Elections Countdown: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set 22 December 2026 as the general election date, but says it still needs about $229 million more to fully fund voter registration, civic education, materials, training, logistics and polling. Political Tensions: SPLM-IO says the timetable is “premature,” arguing key security and political conditions for credible polls are not in place and warning the process could deepen instability. Regional Integration: South Sudan has received IGAD’s Free Movement of Persons protocol for ratification, with the Justice Ministry set to draft an explanatory note before Council of Ministers review and onward approval steps. Food Security: The Agriculture minister urged farmers in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to boost Aweil rice production to cut imports and strengthen national food security. Public Finance Integrity: The Bank of South Sudan denied viral claims that rats damaged SSP 3 trillion in bank facilities, calling the story false and urging people not to amplify misinformation. Health & Safety: Aweil rice push comes as Ebola fears remain regional, with reports noting the DRC outbreak has surpassed 1,000 cases; in Warrap, a toddler died in a fire linked to children trying to burn caterpillars. Humanitarian Access: Jonglei Governor Riek Gai Kok accused some aid groups of engaging “illegitimate” opposition-linked authorities and defended checkpoints as part of state duties.