akins station

Juba News

Juba, the capital of South Sudan, is continuing to capture international attention as the country stabilizes following years of civil conflict. The peace process remains fragile, with the United Nations and African Union urging continued cooperation between the government and opposition forces. Global attention is also focused on South Sudan’s oil industry, which is poised to play a critical role in regional energy dynamics, especially in light of global energy shortages. Despite these positive developments, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions still displaced and in need of assistance. The country is also facing increasing pressure from the international community to address issues related to governance, corruption, and human rights.

Business and Economic News

South Sudan’s economy is still heavily dependent on oil exports, but there are ongoing efforts to diversify. The oil sector remains the backbone of the country’s economy, though recent fluctuations in global oil prices have left the nation vulnerable. Inflation is a significant issue, with the South Sudanese pound continuing to lose value against major currencies. However, Juba is seeing modest growth in non-oil sectors, including agriculture, construction, and telecommunications. The government has been focusing on improving infrastructure to attract foreign investment, and international companies are beginning to show interest in agriculture and renewable energy projects. Despite these positive signs, businesses in Juba continue to face challenges with poor infrastructure and inconsistent energy supply.

Political News

The political landscape in Juba remains complex, with the transitional government, formed under the peace agreement, continuing to face difficulties in fully implementing the terms of the peace deal. President Salva Kiir’s government is navigating a delicate relationship with the opposition led by Riek Machar, who serves as the First Vice President. While there has been relative peace in the past few years, underlying tensions persist, especially over issues like the integration of former rebel fighters into the national army and the establishment of a unified government. The international community continues to push for more political reforms, while local voices demand greater accountability and the end of corruption. Additionally, there are ongoing challenges with tribal divisions and calls for decentralization of power.

Employment News

Juba’s labor market is recovering slowly, with limited opportunities outside of the government and oil sectors. High levels of unemployment continue to affect the youth, who are finding it difficult to secure jobs in the formal economy. The government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving vocational training and entrepreneurship, especially among young people, but progress is slow. Many workers are also turning to the informal economy, engaging in street vending or small-scale businesses to survive. While the construction sector is seeing some job creation due to infrastructure development projects, overall job creation remains insufficient to meet the growing demand. Foreign aid organizations continue to play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, especially in humanitarian sectors.

Entertainment News

The entertainment scene in Juba is steadily growing, despite challenges posed by the country’s recent history of conflict. Local artists are gaining recognition within South Sudan and abroad, with music, dance, and theater becoming important forms of expression for the youth. Traditional South Sudanese music continues to thrive, with artists like Akon’s collaboration with South Sudanese musicians gaining international attention. However, the sector is still underdeveloped, with limited venues for performances and a lack of government investment. Despite this, there is a growing appetite for entertainment, and the city’s nightlife, particularly in local bars and clubs, is popular among expatriates and youth alike. The film industry in Juba is still in its nascent stages but shows promise, with a few independent filmmakers working to raise the profile of South Sudanese stories.

Election News

South Sudan’s next elections are slated for 2026, but the road to free and fair elections remains fraught with challenges. The transitional government has promised to hold elections, but there is widespread skepticism about the readiness of the electoral process. Issues such as voter registration, electoral reforms, and the inclusion of displaced persons remain unresolved. The peace agreement included provisions for the establishment of an independent electoral commission, but critics argue that the government has made little progress in setting it up. International organizations are urging the South Sudanese leadership to prioritize electoral reforms in order to ensure the credibility of the elections. Many fear that without sufficient preparation, the elections could reignite political tensions.

Legal News

Juba’s legal system continues to face significant hurdles, including corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of infrastructure. The judiciary is still in the process of rebuilding following the country’s long civil war, and many legal processes are slow, especially for ordinary citizens. Corruption within government institutions, including the police and courts, remains a significant issue. Human rights organizations continue to express concerns about arbitrary detentions, restrictions on free speech, and the treatment of political dissidents. While the government has made some efforts to address these issues, including creating human rights commissions, progress is slow. Many South Sudanese citizens continue to report feeling disconnected from the legal system due to its inaccessibility and inefficiency.

Market News

Juba’s market is heavily influenced by imports, with a high reliance on goods from neighboring countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Despite efforts to develop local industries, the market remains vulnerable to external shocks, particularly in the case of fluctuating prices for food and essential goods. There has been some growth in the retail sector, with new supermarkets and small retail chains opening up, catering to a growing middle class. The demand for construction materials has also increased due to ongoing infrastructure projects. However, access to goods remains erratic, with the market still experiencing disruptions due to political instability and trade restrictions in some areas. The informal market continues to play a central role in the city’s economy.

Forecast for Juba

june 20, 2025: Hot and dry, with a high of 35°C (95°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F).
June 26, 2025: Partly cloudy with a high of 36°C (97°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F).
June 27, 2025: Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 34°C (93°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F).
June 28, 2025: Cloudy with occasional rain, a high of 33°C (91°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F).
June 29, 2025: Light rain showers with a high of 32°C (90°F) and a low of 22°C (72°F).
June 20, 2025: Mostly sunny with a high of 34°C (93°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F).
June 21, 2025: Sunny, with a high of 35°C (95°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F).

Events (town, Concerts, Movies, Fairs, and Festivals)

town: Juba’s local town scene remains centered around football, with the South Sudan Premier League continuing to grow. On June 29, the Juba National Stadium will host a highly anticipated match between the local teams Al-Merreikh Juba and Al-Hilal. Additionally, the South Sudan national basketball team is preparing for an international friendly scheduled for June 28.
Concerts: On June 27, 2025, Juba will host a performance by South Sudanese musician and activist Emmanuel Jal, who is known for his unique blend of hip-hop and traditional African rhythms. His concert is expected to draw large crowds from both the local community and the expatriate population.
Movies: The South Sudanese Film Festival, which showcases local and African cinema, will run from june 20 to June 29, featuring films from both established and emerging filmmakers in the region. The festival will also hold workshops on film production and the challenges of creating content in post-conflict societies.
Fairs & Festivals: The Juba Cultural Fair will take place from June 28-20, celebrating South Sudanese heritage with traditional dance performances, food stalls, and crafts. The fair aims to highlight the country's diverse cultures and foster unity among the different ethnic groups.

In summary, Juba is navigating a period of cautious optimism, balancing recovery with significant challenges. While there are signs of progress in areas like infrastructure and oil, political instability, legal inefficiencies, and economic vulnerabilities continue to shape the city’s development. The local cultural and entertainment scenes are blossoming, offering a glimpse of South Sudan’s potential despite its ongoing struggles.