Cleft Support International, supported by the Catholic Diocese of Wau and the Lakes State Ministry of Health, launched a free cleft lip surgery campaign at Rumbek State Hospital in South Sudan. Acting Medical Director Dr. Gabriel Makuac Chuor stated that approximately 20 patients will undergo surgery, with discharge occurring immediately after the procedure. James Tarzoh of Cleft Support International noted that the service covers surgery, medication, and transport for children aged three months and older. A second session is scheduled for November 8-9, 2026, to treat those who missed the initial event. The initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on families in the region.
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A free eye surgery camp has launched in a city in eastern Chad to assist Sudanese refugees and local residents. Organized by several charitable groups, the project aims to perform cataract removal procedures. According to an administrative director of the organizing clinic, hundreds of people registered for the services. The initiative reported that dozens of surgeries were completed recently. The effort is part of broader healthcare access for refugees, with further medical interventions planned for the future to reach more individuals in need across the region.
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Health officials in South Sudan announced a vision restoration initiative in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. The project, led by Christian Blind Mission alongside the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and local authorities, aims to assist 5,000 residents. Operations started in Aweil East County following work in Aweil North County. Dr. Aguer Angok stated that 1,500 individuals will receive cataract surgeries, while 3,500 others will access general eye care. Beneficiaries like David Mathok Ngong hope to return to farming, and patients such as Daniel Garang Aleu have already regained sight. The effort addresses significant visual impairments in the region.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Anna Storsul on UnsplashPersecuted church
South Sudan’s church leaders called for an immediate halt to hostilities during a press conference in Juba on Tuesday. The South Sudan Council of Churches warned that armed violence, youth mobilization, and inter-communal fighting are killing and displacing civilians while disrupting humanitarian operations. Primate Justin Badi Arama highlighted the deteriorating security situation across multiple regions, including Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, Warrap, and Equatoria states. The council urged the government, armed groups, and communities to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and pursue dialogue over retaliation. This appeal comes amid ongoing instability following the 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Ilia Bronskiy on UnsplashGood news
Christian and Muslim leaders in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains issued a joint statement calling for an end to armed conflict and hate speech. Following a consultation in a neighboring country, major religious councils urged parties to respect a recent ceasefire. The leaders highlighted that fighting in a specific county has caused deaths, displacement, and property destruction. They called for inclusive dialogue, justice, and humanitarian aid to address root causes and promote reconciliation among communities in the region, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations from further violence.
Leaders in Yei River County, South Sudan, gathered at Yei Freedom Square on Monday to mark the International Day of Peace. The event, themed around investing in peace, brought together government officials, religious figures, and community members. Catholic Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor emphasized that dialogue, not firearms, ensures lasting stability. James Wani Banja noted recent peace improvements but criticized checkpoint violations. County Chairlady Alice Siama highlighted domestic violence, while Executive Director Hillary Lokudu urged calm participation in upcoming elections. The UN observes this day annually to promote global harmony.
A national church council in Sudan plans a peace prayer gathering in a city, sparking internal disagreement. Organizers state the event aims to unite Christians for national healing following recent fighting between armed groups. However, some pastors and church leaders oppose the initiative, citing concerns that government involvement in funding and logistics compromises the church's independence and neutrality. While organizers deny political alignment, critics argue that state-financed transport and venue arrangements undermine the event's spiritual integrity. The ongoing war in the country has created a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people.
The DAFI scholarship program has admitted 650 new students in South Sudan for the 2026 academic year, exceeding the total number of beneficiaries from the previous nine years. Officials announced the selection at an event in Juba, noting that the cohort includes refugees, returnees, and, for the first time, students from host communities. The Lutheran World Federation and UNHCR implemented the competitive process, which drew approximately 1,400 applications. This expansion aims to support higher education in fields like medicine and education, fostering long-term protection and community development for displaced and local populations.
Mass prayers were conducted in Turalei and Abyei town over the weekend to prevent renewed conflict between the Ngok Dinka and Twic communities in South Sudan. The South Sudan Council of Churches and faith groups organized the events amid rising social media tensions and a seven-day ultimatum issued by Twic officials. Abionweng Majith Diing, the Abyei peace minister, welcomed the initiatives as efforts to preserve peaceful relations. Meanwhile, Warrap State minister William Wol Mayom stated that those inciting violence are operating outside state jurisdiction. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has also called for restraint as armed youth are reportedly being mobilized in the disputed area.
The Juba City Council in South Sudan has warned residents that dumping waste on streets is a crime punishable by legal action. Deputy Mayor Stephen Lomude issued the warning during a cleaning campaign at Libya Market in Munuki, organized by the Diocese of Juba and local churches. Lomude stated that improper disposal creates health risks and noted that collection trucks now operate across all 57 quarter councils. He urged residents to use designated spots for waste until collection arrives. Assistant Bishop Jackson Gabriel also spoke, linking environmental cleanliness to social peace and urging the community to reject tribalism and promote reconciliation.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and the South Sudan Red Cross began distributing humanitarian assistance in Kajo-Keji County on Wednesday. The aid targets returnees from Ugandan refugee camps and internally displaced persons affected by recent cross-border clashes. Approximately 1,700 households received food donations out of a target of 2,600. Beneficiaries noted that flat-rate allocations often fail to meet the needs of large families. The organizations are also repairing infrastructure and providing family-link services to help separated relatives reconnect. Local leaders expressed gratitude for the relief efforts despite logistical challenges.
A Juba County Court in South Sudan dismissed a criminal case against six Moru Congregation leaders on 18 August 2026. The court ruled that the Episcopal Diocese of Juba lacked legal capacity to file the charges because it is an unincorporated association without legal personality. The six accused, including Canon Rev O’neil Yosia Diama, were discharged immediately. The case stemmed from a long-standing dispute over church administration and property autonomy. While the legal victory is significant, Moru leaders urge dialogue to resolve the underlying conflict over church control and the closure of the Nyokuran church. The Diocese has 15 days to appeal.
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