Humanitarian Crisis: Food stocks are collapsing for refugees and returnees in South Sudan’s border areas, with WFP warning that more than a million vulnerable people could lose life-saving food and nutrition help by October as supplies in hubs like Malakal fall sharply. Health System Strain: Only 11% of South Sudan’s health facilities are highly functional, and aid cuts are forcing closures—MSF says two-thirds of primary care centres in Northern Bahr el Ghazal have shut, pushing families to travel far for treatment. Elections & Governance: South Sudan says it has completed key legal steps for December polls, while Kenya’s Ruto and Kiir urge dialogue and consensus; meanwhile, Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor orders ministers to protect public resources and prepare voters. Refugees’ Rights: Refugees are demanding stronger protection and easier access to services, saying documentation and registration problems can lead to arrest and block healthcare. Local Economy & Trade: Juba County moves to restrict foreign nationals from small-scale retail, sparking panic among Ugandan traders; the policy targets chapati, onions, tomatoes and similar retail activities, pushing foreigners toward wholesale. Regional Politics: Four African leaders issue a joint declaration calling for peaceful solutions as Ethiopia’s conflict escalates and tensions with Eritrea and Egypt rise. Energy & Jobs: Dangote says the $16bn East Africa refinery in Lamu will be delivered in 40 months, with a local content push and 30% equity offered to East African countries—framed as a boost for regional energy security.