News Podcast: New Mining Rules Approved for Central Equatoria

(JUBA – Audio Briefing Tue. Morning June 09, 2026) – A new regulatory framework for artisanal mining has been approved in Central Equatoria State to introduce accountability, order, and economic value to the local extraction sector.

The draft regulations, developed by the State Committee on the Assessment and Regulation of Artisanal Mining Activities, received formal approval following an extensive evaluation of various mining sites.

The framework aims to strengthen resource governance and assist with economic diversification across South Sudan. Instructions have been issued to the State Minister of Trade and Industry to fast track the implementation of these new measures to ensure rapid operational compliance.

Public service delivery and local infrastructure development plans have been reviewed in Yei River County following the launch of an official assessment tour of government departments.

The evaluation commenced at the Department of Housing, Land and Physical Infrastructure in Yei Town, where administrative officials presented updates on urban planning, land surveying, and road construction.

Local engineering officials noted that operations face difficulties due to transport shortages, which limit essential fieldwork and monitoring activities. Requests have been made for the recruitment of additional professional personnel and the procurement of modern computer equipment to improve data management and efficiency.

Public entertainment activities at night clubs have been suspended in Morobo County following escalating security concerns and community complaints regarding social disorder.

The temporary ban was finalised during a security council meeting at the county headquarters involving local administration officials and security chiefs.

The intervention responds to rising cases of criminal activity, substance abuse, and incidents affecting young people in the area.

Law enforcement agencies and the judiciary have been instructed to take strict legal action against criminal offenses to maintain public safety and protect local youth.

Initiatives to safeguard press freedom and enhance professional journalism ahead of the upcoming general elections have been reinforced through a major media security conference in South Sudan.

The three day forum at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba brought together more than 200 participants, including security personnel, media managers, and civil society representatives.

Supported by Norwegian Peoples Aid, the conference focused on improving cooperation and responsible reporting during the sensitive electoral period. National information authorities acknowledged the historical partnership and ongoing development support provided by the international organisation since the independence struggle.

Commitments to address youth unemployment, early marriage, and drug abuse led discussions at the Central Equatoria State Youth Union leadership convention in Juba. The gathering at the Pyramid Continental Hotel brought together youth delegates from six counties including Juba, Yei River, Kajo Keji, Morobo, Lainya, and Terekeka, alongside the Mangala and Nduruba administrative areas. A new chairperson will be elected to lead the youth union for a four year term lasting until 2030 to advocate for young people facing social and economic challenges across the state.

Digital accessibility and artificial intelligence solutions for persons with disabilities were evaluated during a local conference event hosted in Juba.

Organised by Koneta Hub, a national non governmental organisation, the gathering allowed local stakeholders and innovators to participate in the Inclusive Africa Conference 2026, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya. The session provided a platform for networking, learning, and expanding inclusion efforts within South Sudan to ensure equal opportunities in the technology sector.

Development work on three new medical vaccines has intensified to counter a rare species of Ebola that has caused nearly 250 deaths in the region.

The International Aids Vaccine Initiative, the University of Oxford, and Moderna are conducting research on the Bundibugyo species with funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Over 1000 suspected cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with nine confirmed cases in neighbouring Uganda. Concerns are rising that the outbreak, which began in a conflict zone with limited healthcare resources, could expand significantly across regional borders if left unchecked.

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