AGP Executive Report

Elections & Governance: Juba County caretaker commissioner Kalisto Ladu Nyigilo was sworn in and vowed political neutrality as December 22, 2026 elections approach, saying caretaker officials will organize communities, maintain security, and ensure public resources benefit locals. Humanitarian Crisis: UN Women warns South Sudan faces the highest proportional food insecurity risk in a Middle East-driven price shock, with an additional 11.7 million women and girls across 28 countries—South Sudan’s share is about one in seven women. Finance & Inclusion: Ecobank says it will expand credit to women-owned businesses, committing $2 billion across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including South Sudan, using digital onboarding to bring informal traders into banking. Tax & Liquidity: South Sudan ordered telecom firms Zain, MTN and Digitel to settle tax arrears in cash, dropping electronic payment arrangements amid a liquidity squeeze. Regional Integration: EAC held consultations in Rumbek on a proposed political confederation constitution, with calls for stronger cooperation, peacebuilding, and women’s representation. International Support: UN allocated $160M from CERF to 12 underfunded humanitarian crises, including South Sudan. Wildlife & Tourism: Boma-Badingilo was inscribed as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spotlighting the Great Nile Migration. Sports: South Sudan Athletics Federation set Nov 27–29, 2026 for the 4th Athletics Republican Championships and began its election process.

Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission presented voter registration materials to President Salva Kiir, while Kiir met UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho to discuss the peace process, security and the political transition. Humanitarian Funding: The UN says donors have contributed nearly $1.2 billion for humanitarian action in South Sudan, including over $980 million under the South Sudan Crisis Response Plan. Private Sector Social Protection: The National Social Insurance Fund urged employers and employees in the private sector to register as mandatory registration continues, with employers paying 17% and employees 8% of gross salary. Security & Rights: A former youth leader in Yei raised alarm over rising murder, robbery and rape, criticizing community leaders and rights groups for silence. Community Safety: In Western Equatoria, 78 civilians abducted along the Juba–Mundri road were released after up to four days in captivity. Standards & Trade: South Sudan’s standards bureau joined the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and integration into regional and international markets. Regional Trade: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut border delays and costs for cross-border business.

Standards & Trade: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards says its executive director is in Paris for the ISO General Assembly, pushing for stronger quality and safety systems to better fit regional and international markets. Elections & Politics: The AU’s C5 Plus urged South Sudan to release political detainees, end hostilities, and stick to a consensual electoral roadmap ahead of December polls, while the Political Parties Council says no armed political parties are operating and that 46 parties are cleared for the ballot. Humanitarian Funding: UN OCHA reports donors have contributed nearly $1.2 billion for humanitarian action, including $980m for the South Sudan Crisis Response Plan, and points to its Financial Tracking Service for transparency. Oil & Jobs: President Kiir appointed a caretaker petroleum minister as the country prepares for the SSOP energy forum, while regional attention stays on the Dangote-led Lamu refinery project that promises major jobs and regional supply. Border & Business: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut delays and costs for cross-border trade, including support for women traders. Security & Rights: HRW condemned the UAE detention of South Sudanese commentator Samuel Oyay without charge for a year. Community Impact: Western Equatoria says 78 civilians abducted on the Juba–Mundri road have been released after days in captivity.

AU Election Pressure: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Sudan’s leaders to uphold the 2018 peace deal as December elections near, saying the Revitalised Agreement is the “paramount legal instrument” and warning that elections alone won’t secure peace. Inter-Party Dialogue: The Inter-Party Political Dialogue heard parties’ positions on December polls, with SPLM stressing consensus, freedom of campaigning, fair media access and funding, while SSOMA backed the scheduled vote. Civic Education Access: Caretaker ICT Minister Ateny Wek said SSBC will give equal access to parties and use the broadcaster mainly for civic and voter education. Security Restraint: CTSAMVM warned parties to exercise restraint and avoid moves that could worsen security, stressing freedom of movement and protection of civilian and humanitarian routes. Women’s Political Push: Women’s rights advocates urged South Sudanese women to contest and lead in the December 22, 2026 elections, calling for stronger cooperation and louder voices in decision-making. Regional Energy Spotlight: Kenya’s ground-breaking for Dangote’s $16bn Lamu refinery (700,000 bpd, 40 months) drew regional leaders, with the project framed as boosting industrialisation and energy security across East Africa.

Elections Watch: South Sudan told the UN General Assembly that “the ballot must replace the bullets,” with caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister Cecilia Adut Manyok Adeng saying the government will protect citizens, maintain order, and safeguard the December 2026 vote. Women in Politics: Women’s rights advocates in Juba urged South Sudanese women to move from participation to leadership and consider contesting in the December 22 elections, as training on Women, Peace and Security gets underway. Security & Ceasefire: CTSAMVM warned political parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could worsen insecurity, while discussing reported clashes and attacks in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Warrap and Central Equatoria. AU Election Push: The African Union’s C5 committee met with IGAD to review election readiness, with AU leaders stressing elections alone won’t guarantee peace and urging faster resolution of remaining challenges. Local Campaigning: SPLM launched its election campaign in Eastern Equatoria, urging cadres to mobilize voters from the grassroots. Sports: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, adding pressure as the qualifiers continue.

Elections Readiness: The AU’s C5 and IGAD urged South Sudan to accelerate remaining steps for the 26 December polls, stressing credible, peaceful voting needs security, funding, and a clear legal framework. Political Dialogue: President Salva Kiir opened inter-party dialogue focused on the election roadmap, as leaders warn the ballot must replace the bullets. Diplomacy: South Sudan received new ambassador appointments as the government approved postings including Angola, the Philippines, Madagascar, and South Sudan. Economy & Finance: The Bank of South Sudan retired 11 veteran staff at age 65, while telecom operators pledged to clear tax arrears under the government’s cash payment policy. Health & Borders: Canada extended Ebola-related travel and immigration measures affecting Uganda and South Sudan, citing the DRC outbreak risk. Regional Power: Uganda and South Sudan moved closer to electricity integration after a cross-border transmission project technical launch. Sports: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifiers; Mohamed Salah was rested over concerns about the artificial pitch at Juba Stadium.

Elections & Politics: South Sudan’s registered political parties, led by SPLM-IO, are demanding unrestricted rallies and campaign activities ahead of December polls, including calls to remove security clearance requirements for election-related meetings, while civil society and AU-linked efforts push for a credible, peaceful transition. Diplomacy & Sanctions: South Sudan’s UN envoy Cecilia Adeng told the General Assembly the “ballot must replace the bullets,” urging sanctions to be lifted if they serve clear objectives and warning that elections need security, resources, and continued political dialogue. Regional Power & Trade: Uganda and South Sudan moved closer to electricity integration after a technical launch of the 400kv SUPIP interconnection, backed by the African Development Bank, aimed at expanding cross-border power trade and reliability. Health & Ebola: The UAE pledged $10 million to support Ebola containment across Africa as Kenya tightens surveillance and border preparedness, while WHO warns DRC’s outbreak has expanded into new provinces, raising risks of cross-border spread. Sports: Egypt rested Mohamed Salah for the AFCON qualifier in Juba, citing the artificial pitch at Juba Stadium. China Ties: China marked its PRC anniversary with a Juba reception highlighting expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, education and health.

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.

South Sudan Elections: President Salva Kiir has opened a two-week inter-party dialogue in Juba on the conditions for the December 22, 2026 vote, urging parties to stick to election issues and not reopen negotiations. Election Readiness: A Civil Society Forum says key tasks still need urgent work, especially voter registration and civic and voter education, and calls for tighter cooperation among the transitional government, the National Elections Commission, and security agencies. Central Bank Crackdown: The Bank of South Sudan ordered telecoms, power firms, petroleum companies, banks and others to stop foreign exchange deals with unauthorised persons or entities, warning that unregulated trading undermines transparency and can fuel financial crimes. Digital Payments: NSIF and Ecobank South Sudan are discussing how to integrate the National Social Insurance Digital Platform with Ecobank systems as contributor registration nears on Oct. 1. Energy Trade: A $254m Uganda–South Sudan power line is set to link Uganda’s grid to Juba, opening a route for electricity trading and reducing reliance on costly diesel. Sports & Juba Stadium: Egypt’s Mohamed Salah will miss the AFCON qualifier in Juba because the Egyptian Football Association says the match will be played on artificial turf. Climate Reporting: UJOSS President Oyet Patrick urged journalists to intensify reporting on climate change and environmental impacts across South Sudan.

Inter-Party Dialogue: President Salva Kiir has opened a two-week inter-party dialogue in Juba on the conditions for the Dec 22, 2026 election, urging parties to stick to electoral issues and not reopen negotiations; the process follows the dissolution of the transitional government and contested election-law changes. Mediation Leadership: Archbishop Elias Taban Parangi has been named chief mediator for the dialogue, with faith groups backing him to help create a safer space for parties to engage. Election Pushback: Opposition voices and rights concerns continue to grow over whether the vote can be free and fair, with analysts warning that confidence—not just a timetable—will decide if the election reduces conflict. Governance & Power: A preview report says Kiir’s moves concentrate sweeping authority during the campaign period, raising fears of weakened checks and balances. Security Spillover: Ethiopia’s civil war risks reigniting after TPLF forces seized control of Mekelle International Airport, with skirmishes and airstrikes reported. Forex Crackdown: The Bank of South Sudan ordered telecoms, banks and others to stop FX deals with unauthorised actors, while also denying social-media recruitment allegations. Regional Trade: Reports show Ethiopia’s seaborne trade still heavily routes through Djibouti, while preparations continue for major port and refinery projects in the region.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s political transition is heating up as President Salva Kiir dissolves the transitional government and pushes an inter-party dialogue ahead of the December 22 vote, while opposition groups and rights voices question whether the electoral changes were made with enough consultation and whether conditions for a free, fair process are in place. Governance & Unity: Central Equatoria caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani says he will work with everyone for unity, development and stability as the state prepares for the election period. Forex Crackdown: The Bank of South Sudan orders telecoms, banks and other firms to stop forex deals with unauthorised people, warning that off-market trading undermines transparency and can fuel money laundering. Central Bank Pushback: The BoSS also denies social media recruitment allegations as false and urges the public not to spread unverified claims. Sports & Juba Pitch: Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will miss the AFCON qualifier in Juba because Egypt says the match will be played on artificial turf. Regional Health: WHO reports Ebola in DR Congo has expanded to two additional health zones, including one bordering South Sudan.

South Sudan Elections Watch: President Salva Kiir dissolved the Revitalized Transitional Government and shifted the country into a caretaker arrangement ahead of the December 22 polls, after electoral law changes removed links to a permanent constitution and national census—while opposition groups and rights voices warn the process lacks consultation and could deepen political tension. Legal Debate: A legal commentary argues the dissolution and election timeline align with constitutional and statutory interpretation, pushing back on claims that the move violates executive authority during transition. Regional Health & Ebola: WHO reports Ebola in DR Congo has expanded to two new health zones, including Dungu bordering South Sudan, as conflict and displacement continue to hamper response efforts. Cross-Border Data Risk: The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a warning about a possible data breach tied to Ebola screening at Kenyan ports of entry, including travellers’ names, passport numbers and health information, with South Sudan among affected origin countries. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: Egypt will rest Mohamed Salah for the South Sudan match in Juba due to the artificial pitch, while Malawi’s Flames opened AFCON qualifying with a 2-1 win over South Sudan in Lilongwe. Oil & Jobs (Regional): Kenya’s Lamu Port received the first major cargo for Aliko Dangote’s refinery project, with the broader East Africa push framed around large-scale jobs and industrial growth.

Elections & Governance: With less than three months to South Sudan’s Dec. 22 general elections, President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government and launched inter-party dialogue in Juba, but opposition groups say electoral changes were made without enough consultation and warn the vote may not deliver a peaceful transition. Election Readiness: The National Election Commission says parties should turn plans “into ballots and not bullets,” as critics point to gaps left by the 2018 peace deal, including security unification and constitutional progress. Ebola & Public Health: WHO reports the DRC Ebola outbreak has expanded into two new health zones, including Dungu in Haut-Uele bordering South Sudan, as conflict and displacement hamper response and tracing. Food Security: An IGAD report warns 40.3 million people across six countries face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan showing the highest prevalence. Regional Sports: Egypt will rest Mohamed Salah for the AFCON qualifier in Juba due to artificial turf, while Malawi opened AFCON qualifying with a 2-1 win over South Sudan. Cyber & Travel: The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued an advisory after a possible data breach tied to Ebola screening at Kenyan ports of entry.

Election Politics: President Salva Kiir opened an inter-party dialogue in Juba on election-related matters after dissolving the transitional unity government, urging parties to focus on a peaceful, credible path to the Dec. 22 vote—while opposition groups, including those linked to Riek Machar, question whether elections can be held in time. Humanitarian & Health: WHO says DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola has reached two new health zones, including near South Sudan, as conflict and displacement hamper response; Britain has also deployed Ebola specialists around Juba to train and test border crossers. Food Security: IGAD warns 40.3 million people across six countries face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan worst at 55% prevalence and millions needing urgent food and livelihood help. Regional Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres appointed Russian diplomat Toily Kurbanov as deputy special representative and humanitarian coordinator for UNMISS. Sports (South Sudan focus): Malawi beat South Sudan 2-1 in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, but attendance at Bingu National Stadium was poor; Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola as Salah’s side prepares to host South Sudan next.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir opened an inter-party dialogue in Juba and launched a national dialogue on election-related matters, urging parties to focus on a peaceful, credible path to the December 22 vote after dissolving the transitional unity government; opposition figures and political parties are pushing back over consultation and caretaker appointments, while civil society warns civic education and logistics gaps could undermine readiness. Regional Integration: South Sudan also began nationwide consultations on the proposed EAC Political Confederation constitution, with officials calling for public input on governance, funding and decision-making. Food Security: IGAD reports more than 40.3 million people across six IGAD states face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest (about 55% in crisis or worse) as conflict, climate shocks and reduced aid deepen hunger. Health Security: Britain deployed Ebola specialists to Juba amid fears of imported cases from a fast-growing DRC outbreak, including training, border testing and community awareness. Trade & Markets: Fish traders in the region complain about costly licensing and border restrictions that are blocking cross-border business, especially for women and youth.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir opened the Inter-Party Political Dialogue in Juba, urging parties to keep talks focused on the December 22 election roadmap and not reopen the electoral path, as he also defended caretaker arrangements amid opposition criticism. Caretaker Appointments Under Fire: Information minister Ateny Wek Ateny said the caretaker government is grounded in the 2018 peace deal and the 2011 constitution, while aspirants and rights groups warn the political environment may not be conducive for free and fair polls. Electoral Legal Moves: The government’s election law amendments and the dissolution of the Transitional Government of National Unity cleared hurdles for voting, but opposition and civil society question whether key conditions are truly met. Data & Digital Capacity: The National Bureau of Statistics, with UNDP and AfDB, completed a Power BI training to strengthen how South Sudan turns raw data into decisions. Food Security Alarm: IGAD warned that 40.3 million people across the region—including South Sudan—face acute food insecurity in 2026, with conflict, drought and funding gaps driving the crisis. Regional Connectivity: EAC, IGAD and World Bank partners held a workshop in Nairobi to push cross-border digital integration, including for South Sudan.