Elections & Diplomacy: South Sudan’s UN envoy Cecilia Adeng told the UN General Assembly that sanctions should be lifted and that “the ballot must replace the bullets,” urging security, dialogue, and inclusion ahead of December polls. Inter-Party Dialogue: SPLM Secretary General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit urged party cadres to focus meetings on election matters as President Salva Kiir opened inter-party talks in Juba. Election Readiness: Civil society groups say voter registration and civic education still lag, calling for faster coordination among the transitional government, the National Elections Commission, and security agencies. Economy & Payments: The National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) and Ecobank South Sudan discussed integrating the NSIF digital platform with bank systems as contributor registration begins Oct. 1, aiming to improve digital payments and controls. Humanitarian & Food Security: WFP warned Ethiopia faces a severe funding shortfall as insecurity and climate shocks threaten harvests, with needs expected to rise into 2027. Energy & Regional Trade: Uganda and South Sudan launched a $254m power interconnection line to expand electricity trading and reduce reliance on costly diesel. Local Agriculture: Farmers in Yei River County urged practical support—security, roads, irrigation, storage, and affordable loans—to fight food insecurity. Sports (Juba): Egypt’s Mohamed Salah was rested for the AFCON qualifier in Juba due to concerns over the artificial turf.