Oil & Economy: South Sudan is pushing to turn its oil rebound into a wider economic revival, with Petroleum Undersecretary Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar driving plans to boost production, attract investment, strengthen petroleum institutions and expand domestic refining. Elections & Politics: The SPLM has opened nominations for December legislative, governorship and chief administrator seats (Oct. 5–9), while opposition parties have rejected President Salva Kiir’s national dialogue, saying it is controlled by the ruling party. Courts & Accountability: In Riek Machar’s trial, the Special Court ruled he can present his defence orally and set the next trial resumption for Oct. 7. Humanitarian Aid: The UN released $160 million from its emergency fund for 12 underfunded crises, including $15 million for South Sudan, warning that money alone won’t reach people without political will and access. Food Security: UN Women says Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Governance & Services: Germany is funding community projects for women and girls in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, focusing on education, protection, economic empowerment and menstrual health. Local Administration: Emmanuel Taban Seme was appointed caretaker commissioner of Yei River County, and Lakes and Central Equatoria governors agreed to cut illegal border checkpoints ahead of elections.