AGP Executive Report

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has declared 22 December 2026 as the general election date, but civil society warns the final voter list and key legal and operational issues are still not ready. Political Tensions: SPLM-IO says the timetable is “premature,” arguing security and political conditions for credible polls have not been met. Security & Trust: Ceasefire monitors in Juba urge parties to fully implement security arrangements under the 2018 peace deal, citing ongoing violations and clashes. Health & Ebola: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the DRC outbreak, while the wider region braces as the DRC surpasses 1,000 cases and response gaps remain. Health Financing: South Sudan’s health leaders call for a major budget jump toward the Abuja Declaration target, stressing stronger domestic funding. Civic Space: Civil society demands urgent amendments to the National Security Service Act after the arrest of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor. Women & Protection: A women’s rights activist marks International Widows’ Day, urging stronger legal protection and support for widows. Education: UNESCO and partners launch a mobile teacher professional development initiative in Juba, with a focus on empowering women educators.

Elections Watch: The National Elections Commission has declared 22 December 2026 as South Sudan’s general election date, but the NEC says it still faces a huge funding gap of about $229 million to complete voter registration, education, materials, training and polling logistics. Security & Peace Implementation: Ceasefire monitors in Juba urged warring parties to build trust and fully implement the 2018 security arrangements, warning that violations since May—including clashes in Western Bahr el Ghazal—show the situation remains unpredictable. Civil Liberties: Civil society groups are calling for urgent amendments to the National Security Service Act after the arrest of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor, arguing the law is being used to restrict civic and political space. Health & Funding: Health leaders pushed for higher domestic health financing, including calls to raise the budget from 1.4% to 15% under the Abuja target, while MTN South Sudan wrapped up its 21-day Y’ello Care campaign supporting maternal and child health at Juba Teaching Hospital. Food Security: FAO and WFP warn acute hunger is set to worsen in 13 “hunger hotspots,” with South Sudan among the most at risk as conflict and funding shortfalls bite. Women’s Rights: A women’s rights activist marked International Widows’ Day by urging stronger legal protection and support for widows, including education and economic empowerment.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set Dec. 22, 2026 for the country’s first general election since independence, but NEC leaders warn of legal gaps and funding shortages that could still derail preparations. Political Tensions: SPLM-IO acting chair Nathaniel Pierino says voter registration officials entering SPLM-IO areas will be treated as prisoners of war, calling the vote a dangerous move away from the peace process. NEC Roadmap: NEC says voter registration is expected to take about a month and election materials will be distributed to states, with the poll date meeting the law’s six-month notice requirement. Food Security: FAO and WFP warn hunger will worsen in 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, naming South Sudan among the most critical cases as conflict, shocks, and funding shortfalls bite. Youth & Jobs: The South Sudan National Youth Union launches TVET training applications, offering skills from plumbing and electrical work to digital marketing, AI, and news production. Aid Delivery: Pope Leo XIV tells the UN WFP that conflicts are “fed” faster than people are nourished, blaming bureaucratic delays and political priorities. Health Scare: Yei health authorities dismiss an Ebola rumor after tests found the patient had severe stomach ulcers.

Elections Update: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set Dec. 22, 2026 for the country’s first post-independence general election, after repeated delays tied to conflict and the Kiir–Machar political standoff. Electoral Readiness: NEC says the legal notice requirement is met, but warns of major funding gaps, legal amendments, and logistics needed before voter registration and material distribution. Opposition Warning: SPLM-IO acting chair Nathaniel Pierino threatens to detain voter registration officials in areas under its control, calling the vote a dangerous escalation while R-ARCSS remains “broken.” Political Inclusion: A former MP urges greater women’s participation in peacebuilding and elections, arguing women are key to credible, peaceful polls. Civic Space: Civil society groups demand amendments to the NSS Act after youth leader Willy Angok Ngor was briefly detained for criticizing the ruling SPLM. Public Finance Scrutiny: Crawford Capital Ltd denies allegations it retains 75% of government revenue via digital platforms, saying it only provides contracted technology services. Food Security: A UN FAO/WFP report warns acute hunger may worsen in 13 hotspots, including South Sudan, as conflict and funding shortfalls bite. Health & Safety: Yei health authorities dismiss Ebola rumours after tests confirm a patient had severe stomach ulcers. Trade & Jobs: Juba hosts a second national trade forum pushing regional trade integration and tackling barriers like weak infrastructure and multiple taxation. Infrastructure: Work continues on Juba Airport Terminal 3, set to open July 9, aimed at easing congestion.

Election Readiness: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission says it will distribute $5 million for December 2026 preparations to all ten states and three administrative areas this week, stressing political will and a steady funding flow as it prepares to publish the electoral timetable. Political Dialogue: A high-level forum in Juba announced inter-party dialogue next month to build consensus ahead of the elections, including parties and holdout groups outside the 2018 peace process. Cash Crunch & Currency Debate: A cabinet decision referred delayed salaries and banking liquidity problems to the economic cluster; a civil society activist also urged redesigning or reprinting the South Sudanese Pound to bring cash back into banks. Youth & Tax Policy: Youth Minister Atong Kuol called for a review of taxation policies, saying multiple taxes at different levels are choking youth-owned businesses and raising prices for citizens. Trade & Jobs: A national trade forum in Juba flagged weak infrastructure, overlapping taxes, limited finance, and informal trade as key barriers, while calling for faster implementation of past recommendations. Security & Youth Incitement: A presidential security advisor ordered Eastern Equatoria and Greater Pibor leaders to stop inciting youth after the killing of a commissioner, and said a central committee will investigate the incident. Health in Jonglei: MSF reports Akobo County clashes left at least 15 health facilities looted and deserted, collapsing vaccination and healthcare services. Constitution-Making & Media: The National Constitutional Review Commission urged journalists to join civic education and public consultations as it pushes toward a permanent constitution. Regional Peace: IGAD urged strict adherence to the Revitalised peace agreement after talks with President Kiir on elections and political transition.

Public Service Integrity: A new opinion piece warns that administrative corruption is still eroding South Sudan’s ability to deliver services, with irregularities in human resource management and appointments undermining trust. Cash Crisis & Banking: A civil society activist says the liquidity shortage is pushing people to hoard the South Sudanese pound at home, and proposes redesigning the currency or printing new notes to pull cash back into banks. Salaries & Economic Oversight: Cabinet referred delayed salaries and banking pressures to the economic cluster, as officials point to disruptions in electronic payments and weak money circulation. Peace & Youth Incitement: A security advisor urged leaders in EES and Pibor to protect peace and stop youth incitement after a commissioner was killed, with a central committee planned to investigate the root causes. Elections & Inclusion: South Sudan will launch an inter-party dialogue next month ahead of December 2026 elections, aiming to bring in parties and holdout groups outside the peace process. Health Under Fire: MSF reports Akobo clashes left 15 health facilities looted and deserted, collapsing vaccination and wider healthcare services. Constitution-Making: The National Constitutional Review Commission urged journalists to help shape the permanent constitution through civic education and public consultations. Regional Trade Push: Government officials say South Sudan is seeking trade breakthroughs beyond oil dependence through a national trade forum focused on regional integration.

Economic Stability: Cabinet referred concerns over delayed civil-servant salaries and wider liquidity pressures to the Economic Cluster, citing weak money circulation, disruptions in electronic payments, and cash hoarding of the South Sudan pound outside banks. Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan will launch an inter-party dialogue next month to build consensus ahead of December 2026 polls, including parties and holdout groups outside the 2018 peace deal, while IGAD urged strict adherence to the Revitalised Agreement. Governance & Rights: The National Constitutional Review Commission urged journalists to help shape the permanent constitution through civic education and public consultations. Public Health: Northern Bahr el Ghazal began distributing 800,800 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to curb malaria during the rainy season. Food Security: UN agencies warn acute hunger could worsen between June and November in 13 hotspots, including South Sudan, where 73,000 people could face extreme hunger. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Government pushed a trade breakthrough beyond oil dependence at a national trade forum, and the State House project is set to resume with completion targeted for September 2027.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy says an inter-party dialogue will start next month to build consensus ahead of December 2026 elections, including parties and holdout groups outside the 2018 peace deal. Peace Agreement Oversight: IGAD urged President Salva Kiir to strictly adhere to R-ARCSS provisions, stressing dialogue, confidence-building, and a peaceful, inclusive transition. Opposition Concerns: SPLM-IO says it raised election and security worries with AU envoy Jakaya Kikwete, including party registration rules tied to having no armed forces. State House Project: Construction of the $300 million presidential palace resumes, with completion now set for September 2027. Food Security: UN agencies warn acute hunger could worsen between June and November in 13 hotspots, with South Sudan among the worst affected. Refugees & Displacement: World Refugee Day coverage highlights rising vulnerability for displaced people as aid gaps persist. Health & Ebola: Africa CDC warns DRC and Uganda’s Ebola response still faces major gaps, including contact tracing, insecurity, and funding. Infrastructure & Trade: Work begins on road upgrades linking Aweil to Sudan, while Yei officials push forward the Kanjoro bridge project. Politics & Registration: The Political Parties Council appoints 13 coordinators to oversee party registration across 10 states and three administrative areas. Detention & Rights: An SPLM youth leader detained after criticizing “SPLM OYEE” campaign merchandise has been released.

Humanitarian Crisis: World Vision and WFP warn that a 40% drop in humanitarian funding in 2025 is pushing refugee children into hunger, child labour and early marriage, with 72% of needs still unmet and most households relying on aid. Ebola Update: Africa CDC says the DRC and Uganda’s Ebola response is improving but still faces major gaps in contact tracing, insecurity and funding, as deaths pass 200. Elections & Politics: South Sudan’s SPLM says it is ready for the December 2026 vote after NEC released the electoral timetable, while the Political Parties Council appoints 13 registration coordinators across 10 states and three administrative areas. Justice & Governance: UNMISS donates laptops and court record materials to help South Sudan’s judiciary manage cases and modernize operations. Refugees: Government and UN call for durable solutions for refugees in Juba, stressing self-reliance and moving from camps to settlements. Infrastructure & Trade: Yei River County backs the Kanjoro bridge push, and road works begin on a key trade route linking Aweil to Sudan. Health & Labour: A new Labour-IOM deal targets over 10,000 youth for vocational training and jobs, while national employees threaten legal action over social insurance remittance rules. Regional Mobility: Kenya tightens Ebola screening for truck drivers crossing borders, aiming to slow spread while keeping trade moving. Diplomacy: South Sudan repatriates a Vietnamese deportee after more than a year in detention under the US third-country removal program.

Elections & Politics: SPLM says it is ready for South Sudan’s December 2026 elections after the NEC released the electoral calendar, while the Political Parties Council appointed 13 registration coordinators across 10 states and three administrative areas to streamline party registration. Security & Justice: In Riek Machar’s trial, a third co-accused told the court a contested press release was meant to prevent violence, not incite it. Humanitarian & Rights: The UN reports record violations against children in conflict, with government forces named as the main perpetrators, as Ebola continues to spread in the region with Africa CDC warning of response gaps. Refugees & Aid: South Sudan’s government and UN urged durable solutions for refugees, pushing self-reliance and integration beyond long-term aid dependency. Health & Public Service: UNMISS donated laptops and court records materials to help the judiciary improve case registration and record-keeping. Infrastructure & Local Economy: Work has started on the 110km road linking Aweil to Sudan via Majok-Yith-Thiou, funded by border clearing agents, and Yei officials say the Kanjoro bridge project is gaining momentum. Public Debate: A detained SPLM youth leader who criticized “SPLM OYEE” campaign materials has been released.

Judiciary Support: UNMISS donated laptops, registry books, and court forms to South Sudan’s judiciary in Juba, aiming to fix long-running record-keeping shortages and improve case registration. Youth Jobs: The Labour Ministry and IOM signed an MoU to train and support over 10,000 young people with vocational skills and pathways into employment. Elections Watch: President Salva Kiir told the AU that elections will be held in December 2026, while Jakaya Kikwete said he is assessing readiness with the NEC, political parties, and constitutional bodies. Cabinet Reshuffle: Kiir moved Justice Minister Michael Makuei Lueth to parliamentary affairs and appointed Dr Wek Mamer Bol as the new justice minister. Social Insurance Fight: A new committee of employees says it will challenge the Labour Ministry in court over mandatory NSIF remittances before key systems are in place. Energy & Connectivity: The World Bank backed Eastern Africa grid integration with a $1.6bn programme, while Seacom launched a high-capacity Nairobi–Kampala route to boost regional digital services. Oil Dependence Debate: As oil exports resume, questions remain about South Sudan’s vulnerability to a single export route and the need for diversification. Food Security: UN agencies warned acute hunger could worsen in 13 hotspots, including South Sudan, as funding gaps and climate shocks bite. Inflation Pressure: A global inflation ranking put South Sudan at 58.21% (with older data), underscoring persistent cost-of-living strain. Deportation Case: A Vietnamese man deported to South Sudan under the US “third country” removals was repatriated to Vietnam after months in detention.

Hunger Crisis Warning: UN food agencies say acute hunger will worsen June–November 2026 across 13 hotspots, with Sudan and South Sudan among the gravest risks as conflict, funding cuts and El Niño-linked climate shocks push millions closer to famine. Political Reform Pressure: The UK warns South Sudan’s leaders that “status quo is not an option,” saying any further election-transition extension without real progress won’t solve political and security problems. Elections Oversight: The Political Parties Council endorses an Election Code of Conduct and approves deployment of coordinators to strengthen electoral oversight nationwide. Logistics & Trade: South Sudan will host the Global Logistics Convention in August in Juba, aiming to attract investors and improve cross-border trade corridors. Peace Process Support: IGAD reaffirms backing for South Sudan’s peace implementation and election preparations after meetings with President Salva Kiir. Child Protection in Conflict: A UN report flags a record number of child violations in conflict, with government forces listed as main perpetrators for the first time. Local Incident: Police in Aweil North detain a husband after investigating a woman’s suspected suicide following a domestic dispute. Online Safety: An advocate urges social media vigilance on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, warning against forwarding divisive messages.

Elections & Peacebuilding: AU High Representative Jakaya Kikwete arrived in Juba for consultations on peace implementation and regional cooperation ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 general elections. Security Sector Reform: A policy push says elections will fail without full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement’s security arrangements, warning that stalled reforms keep communities exposed to violence and displacement. Telecom Governance: President Salva Kiir ordered consultations to tackle challenges in South Sudan’s telecommunications sector, aiming to improve reliable access and support digital transformation. Food Crisis Watch: UN agencies warn acute hunger will worsen across 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, with South Sudan among the most critical areas as conflict and funding shortfalls bite. Ebola Preparedness: Germany pledged more support to the East African Community for Ebola preparedness, including a lab deployment in South Sudan’s Nimule and training/PPE for frontline workers. Human Capital & Youth: Schoolchildren in Juba urged higher education investment, lower fees, and better teacher welfare as delayed salaries strain families. Local Security Incident: An SSPDF commander in Jonglei issued an ultimatum to chiefs in Waat to return state weapons taken by deserters or face forced recovery actions targeting livestock. Sports & Youth Development: South Sudan’s U-17 women thrashed Djibouti 6-0 in CECAFA, boosting hopes for the knockout stage. Tech & Innovation: A University of Juba student built a website for the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy and launched a sports app for live scores and local coverage.

Hunger Crisis Watch: UN food agencies say acute hunger will worsen in 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, with South Sudan among the most critical cases as conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks push millions closer to famine. Humanitarian Funding: WFP welcomed a major US donation of about $800m (€695m) to reach over 38 million people, warning that needs are outpacing resources. Elections & Security: A commentary urges South Sudan to fully implement the revitalised peace security arrangements ahead of the 2026 vote, warning that delays keep communities trapped in violence and displacement. Telecom Reform: President Salva Kiir ordered consultations to address challenges in South Sudan’s telecommunications sector, aiming to improve reliable and accessible services. Education Pressure: Children in Juba call for higher education investment, lower school fees and better teacher welfare, citing delayed civil servant salaries. Juvenile Justice: Juba’s juvenile prison is holding 314 children against a capacity of 100, with many waiting years for trial. Peace Implementation: Lakes State stakeholders conclude a two-day dialogue on peace implementation, while communities are urged to reject division and misinformation. Sports & Youth: South Sudan’s U-17 women beat Djibouti 6-0 in CECAFA, boosting hopes for the knockout stage. Regional Early Warning: IGAD and the African Development Bank launched a project to strengthen early warning and crisis prevention, including support for South Sudan. Local Security Crackdown: An SSPDF general in Jonglei ordered chiefs and families of deserters in Waat to return state weapons or face forced recovery targeting livestock. Tech from Juba: A University of Juba student built a government website for the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy and launched a sports app for live scores and local coverage.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission secured US$6 million for voter education and bought a permanent headquarters, but a policy analyst warns the 22 December 2026 vote could still turn into a “procedural exercise” without deeper constitutional, security, and political reforms. Constitution-Making: IGAD and UN officials say civic education and public consultations must keep the process inclusive and credible, with women, youth, and marginalized groups meaningfully represented. Public Health & Ebola: The US pledged $270 million for Ebola response as a vaccine-free strain spreads in DRC and Uganda, while Israel lifted a travel ban on Kenya after protests. Economy & Energy: The World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million Africans to electricity in two years, highlighting how power access can drive jobs and services. Local Development: Yei authorities move to start building the Kanjoro bridge to improve safety and transport. Rights & Justice: Lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha received a major international human rights prize for their advocacy. Regional Humanitarian Reality: UNHCR says resettlement needs remain high, with millions still trapped in unsafe conditions.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) says it has secured an extra US$6 million for civic and voter education ahead of the December 2026 general elections, while also completing the purchase of the AIDA Hotel as its permanent headquarters—though analysts warn the process could still turn procedural without deeper political, security, and legal reforms. Constitution-Making: In Juba, IGAD and UN officials reaffirmed support for the constitution-making process, stressing it must stay inclusive and owned by the people, with meaningful representation for women, youth, and marginalized groups. Local Development: Yei River County authorities inspected the planned Kanjoro Bridge project, with officials urging durable construction and local hiring to improve safety and movement during heavy rains. Parliament & Rights: An MP in the Machar-related Nasir County case told court his parliamentary immunity was ignored during his arrest. Governance & Economy: A policy piece urges South Sudan to look beyond oil by developing mining—but warns that weak institutions and environmental risks could turn new mineral booms into new problems. Human Rights Recognition: Lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha received the Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize for their advocacy.