The Daily Update: Monday Evening Brief, 27th April 2026 – Fatal Air Crash Near Juba as Election Preparations Face Setback

(JUBA) – A passenger aircraft crashed near Juba on Monday morning, killing all 14 people on board, in one of the latest aviation incidents to hit South Sudan.

The aircraft, operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd., went down about 20 kilometres southwest of Juba. Authorities confirmed there were no survivors.

According to the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, the Cessna 208 Caravan left Yei at 9:15 in the morning heading to Juba International Airport but lost contact at 9:43. The plane was carrying 13 passengers and one pilot, including two Kenyan nationals and 12 South Sudanese citizens.

Initial reports indicate poor weather and low visibility may have contributed to the crash. A response team has been sent to the site to begin recovery work and investigations.

The authority expressed condolences to the families and said more updates will follow. The crash adds to a number of aviation accidents reported in South Sudan since independence in 2011.

Concerns are also growing over delays in funding for the National Elections Commission ahead of the planned December 2026 elections.

Civil society activist Edmund Yakani warned that failure to release funds is affecting key preparations such as voter education, registration and setting up election systems across the country.

Yakani said repeated directives to the Ministry of Finance to support the commission have not been fully carried out, leaving the body struggling to operate effectively.

In Juba, a special court has rejected a request to broadcast the trial of suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar and seven others.

The defence had asked for the proceedings to be aired live on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation and requested more time to prepare. However, during a session at Freedom Hall, the court said it would not change its earlier decision banning live coverage and also denied the request for adjournment.

Meanwhile, youth leaders in Yei River County are stepping up efforts to promote peace and reduce gang activity through creative programmes.

A meeting held over the weekend brought together artists, comedians, journalists and DJs to explore how talent development can help steer young people away from violence and strengthen unity in the community.

In Morobo County, the commissioner has called on residents to reject tribalism and work together for peace.

Speaking at a church event, Joseph Mawa John Ukuba urged communities to end division and support reconciliation efforts. He said lasting peace requires joint action from both leaders and citizens.

Civil society organisations have also launched a fundraising campaign to support communities affected by conflict in Greater Mundri, Western Equatoria State.

The coalition aims to raise 50,000 US dollars, about 285 million South Sudanese pounds, to fund peacebuilding work and provide emergency support. The initiative encourages small public donations, including 3 dollars to train youth as peace ambassadors and 8 dollars to provide meals for vulnerable people.

In regional news, Egyptian authorities have deported Sudanese writer Idris Ali Babiker after detaining him for 50 days despite holding valid refugee documents.

Human rights groups say the case raises concerns about the treatment of refugees. Reports describe poor detention conditions, overcrowding and limited medical care.

And that is the latest news from Access Radio.