Elections & Peace Readiness: South Sudan’s peace sponsors are “jittery” as Juba kicks off voter drive for the Dec. 22 polls, after amendments to the 2018 peace deal cleared the way for voting but critics warn institutions are weak and insecurity persists. Political Space: A political alliance of parties signed a declaration backing peaceful elections, rule of law, and rejecting violence and hate speech. Central Equatoria Politics: The governor’s office in Central Equatoria denies blocking an NPM rally in Lainya, calling the claims misleading and unsubstantiated. Economy & Banking: President Salva Kiir warned that failures in the financial sector won’t be tolerated, as new Bank of South Sudan governor Addis Ababa Othow pledged staff welfare and reforms amid cash shortages and SSP depreciation. Trade & Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor to cut transit times and boost trade. Digital Finance: A new look at South Sudan’s fintech push highlights how digital money is growing in a pro-cash economy where formal banking is limited. Health & Community Solutions: In Lakes State, a health centre stays open through community cost-sharing of SSP 1,000 per patient. Regional Health Threat: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps surging, now the second-largest ever, with insecurity and response gaps raising fears for cross-border spread. International Legal Pressure: A U.S. court recognized a $1.02 billion Qatar National Bank arbitration award against South Sudan, raising the risk of enforcement abroad if payment isn’t made. UNESCO & Youth Peacebuilding: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Bandiglo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, while UNESCO and IOM launched programs to support thousands of young people and women in peacebuilding across states. Security Incident Abroad: A South Sudanese man was arrested in the U.S. after an alleged killing of his wife in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.