AGP Executive Report

Budget & Tax: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers approved an SSP 11.3 trillion resource envelope and expenditure framework for 2026/27, sending it to parliament for scrutiny, while also reaffirming tighter tax rules for importers of alcohol, cigarettes, vehicles and other non-exempt goods. Humanitarian Access: Akobo residents protested in Jonglei over delayed humanitarian cash assistance they say is being blocked in Juba, accusing authorities of politicising aid. Local Development: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona under the ECRP II project, with plans for flood mitigation and dozens of community infrastructure works. Elections & Politics: The Political Parties Council says 39 parties are legally registered as December polls near, while President Kiir urged all forces to reject violence and embrace dialogue. Peace Process: U.S., UK and Norway warned that dialogue cannot be “genuine” without Riek Machar’s participation, citing his house arrest and trial. Health & Ebola Preparedness: Yei County renewed Ebola preparedness efforts amid rising regional risk, as DRC reports continue to climb. Economy & Trade: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to boost cargo movement via Dar es Salaam port. Public Pay Pressure: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years of arrears, but workers say it won’t solve the hardship. Sports: South Sudan’s Bright Stars beat Libya 95-57 in FIBA qualifiers, moving closer to the next round.

Elections & Peace Process: The U.S., UK and Norway Troika warned South Sudan’s political dialogue isn’t genuine unless all 2018 peace signatories are included, saying it’s “farcical” to hold talks while First Vice President Riek Machar is under house arrest and on trial. Parliament & Governance: South Sudan’s Cabinet approved the 2026/2027 budget framework worth SSP 11.3 trillion and tightened tax exemption rules, sending the plan to lawmakers. Political Parties: The Political Parties Council says 39 parties are now legally registered as the Dec. 22 elections near, while monitors warn funding shortages and insecurity could delay key steps. Salaries & Public Pressure: Civil servants in Jonglei began receiving one month’s pay after a two-year delay, but residents say it won’t cover basic needs and demand more arrears cleared. Health & Ebola Risk: Yei County renewed Ebola preparedness as DR Congo’s outbreak tops 1,300 cases and spreads toward areas bordering South Sudan and Uganda. Trade & Customs: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs deal to speed cargo movement through Dar es Salaam and boost the trade corridor. Local Services: Gondokoro Monenyit Island residents near Juba say they lack a school and functioning health services, forcing daily river crossings for education and care.

Elections Roadmap Under Strain: South Sudan’s December 2026 vote faces delays as the Political Parties Council warns of a 60% funding deficit and insecurity is slowing key preparations, including field work and audits. Peace Process Pressure: The Troika (US, UK, Norway) says political dialogue can’t be “genuine” without all 2018 peace signatories, pointing to Riek Machar’s trial and absence; meanwhile CTSAMVM warns recurring ceasefire violations and slow security reforms could derail the transition. Parliament Clears Path for Polls: Lawmakers approved amendments to the 2018 peace deal, de-linking the census and permanent constitution from the electoral timetable, and President Salva Kiir says the roadmap is now set for elections. Machar Trial Adjourned: Riek Machar’s special court case was adjourned after a judge fell ill, as prosecutors continue the Nasir incident case. Health Watch: In DR Congo, Ebola has killed 438 and spread to Kisangani; WHO has started a clinical trial of two treatments. Local Services Gap: Gondokoro Monenyit Island near Juba lacks a school and functioning health facility, forcing daily river crossings for children and patients.

Elections & Peace Deal: South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislature approved amendments to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, de-linking the census and permanent constitution-making from the electoral roadmap and clearing the way for general elections in December 2026. SPLM Leadership & Party Politics: President Salva Kiir said the changes remove delays so citizens can vote sooner, while the NCP announced it will back Kiir for the presidency and focus on parliamentary seats; the NCP also replaced its secretary general ahead of elections. Security Readiness: CTSAMVM warned that delays in implementing the peace deal’s transitional security arrangements could undermine election preparations, citing ongoing localized violence and armed group activity. Civil Society & Independence Day: Civil society groups urged parties to stop violence and embrace reconciliation ahead of the 15th Independence Day celebrations, while the culture ministry called for nationwide observance across states. Regional Health Crisis (Ebola): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 400 and spread to a fourth province near the South Sudan border, raising fears of spillover into South Sudan and wider economic damage across Africa. Economy & Trade: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to strengthen border trade and security cooperation, including implementing the border trade protocol to boost legal commerce. Public Service Payments: Government says civil servants’ salaries and organized forces’ pay are being processed and paid in phases across the country.

Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislature has ratified controversial amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, deferring the national population and housing census and the permanent constitution-making process until after the December 2026 general elections—clearing major legal hurdles for the National Elections Commission and political parties to speed up preparations. Civil Service Pay: The government says civil servants’ and organized forces’ salaries are now being processed and paid in phases, with some ministries and states already receiving at least one month’s pay. Border Trade & Security: Greater Pibor and Ethiopia agreed in Addis Ababa to strengthen cross-border trade, improve border security, and curb illegal trade by fully implementing the Border Trade Protocol. Economic & Governance Debate: An opinion piece argues South Sudan’s economic crisis is turning into a crisis of state legitimacy, while another criticizes the growing role of Senior Presidential Envoy Adut Kiir. Humanitarian Safety: A deadly attack on a humanitarian aid convoy in Jonglei killed 17 people, including five John Dau Foundation staff, as injured survivors received urgent medical care. Public Health Watch: UN agencies warn Ebola in DR Congo could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and push hundreds of thousands more into poverty, with risks of spillover toward South Sudan. Culture & National Unity: The Minister of Culture launched a nationwide Independence Day flag-and-anthem campaign, urging celebrations across all states and communities.

Ebola Watch: The UN warns the DRC’s Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and push about 985,000 more people into poverty, with women hit hardest, as containment restrictions disrupt jobs, trade, education and health services. Cross-Border Risk: The outbreak has spread to a fourth DRC province, Haut-Uele, which borders South Sudan—raising fears of spillover into a region with weak public health capacity. Health Response in South Sudan: ASK Foundation and German doctors launched a four-day free cleft lip and cleft palate surgery drive in Juba for 20 children, offering surgery, care and follow-up. Elections Roadmap: South Sudan’s legislature ratified amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, clearing the way for December 2026 elections by deferring the permanent constitution and national census to the next elected government. Political Party Moves: The Political Parties Council registered the IO Party (formerly SPLM-IO) and four other parties, formalizing new legal identities ahead of elections. Security and Rights: Defense Minister Chol Thon vowed zero tolerance for violations against children, saying recruiters and abusers will face prosecution. Diplomacy/UN Presence: UNMISS closed its temporary operating base in Akobo, Jonglei, citing improved security conditions and UN procedures despite liquidity constraints.

Ebola Economic Shock: The UN warns the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion and risk 328,000 jobs if it spreads beyond Congo and Uganda, with South Sudan flagged as a possible next target. Humanitarian Safety: A convoy carrying humanitarian staff was attacked in Duk County, with injuries and reported civilian casualties, as UNMISS also faces criticism over its Akobo withdrawal. UNMISS Akobo Exit: UNMISS says it closed its temporary operating base in Akobo, Jonglei, citing deteriorating security and UN liquidity limits, while also clarifying how vehicles and assets were handled. Election Prep & Youth: The National Assembly Speaker urged youth to reject hate speech and avoid being used as “political firewood” ahead of the 2026 elections. Opposition Party Registration: The Political Parties Council registered a SPLM-IO breakaway as the IO Party, a move that could spark backlash ahead of the first national election since independence. Regional Cyber Cooperation: IGAD’s cyber drill ended with calls for stronger cross-border coordination, including plans for an information-sharing center. Israel–South Sudan Ties: South Sudan reaffirmed support for deeper Africa-Israel engagement, including backing Israel’s observer status at the African Union.

Ebola Watch: The UN warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs if it spreads, as cases rise to 1,307 and deaths to 377, with fears of spillover to neighbours including South Sudan. Opposition Politics: The Political Parties Council has registered a breakaway SPLM-IO faction as the “IO Party,” a move that could deepen splits ahead of South Sudan’s first national election since independence. Diplomacy: South Sudan’s foreign minister, James Pitia Morgan, met Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem, reaffirming support for stronger Africa–Israel engagement and cooperation in mining, agriculture, trade, technology and training. Governance & Services: Eastern Equatoria swore in new county commissioners and state officials after President Salva Kiir approved appointments, strengthening local administration. Media & Peace: Journalists began training on conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive reporting, with organizers stressing election coverage must reduce tensions. Regional Security: INSA’s deputy director-general says cyber threats now cross borders, calling for stronger IGAD cooperation after the 2026 regional cyber drill in Addis Ababa.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: The Democratic Republic of the Congo says Ebola has hit 1,307 confirmed cases with 377 deaths, and the outbreak has now spread to a fourth province, Haut-Uele, raising fears for cross-border transmission toward South Sudan. Local Governance in Eastern Equatoria: Eastern Equatoria swore in new county commissioners and state officials after President Salva Kiir approved appointments, including commissioners for Magwi, Kapoeta South, and Torit. Diplomacy and Health Funding: The U.S. ambassador met Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol in Juba, stressing public finance management and pointing to a signed U.S.-South Sudan health cooperation deal. Food Security Warning: UN agencies warn South Sudan’s food crisis could worsen through late 2026 as drought risks rise and funding shortages deepen displacement and malnutrition. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s telecom regulator adjusted mobile tariffs amid forex and operating-cost pressures, with consumers bracing for higher bills. Elections Administration: The Political Parties Council says it has trained new registration coordinators and inspectors ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections. Politics and Security Courtroom: In Riek Machar’s trial, a co-accused alleged NSS inserted messages into his phone, while NSS denied claims linking a security chief to gold extraction.

Elections & Governance: The Political Parties Council (PPC) says it has finished induction training for new registration coordinators and inspectors ahead of South Sudan’s Dec. 22, 2026 polls, aiming to strengthen party compliance and electoral integrity across all states. Court & Security: In Riek Machar’s trial, a co-accused told the special court that National Security Service officers allegedly inserted digital messages into his phone, while the court is set to rule on whether remaining accused must file written defence submissions from July 3. Telecoms & Cost of Living: South Sudan’s NCA approved a phased telecom tariff adjustment starting June 26 to protect operators amid forex shortages; social media criticism is rising as consumers brace for higher charges. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan says South Sudan has scored major diplomatic gains since independence, including full membership in key regional and UN bodies. Health: Africa CDC reports DRC Ebola cases have reached 1,274 with 96 healthcare workers infected, as the outbreak spreads to a fourth province and cross-border fears grow. UN Protection: UN peacekeepers withdrew from an Akobo base in Jonglei but say they will keep protecting civilians through patrols.

Elections & Peace Readiness: SPLM-IO leaders are questioning South Sudan’s Dec. 22, 2026 election timetable, saying key peace-deal provisions still aren’t met, while civil society and political voices warn war, insecurity, and state capture could make any vote illegitimate. Constitutional Tensions: Commentators flag risks in the Transitional Constitution after 2026, including provisions that could let the president remove elected state officials and dissolve assemblies. Local Party Friction: In Aweil East, a county commissioner suspended the SPLM Youth League chairperson, citing constitutional breach—sparking internal disputes. Health Cooperation: The U.S. and South Sudan finalized a $166 million, three-year health cooperation deal focused on HIV/AIDS and outbreak response, with accountability tied to salary payments and vaccine cold chains. Mining & Regional Policy: South Sudan backs a new Africa-wide minerals governance strategy after ratification in Abuja. Infrastructure for Access: Leer County received its first concrete airstrip, built by WFP with UK support, aimed at improving humanitarian access. Ebola Alert: WHO-linked reporting warns Ebola could reach South Sudan, urging border surveillance and contact tracing. Agriculture & Climate Research: Universities launched a four-year agroforestry research and training project including the University of Juba to help climate mitigation. Energy Access: A World Bank “Mission 300” update says nearly 600 million Africans still lack electricity, with Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria leading new connections. Banking & Cash: South Sudan lifted a cash withdrawal cap after a liquidity crisis, as the economy tries to rebuild confidence in formal banking.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s opposition UPA says no election can be legitimate under war, insecurity and “state capture,” rejecting the December 22, 2026 poll date and calling for an inclusive national dialogue and a neutral caretaker transition. Constitutional Tension: An opinion piece warns the Transitional Constitution’s Articles 100(r) and (s) could threaten elected state officials after the 2026 elections by keeping presidential powers to remove governors and dissolve assemblies. Peace & Federalism: Equatoria traditional leaders urge federalism, security sector reforms, and credible elections in a communiqué after a peace conference in Kit. Dialogue on Cattle Withdrawal: A policy think tank calls for a national dialogue over stalled implementation of a presidential cattle-withdrawal order, saying delays are fueling land disputes, food insecurity and localized violence. Mining & Local Grievances: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspends mining operations in Nakere after community unrest over environmental damage and weak local benefits. Health Security: WHO-linked reporting says a rare Ebola strain has a high chance of reaching South Sudan, as DRC cases surge and Uganda reports transmission. Economy & Banking: The Economic Cluster lifts the 10 million SSP cash withdrawal limit, a move aimed at easing the liquidity crisis and restoring confidence in formal banking. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s NCA approves a phased telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustment, with the cost of a one-minute call set to rise. Infrastructure: Leer County receives its first concrete airstrip built by WFP to improve humanitarian access and emergency response.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s opposition UPA says December polls can’t be legitimate under war and insecurity, calling for an inclusive national dialogue and a neutral caretaker transition; Election Readiness: NEC has set 22 December 2026 for the first post-independence general election, but mediators and civil society warn of major gaps in laws, funding, voter registration and security; Political Realignment: Over 120 SPLM-IO members in Koch County have defected to SPLM-IG, citing “positive leadership” and improved local service delivery; Ebola Threat: WHO-linked reporting and new modelling warn Ebola in DRC could reach South Sudan within weeks, with Uganda already affected and Africa CDC pushing regional preparedness; Health & GBV: A Respect Project launch in Juba County renews calls for stronger community action to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors; Mining & Community Tensions: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspends mining in Nakere after unrest over environmental damage and weak community benefits; Mining Governance: South Sudan backs a continental minerals strategy after Abuja ratification, while Nigeria’s mining cadastre office pledges technical support to strengthen South Sudan’s mining land system; Infrastructure for Access: Leer County in Unity State receives its first concrete airstrip built by WFP with UK support to boost humanitarian access; Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s NCA approves a phased tariff exchange-rate adjustment, raising the cost of a one-minute call; Sports: Cabinet approves funding for national basketball and football teams ahead of regional qualifiers.

Ebola Threat to South Sudan: WHO-linked reporting says the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has crossed into Uganda and modelling gives South Sudan a roughly 70% chance of being reached soon, with experts urging border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burials. Elections and Dialogue: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani and other voices call for an inclusive national dialogue ahead of the December 22 vote, warning that unresolved grievances and weak consensus could derail a peaceful process. Election Readiness Doubts: The Kenya-led Tumaini mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo says South Sudan is not ready for credible polls, pointing to gaps in laws, security, funding, and voter registration. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s NCA approved a phased adjustment to telecom tariff exchange rates after operators warned of inflation, fuel and currency pressures—raising the cost of a one-minute call. Gender-Based Violence Response: The Respect Project launched in Juba County aims to strengthen community engagement and support services to prevent GBV. Local Governance and Land Disputes: A think tank urges national dialogue over stalled cattle-withdrawal implementation in parts of Equatoria, saying weak enforcement is fueling land disputes and insecurity. Humanitarian Access: Residents of Leer County in Unity State welcomed a new concrete airstrip built by WFP to improve transport and emergency response. Mining Tensions: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspended mining operations in Nakere after community unrest over environmental damage and limited local benefits. Crime and Safety: Police in Twic County detained a mentally ill suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe. Education Support: Aweil East communities appealed for urgent renovation of Madhol Primary School after storm damage, with a push to keep girls in class.

Ebola Threat to South Sudan: WHO says a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain has a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan, with modelling pointing to spread that may have started weeks before official confirmation in DRC—prompting calls for border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burials. Humanitarian Access: Leer County in Unity State received its first concrete airstrip, built by WFP with UK support, aimed at easing transport and speeding up aid delivery in a conflict-affected area. Mining Governance: Nigeria’s Mining Cadastre Office pledged technical support to strengthen South Sudan’s mining cadastre system, while Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspended mining operations in Nakere after community unrest over environmental damage and limited local benefits. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s NCA approved a phased adjustment to the telecom tariff exchange rate, with operators saying it’s meant to keep services running amid inflation and currency pressures. Elections & Services: South Sudan reaffirmed plans for December 2026 elections and discussed timely capitation grants for primary schools and support for health and education. Local Incidents: Police in Twic County detained a mentally distressed suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe. Women’s Support: Lakes State handed over a $10,000 store facility for a women’s peace farm group, funded through Swiss support.

Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC is convening a three-day meeting in Addis Ababa to boost regional readiness as the DRC outbreak tops 1,000 cases and spreads to Uganda, with new modelling warning South Sudan could see cases within weeks. Elections & Governance: South Sudan reaffirmed its commitment to December 2026 elections, with preparations including an inter-party dialogue aimed at consensus and a peaceful, credible vote. Cash & Banking Relief: The Economic Cluster lifted cash withdrawal limits imposed on customers, ending a directive that capped withdrawals at SSP 10 million and easing pressure during the cash liquidity crisis. Telecom Costs: MTN, Zain and Digitel said South Sudan’s telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustment will take effect at midnight in phases, citing inflation, fuel costs, and limited foreign currency access. Sports Funding: Cabinet approved funding to support South Sudan’s national basketball and football teams ahead of regional and international competitions. Local Stories: In Twic County, police detained a mentally distressed suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe; in Lakes State, women’s peace farms received a $10,000 store facility to support food security. Media Leadership: Koang Pal Chang was appointed to the South Sudan Media Authority board through a Republican Order dated June 24.