reforms that protect citizens and maximize returns: competitive bidding for operational control, independent monitoring, mandatory public disclosure of revenues, and legally binding environmental and social obligations for all operators.
International examples illuminate a path forward. Angola restructured Sonangol, separating regulatory and operational functions while introducing transparent competitive bidding. Malaysia’s Petronas demonstrates how a state-owned enterprise can operate commercially while remaining accountable to the public and parliament. Norway, through Equinor and the Government Pension Fund Global, channels revenues into a sovereign wealth fund, transparently audited and invested for long-term national prosperity.
From these lessons, key principles emerge for South Sudan: regulatory and operational roles must be distinct; licensing must be competitive; revenues must be remitted directly to the Central Bank; production and sales must be publicly disclosed; parliamentary oversight should ensure accountability without operational interference; and a portion of revenue should be invested in stabilization or sovereign wealth funds to secure future generations.
Practically, this could be implemented through an independent technical body composed of petroleum economists, environmental experts, legal scholars, and international advisors from experienced oil-producing nations.
This body would oversee contracts and operational compliance while ensuring that national ownership remains intact. All revenues should be wired directly to the Central Bank, publicly reported monthly, and subject to quarterly audits. The constitutionally mandated 3 percent allocation to oil-producing communities must be invested transparently in tangible services such as schools, hospitals, clean water systems, and rural roads, monitored rigorously by very independent body.
South Sudan stands at a crossroads. Oil can either remain a source of corruption, inequality, and heartbreak, or it can become a foundation for hope, development, and national unity. The choice hinges on governance, transparency, and courage — the courage to put people above politics, citizens above contracts, and the future above short-term gain.
Every child born in Unity, Upper Nile, every farmer in Ruweng, and every citizen of Juba deserves more than the fleeting promise of oil; they deserve a nation where its wealth fuels human dignity, opportunity, and sustainable growth. The question is not whether oil is a blessing or a curse, it is whether South Sudan has the courage to transform it into a true blessing for its people.
This policy recommendation, no matter how well-crafted, can only succeed if the President and his team implement them with integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to the people. Leadership must prioritize national interest over personal gain, transparency over secrecy, and the welfare of citizens over politically motivated deals.
The reforms will fail if leadership continues to enable or benefit from opaque oil arrangements, shields “big cats” in the sector, or allows wealth to be siphoned away through favoritism. True transformation demands courage, accountability, and the resolve to place South Sudan’s future above short-term profits and political expediency. Only then can the nation’s oil move from a source of heartbreak to a foundation of hope, dignity, and sustainable development for all its people.
Garang Abraham is a South Sudanese journalist and communication and public relations professional. His words have appeared on Eye Radio, Nation Media Group, The Continent, and the BBC, among others. He cannot be reached.
Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga & Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang File photo
JUBA — A major institutional dispute has erupted within the South Sudanese government over the digitization of non-oil revenue. The Minister of Trade and Industry suspended a key digital payment contractor. Within 24 hours, both the Vice President for the Economic Cluster and the National Legislature intervened. They overruled the decision, citing legal violations and the risk of massive revenue leaks.
The rapid succession of official memos, dated March 5 and March 6, 2026, highlights ongoing tension. There is a disconnect between the government’s push for e-governance and the harsh infrastructural realities crippling state ministries.
The Trigger: Minister Atong Suspends Crawford Capital
On Thursday, March 5, Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk issued a directive. It initiated a “90-Day Administrative and Technical Review” of Crawford Capital. Crawford Capital is the private firm contracted to manage the ministry’s digital payment and e-service system.
The Minister ordered Crawford to promptly pause the issuance of import and export licenses. She instructed the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) to revert to “established Government financial forms and procedures” (manual collection). This was to guarantee uninterrupted fee collection.
In her memo, Minister Atong laid out a stark picture of the ministry’s operational collapse:
Infrastructure Failure: She cited the absence of constant electricity. Unstable internet connectivity also contributes to the problem. Additionally, insufficient staff training makes the digital system ineffective across the ministry’s 16 stations.
Economic Pressures: The Minister noted that fuel prices have surged to 12,000 SSP per liter. As a result, traders are unable to secure licenses.
Budget Freeze: Crucially, she revealed a critical issue. The Ministry of Trade is not receiving its allocated budget from the Ministry of Finance and Planning. This severely constrains its operational capacity.
The Pushback: VP Wani Igga Intervenes
The following day, March 6, 2026, the executive branch delivered a swift rebuke. Vice President H.E. Prof. James Wani Igga, Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, issued a formal letter. He ordered Minister Atong to “pause your order.” He also instructed her to consult the Ministry of Justice.
While acknowledging the connectivity and training challenges, the Vice President argued that the Minister overstepped her legal authority:
Collective Decision: VP Wani Igga pointed out that engaging Crawford Capital was a collective executive decision. It was cemented by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 34/2024 in September 2024. He stated that such a resolution “cannot be dissolved, omitted, or reversed by a single ministerial directive”.
Revenue Leakage Risk: He warned that making unilateral changes to the digital payment architecture pose several risks. It creates further revenue leakages. Additionally, there are legal liabilities for the Government.
The Legislature Issues an Ultimatum
On the same day, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) escalated the matter. Hon. Eng. Mayen Deng Alier is the Chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Trade and Industry. He formally demanded that the Minister reconsider the suspension.
Presidential Order Violation: The parliamentary committee reminded Minister Atong of Presidential Republican Order No. 35/2025. This order explicitly mandated the use of the SSRA E-Government system. It called for the “immediate and total abolition of manual revenue collection”.
Demand for Evidence: The Committee requested that the Ministry promptly give them with “technical justifications” for the suspension. They announced plans to convene a joint consultative meeting among the Ministry, the SSRA, and Crawford Capital. This is to ensure that the review does not “undermine national revenue integrity”.
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.
JUBA — A coalition of Western diplomatic missions in South Sudan has issued a stern demand for accountability following the brutal March 1 assault on Abiemnom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area, which resulted in the deaths of at least 169 people.
The European Union delegation and several embassies released a joint statement today, March 5, 2026. They included the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The statement expressed “appall” at the scale of the atrocities. They urged the transitional government to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The Massacre: Impact and Casualties
The dawn raid, characterized by its extreme violence, reportedly targeted both high-ranking officials and vulnerable civilians.
Officials Targeted: The victims included the County Commissioner of Awarpiny and other senior local authorities who were killed during the initial phase of the assault.
Civilians and Families: Diplomats highlighted that many of those killed were women and children. Over 1,000 residents were forced to flee as homes and markets were set ablaze.
Death Toll Rising: While 169 died on the spot, additional victims have since succumbed to their injuries in hospitals in Abyei, where dozens were referred for specialized trauma care.
Diplomatic Pressure on South Sudan’s Leadership
The joint declaration places direct responsibility on the nation’s political leaders. They must prevent such “recurring insecurity” from derailing the 2026 election roadmap.
“South Sudan’s leaders have to work together to end violence and reset peace across the country. Those responsible for these atrocities must be held to account.”
Unity State Denials and Investigations
The diplomatic pressure comes amid a growing row between neighboring state administrations. Local survivors and Ruweng officials alleged that the attackers were armed youth from Mayom County. Yet, the government of Unity State has issued a categorical denial. Unity State authorities have, nevertheless, pledged to investigate the incident and cooperate with security forces to find the culprits.
JUBA — The Transitional National Legislature (TNL) took a major step toward fiscal finalization on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, passing the SSP 7 Trillion Draft National Budget and Finance Bill 2025–2026 to its third reading stage.
The budget, presented by Rev. Michael Ayuen Johnson, Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Planning, comes at a time of extreme economic volatility and heightened political pressure as the country prepares for the December 2026 elections.
Budget Highlights and Key Recommendations
Despite the massive size of the budget—the largest in South Sudan’s history—the Finance Committee recommended strict limits on new spending to ensure institutional stability. Deferred Funding: The committee recommended deferring several massive funding requests to the 2026–2027 cycle, most notably a $560 million request from the security sector.
Agricultural Revolution: In a direct nod to recent presidential directives, the House urged the government to allocate 10% of the national budget to agriculture. This includes a push for feasibility studies for major new schemes in Maban and Rejaf.
Oil Revenue Transparency: Lawmakers demanded full compliance with the Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2013, insisting that all oil revenues be deposited directly at the Bank of South Sudan and that environmental audit reports for oil-producing areas be released immediately.
Lawmakers Target Salary Delays
The debate was dominated by the “human cost” of the current economic crisis. Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed deep frustration over the persistent non-payment of salaries for civil servants and organized forces.
Late Submission: Lawmakers criticized the Ministry of Finance for tabling the budget while the fiscal year was already well underway, a delay that has contributed to the administrative paralysis currently affecting government services.
Tax Reform: The committee called for an immediate end to “unnecessary tax exemptions,” which are seen as a major leak in non-oil revenue collection.
The “Abiemnom Factor” and National Security
The budget advancement occurs against a backdrop of severe national mourning. Just hours before the session, Catholic and Anglican bishops issued a joint demand for justice following the Abiemnom massacre (169 killed) and ongoing atrocities in Jonglei. Lawmakers warned that without the “timely transfer” of revenue shares to states and communities, local grievances would continue to fuel such inter-communal violence.
Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, Minister of Finance & Economic Planning (RSS)
Photo Credit: Dolku Media
JUBA — In a high-stakes return to the national treasury, the newly reappointed Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, has pledged to resolve the country’s chronic salary crisis within his first week in office.
The announcement, made during a reception ceremony on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, follows a rapid leadership shake-up by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who dismissed the previous minister, Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol, after just three months in the post.
The “Management, Not Money” Doctrine
Minister Garang’s address focused on a blunt assessment of South Sudan’s fiscal woes. He asserted that the nation’s inability to pay its workers is a failure of leadership rather than a lack of wealth.
The Promise: “I promise, the salaries must be paid, the arrears must be paid, and the budget for elections must be done… Because I know we have the money; what we lack is management.”
Fiscal Priorities: Accountability and transparency were named as the top two pillars of his new tenure.
Ethnic Equity: In a call for national unity, the Minister emphasized that resources must be distributed “transparently and evenly throughout the 64 tribes”.
Critical Tasks: Arrears and the 2026 Roadmap
The minister faces an uphill battle to restore public confidence as inflation and currency depreciation continue to erode the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
Election Funding: Garang met with the National Elections Commission (NEC) on Tuesday to discuss the $433 million required for the December 2026 general elections. He pledged full financial support to ensure the polls remain on track.
Salary Backlog: Civil servants in many sectors are reportedly owed between four to six months of back pay. Garang has vowed to establish a “disciplined and responsive” payment schedule to stabilize household economies.
A Controversial Comeback
While supporters hail his experience, critics have pointed to Garang’s previous tenure (2018–2020), which was marked by significant controversy:
Advance Oil Sales: Garang was previously linked to the mortgaging of South Sudan’s crude oil to secure a $400 million loan from Afreximbank, a deal that reportedly committed oil proceeds through 2027.
Institutional Skepticism: Civil society activists, including Angelina Adhel Malual, have expressed frustration with the “political recycling” of male leaders at the Finance Ministry, calling instead for structural reforms and female leadership to combat systemic corruption.
