Naath Unity News

🇸🇸🇨🇳 SOUTH SUDAN–CHINA | NEW TRADE OPPORTUNITY

China says its expanded zero-tariff policy for African countries could give South Sudanese businesses a bigger opportunity to reach the Chinese market.

Speaking in Juba during a reception marking China’s 77th National Day, Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang said more South Sudanese products could enter China as the new trade arrangements take effect.

China’s policy now provides zero-tariff treatment across its tariff lines for African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. South Sudan was already covered under China’s earlier arrangement for African least-developed countries. 

The bigger question now is whether South Sudan can produce enough quality goods for export and build the infrastructure, processing capacity and trade systems needed to take advantage of the opportunity.

South Sudanese officials are calling for stronger cooperation with China in trade, investment, agriculture, agro-processing, infrastructure, energy, technology, education and healthcare.

Senior Presidential Adviser Kuol Manyang Juuk said stronger economic ties could help create jobs, add value to local resources and support industrial development.

China has also highlighted its support for projects in South Sudan, including Juba Teaching Hospital, water projects, air-traffic management and training programs. 

For South Sudan, the opportunity is potentially significant—but turning tariff-free access into real exports will depend on the country’s ability to produce, process and deliver competitive products to the Chinese market.

What South Sudanese products do you think could successfully enter the Chinese market?

Don’t forget to follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

UN AID OPERATIONS CONTINUE UNDER DRONE ATTACKS

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is deepening as drone attacks, armed clashes and disease outbreaks continue to threaten civilians across several parts of the country.

The UN humanitarian agency OCHA says humanitarian organisations are still delivering life-saving assistance where security conditions allow, despite the growing risks to aid workers and civilians.

One of the major concerns is cholera, which has spread across multiple areas of Sudan. The World Health Organization says cases have declined sharply in recent weeks, while health agencies continue surveillance, treatment and vaccination efforts. More than 915,000 people have been reached through oral cholera vaccination campaigns, according to the UN.

At the same time, the FAO has launched a nationwide livestock vaccination campaign targeting 9.8 million animals, aiming to protect the livelihoods of around 1.2 million livestock-owning households affected by the war and food crisis. 

But the security situation remains dangerous.

In El Obeid, North Kordofan, a drone strike on Friday reportedly hit a displacement shelter, killing civilians and injuring others. Additional drone attacks and clashes have been reported across North Kordofan in recent days. 

The UN is calling on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and is urging donors to provide more flexible funding as humanitarian needs continue to rise.

Sudan’s war has now created a crisis in which civilians are facing conflict, displacement, hunger and disease at the same time.

With the fighting continuing, how can humanitarian organisations safely reach civilians who urgently need assistance?

Don’t forget to follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

27 PASSENGERS RELEASED AFTER ROAD AMBUSH IN WESTERN EQUATORIA

At least 27 passengers have been released after armed men reportedly ambushed vehicles along the Juba–Mundri road in Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State.

Local officials say around 32 people were taken during the attacks, while several others remain unaccounted for.

Several vehicles, including two Land Cruisers and a tipper truck, were reportedly set on fire during the incident. Another passenger vehicle was also caught up in the attack.

Some of those who returned reportedly told local authorities that they were beaten and subjected to abuse while in captivity. Officials have also received allegations of sexual violence, although these reports have not been independently verified.

Security forces have deployed joint patrols along the road, but authorities say the limited number of personnel makes it difficult to secure the entire route.

The identity of the attackers and their motive remain unclear, and no group has publicly claimed responsibility.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of civilians, traders and humanitarian workers travelling between Juba and Western Equatoria.

Naathunity News will continue to follow developments as authorities work to establish the whereabouts of those still missing.

What should authorities do to make major roads in Western Equatoria safer for civilians?

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

The family of former South Sudan Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel is calling on President Salva Kiir Mayardit to release him from house arrest, saying the country needs peace, unity and reconciliation.

A relative, Deng Gau,said that Bol Mel has remained under security restrictions at his home in Jebel, Juba, and that many family members have reportedly been prevented from visiting him.

Gau questioned why Bol Mel has remained under detention without being taken before a court.

“If the government believes that he has done something, he should be taken to court or released,” Gau said.

Bol Mel was appointed Vice-President for the Economic Cluster in February 2025 and later became First Deputy Chairman of the ruling SPLM. He was dismissed from those positions by President Kiir on November 12, 2025, and was subsequently placed under house arrest. Contemporary reporting also documented security forces surrounding his Jebel residence and restricting access. 

His rapid rise had made him a prominent figure in South Sudan’s succession debate before his removal from power. 

The latest appeal comes as South Sudan continues to face major political tensions ahead of the planned December 2026 elections, putting renewed attention on questions of political inclusion, detention and reconciliation.

The South Sudan government had not immediately responded to the family’s latest appeal.

Should former officials held under house arrest be taken to court if there are allegations against them, or should they remain detained without charges?

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

🔴 SOUTH SUDAN ELECTIONS | POLITICAL DIALOGUE UNDERWAY

South Sudan’s political parties and other stakeholders are now holding an inter-party dialogue in Juba as the country moves toward the planned December 22 elections.

President Salva Kiir opened the talks on September 24 under the theme:

“Towards Peaceful, Inclusive, Transparent and Credible Elections.”

The discussions are expected to address electoral issues, political concerns, security and the preparations needed before voting.

But the dialogue is taking place at a sensitive moment.

The government insists that the country should remain on the December 22 election path, while some political groups have questioned whether the necessary conditions for a credible election have been fully established.

Kiir has also warned that the dialogue should not be used to change or delay the election timetable.

Meanwhile, South Sudan’s peace-monitoring body, RJMEC, has urged political parties to use the dialogue to resolve outstanding political issues and build consensus around the electoral process.

Cecilia Adut Manyok delivered a similar message at the UN, saying political disagreements should be handled through dialogue rather than violence.

The coming weeks will be important for determining whether South Sudan’s political actors can reach enough common ground before election day.

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

🔴 South Sudan has again told the international community that the country is moving ahead with general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.

Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 28, Cecilia Adut Manyok, South Sudan’s caretaker Foreign Minister-designate and head of the country’s UN delegation, said President Salva Kiir remains committed to holding the vote.

Manyok acknowledged that major work is still unfinished, including voter registration, political dialogue, security preparations and civic education.

She said the government wants political competition to be settled through the ballot box rather than violence.

“The ballot must replace the bullets.”

The government presents the December election as the final step toward ending South Sudan’s prolonged transitional period and allowing citizens to choose their leaders.

But an important question remains: Can all the necessary preparations be completed before December 22?

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

Egypt’s national football team has arrived in Juba ahead of Tuesday’s highly anticipated 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.

The Pharaohs landed in the South Sudanese capital on Sunday as preparations intensified for the Group B encounter at Juba Stadium.

But one major name will be missing.

🇪🇬 Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will not feature against South Sudan. The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that Salah was deliberately rested because the match will be played on an artificial-turf pitch. The decision was reportedly agreed between Salah and the technical staff before Egypt’s opening qualifier. 

Egypt are also coming into the match after a disappointing 0–0 draw with Angola, while South Sudan lost their opening Group B game 2–1 to Malawi. 

That leaves both sides looking for their first victory of the qualifying campaign.

Juba Stadium
Tuesday, September 29, 2026

🔥 South Sudan vs Egypt

The Bright Stars will now face the seven-time African champions without their biggest star, but Egypt still have a squad packed with international experience.

Can South Sudan take advantage of home support and Salah’s absence? 🇸🇸⚽

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

🔴 ELECTIONS AFTER THE TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT

South Sudan is heading toward the December elections under a completely different political arrangement.

On September 22, President Salva Kiir Mayardit dissolved the transitional unity government and moved the country into a caretaker administration ahead of the planned December 22 vote.

The move came after amendments to the electoral framework were passed and signed into law, removing some of the previous legal obstacles to holding elections.

The transitional government had been created under the 2018 peace agreement, which brought together Kiir’s government and opposition groups after years of conflict.

Now, caretaker institutions are running the country while preparations continue for the election.

Kiir has maintained that he will remain president until an elected president is sworn in.

At the same time, the government says the December vote is intended to bring the long-running transitional period to an end.

This has created a new political reality in Juba: South Sudan is preparing for elections while the institutions created by the 2018 peace arrangement have been replaced by caretaker structures.

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

🔴 SOUTH SUDAN ELECTION | THE CLOCK IS TICKING

South Sudan’s government continues to defend the December 22 election timetable, but one of the most important steps has still not begun: nationwide voter registration.

The National Elections Commission has been preparing for the process and has trained election officials from the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas.

The NEC also says it has prepared the registration materials and voter registration book.

But the commission confirmed that, as of early September, no voter had yet been registered anywhere in South Sudan and no official registration period had been announced at that point.

That makes voter registration one of the biggest tasks remaining before polling day.

The challenge is even greater because millions of South Sudanese have been affected by conflict, displacement and flooding, meaning election officials must reach communities inside the country as well as ensure displaced people and refugees are not excluded.

At the UN, Cecilia Adut Manyok acknowledged that voter registration and civic education still need to be completed.

December 22 remains the government’s target. The question now is how quickly the remaining electoral work can be completed.

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.

🔴 BREAKING | CLAIMS OF STRIKE ON ETHIOPIAN AIR FORCE BASE NEAR ADDIS ABABA

Reports circulating from sources linked to the Coalition of Ethiopian Popular Forces for Survival claim that Ethiopia’s Harar Meda Airbase in Bishoftu, also known as Debre Zeyit Airbase, was targeted by a long-range missile or artillery strike.

According to the reports, an explosion was heard inside the airbase following the alleged attack. Media outlets close to the Tigray conflict have also reported the same claim.

Harar Meda is a strategically important Ethiopian Air Force facility southeast of Addis Ababa and has previously been identified as a major military aviation and drone base. 

⚠️ However, the reported strike has NOT been independently verified. No confirmed evidence has yet established what caused the reported explosion, who may have carried out the alleged attack, or whether military equipment was damaged.

Naathunity News will continue monitoring the situation for confirmed information.

If confirmed, what could an attack on such a strategically important airbase mean for Ethiopia’s current security situation?

Don't forget to Follow Naath Unity News so you never miss an important update.