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Check FAQAbout David
David Mono Danga is a journalist based in Juba, South Sudan. He is a multimedia investigative Journalist specializing in Environmental issues, health, education, sports and human rights related issues affecting vulnerable, marginalized or disadvantaged groups. Currently, Mono-Danga freelances with Voice of America majorly reporting for the South Sudan in Focus program from the country’s cities of Juba, Yei and Yambio. He started his career as a volunteer reporter with the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) for two years before moving to the Print industry as a reporter for the Juba Monitor newspaper, South Sudan’s leading independent English newspaper. He has served at the Juba Monitor newspaper as a reporter, senior reporter, Copy Editor and Sports Editor. In his free time Mono-Danga enjoys reading novels, playing football, swimming and mountain climbing.
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South Sudan Cattle Raiders Sentenced to Death by Hanging
In Jonglei state, South Sudan, two men, Kuorwel Majok Mayom and Chol Manyiel Jool, were sentenced to death by hanging for stealing cows and killing the owner, John Buol Dut. The high court judge, John Yiel Aleu, deemed the death penalty appropriate for their crimes. The ruling has sparked mixed reactions; the victim's family supports the sentence, while the convicts' family plans to appeal, citing lack of direct evidence. Activist David Garang believes the capital punishment will deter future cattle raiding and promote justice in the region.
Clashes Between South Sudan Forces Unsettle Western Equatoria State
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an end to clashes in Western Equatoria state after at least five people were killed. A joint team of South Sudan defense forces and Opposition Alliance forces was sent to Tambura to address the conflict. Reports indicate fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army In Opposition (SPLM/A IO) and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) loyal to General James Nando. The violence has displaced thousands of residents, with many seeking refuge at UNMISS camps. UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom emphasized the need for urgent action from political leaders to prevent further loss of life and ensure safe access for aid workers. South Sudan’s Joint Defense Board aims to reduce tensions by separating forces in the area.
South Sudan Road Attacks Leave Nearly 30 Dead
A series of road attacks in South Sudan, including an ambush on Governor Louis Lobong Lojore's convoy, resulted in nearly 30 deaths. The violence, believed to be retaliatory, involved ethnic Buya youths and targeted areas in Eastern Equatoria. In Central Equatoria, additional attacks on the Juba-Yei Road left 10 more dead. State officials accused the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels, led by Thomas Cirillo, of the attacks, which NAS denied. The incidents underscore ongoing tensions and the need for peace talks among South Sudanese factions.
Mixed Reaction to South Sudan Currency Rule
Business leaders in Juba express mixed reactions to the South Sudanese government's new rule mandating transactions in local currency. While some, like Lisok Emmanuel of Vast Printing Company, appreciate the move for its potential to strengthen the national currency, they worry about restricted access to hard currency for imports. Robert Mbesa of Trinity Energy supports the rule but advises on policies to boost local production. The economic crisis is exacerbated by the South Sudan pound's devaluation and requires rule enforcement and stability, according to economist Okumu Bosco.
Economic Analysts Question South Sudan's Large Loans
South Sudan has secured $88 million in loans from the Africa Export-Import Bank to settle internal debts, but local economic analysts argue that these loans won't solve the country's economic problems. Information Minister Michael Makuei stated that the loans would be repaid using oil revenue. Yasmin Sooka from the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan criticized the country's financial corruption, while economic analysts Ahmed Morgan and Marial Awou emphasized the need for sustainable economic policies and warned against relying on loans at the expense of future generations.
Over 3000 trucks pile up at Elegu causing price hikes in Juba
Hundreds of commercial trucks have stopped at the South Sudan-Uganda border due to insecurity and recent armed attacks, with drivers demanding guaranteed safety before proceeding. The Kenyan Drivers Association and Kenya Transporters Association Limited have both called for action, with the former refusing to enter South Sudan until security is provided. The National Salvation Front has been accused of the attacks but denies involvement. The South Sudan People's Defense Forces are reinforcing security on major roads to Juba. Approximately 3,000 trucks are currently parked at the border, and prices in South Sudan are rising due to the delays. Peace talks are ongoing in Naivasha, Kenya.
FIFA Allows Haiti-Belize World Cup Qualifier to Be Held in Port-au-Prince
FIFA has confirmed that the World Cup qualifier between Haiti and Belize will proceed in Port-au-Prince despite a recent security incident involving the Belize team. The decision followed an assessment by a FIFA security expert who met with local police and soccer officials. The Belize team had been held at gunpoint by armed men shortly after arriving in Haiti, but no injuries were reported. Enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of all participants. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. EST.
Report: 2018 Peace Deal Was Not a Fix for South Sudan
A report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) suggests that the 2018 peace deal in South Sudan has not resolved the country's deeper issues. The report, authored by Alan Boswell, emphasizes the need for a political model based on consensus and inclusion to prevent a return to civil war. It highlights the fragility of South Sudan's institutions and the risk of violence if elections proceed without broader power-sharing. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei and opposition spokesman Puok Both Baluang offer differing views on the country's political system and the peace agreement's potential to bring lasting peace.
South Sudan Due to Receive 800,000 Doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine
South Sudan is set to receive over 800,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the month, targeting the most vulnerable populations first. Dr. John Rumunu from the national health ministry confirmed the country's readiness to store and distribute the vaccine. WHO's Dr. Guyo Guracha and Health Ministry spokesperson Dr. Loi Thuou addressed public concerns about vaccine safety, urging against misinformation and promoting preventive measures. South Sudan has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, particularly in Central Equatoria state.
South Korea Grants Emergency Use of Controversial AstraZeneca Vaccine
South Korea has approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for all adults, with a precautionary warning for those over 65, and requires further clinical trial data. European countries have limited its use due to insufficient data on elderly recipients. South Africa suspended its AstraZeneca vaccination campaign after a study showed limited effectiveness against a local variant. South Africa will use Johnson & Johnson's vaccine for health workers. The U.S. FDA approved a new therapeutic drug by Eli Lilly for high-risk COVID-19 patients.
WHO Urges Measures to Stop Spread of COVID-19 Amid Vaccinations
The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern over the efficacy of vaccines against new COVID-19 variants, particularly the AstraZeneca vaccine's limited protection against the South African variant. South Africa paused its vaccination campaign following a study indicating reduced effectiveness. WHO emphasized the importance of public health measures to curb virus spread. AstraZeneca is developing a new vaccine targeting the variant. Meanwhile, Mexico faced challenges with its vaccine registration website, and the U.S. leads in COVID-19 cases. Iran and China introduced new vaccines, and the U.S. continues its vaccine rollout with over 59 million doses distributed.
WHO to Review AstraZeneca Vaccine after South Africa Halts Vaccinations
The World Health Organization is reviewing the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine following a South African study indicating minimal protection against a new variant. The South African government has paused its use of the vaccine. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the need for vaccine adjustments to address evolving virus variants. Additionally, a new Ebola case was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with WHO assisting in contact tracing efforts.
South Sudan's Kiir to Stay Out of Inter-communal Conflicts
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir announced that his government will no longer deploy security forces to intervene in inter-communal conflicts in Jonglei state and the Pibor Administrative Area. This decision has been met with criticism from political analysts and advocacy groups, who argue that it could exacerbate violence and reflects the government's inability to maintain security. The ongoing inter-communal fighting, often fueled by cattle raids and ethnic tensions, has been a persistent issue in the region. Analysts suggest that the national government should take responsibility for addressing these conflicts, as the situation remains highly militarized despite previous peace agreements.
African Union Election Draws Fire for Unopposed Candidate at Top
Chadian politician Moussa Faki Mahamat is running unopposed for reelection as chairman of the African Union Commission, sparking controversy and calls for a delay in the vote. Critics argue that the uncontested race is undemocratic and fails to represent the needs of Africa's 1.3 billion people. They are pushing for an extension of the nomination deadline to allow more candidates to come forward. The African Union, based in Ethiopia, has faced criticism for alleged corruption and nepotism, and there are calls for a leader who truly represents the continent. The petition to delay the election has garnered 16,000 signatures.
Conflict until the cows come home
In South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State, crop farmers like Otto Washington Okwera face destruction of their livelihoods due to an influx of cattle herders displaced by civil war and climate change. The conflict between farmers and herders, exacerbated by military involvement, has led to increased insecurity and violence. Local officials, including Joseph Oryem, have been powerless against the military-backed herders. State governor Louis Lobong and other officials warn of further confrontations unless solutions are found. Meanwhile, some farmers are fleeing to other regions or refugee camps. The Magwi County cattle-keeper’s association calls for patience, as herders have no alternative grazing lands. President Salva Kiir's previous executive order to relocate herders has proven ineffective, highlighting the ongoing struggle over land use in the region.
Green Horizon is an Israeli agricultural project conducting large scale agricultural activities in South Sudan but for a long time they have been exploiting the local communities where they operate. Therefore, this story served to undercover some of these vice such as land grabbing, fueling inter communal conflicts and the usage of bad irrigation systems that in the end would cause conflicts along the Nile Basin region.
Journalists Report Harrassment From South Sudan's Media Authority
The article discusses the challenges faced by journalists in South Sudan, highlighting the case of Michael Christopher, editor-in-chief of Al-Watan newspaper, who was detained after refusing to apologize for covering Sudanese protests. The South Sudanese Media Authority, which was established to protect journalists, is now accused of becoming a perpetrator of press freedom violations. Despite the 2018 peace agreement improving South Sudan's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, journalists continue to face intimidation, arrest, and violence. The article includes perspectives from various individuals and organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the South Sudan Editors' Forum. It also mentions the government's blocking of several news websites and the suspension of Radio Miraya's FM frequency.
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