AGP Executive Report

Elections Under Pressure: The UN Security Council warned South Sudan’s December 2026 elections are not ready, citing insecurity in Jonglei and community violence in Warrap and Lakes, alongside displacement and aid access problems. Political Accountability: South Sudan rejected a UN report it said was inaccurate and one-sided, while the US accused leaders of using election promises to pull in donor money without fixing humanitarian, economic, and security crises. Peace Process Tensions: France and Latvia urged the release of suspended SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar and other political detainees, calling for genuine dialogue under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Courtroom Developments: Machar asked the tribunal to allow audio and video recording of Nasir trial proceedings to prevent manipulation; prosecutors opposed. Governance Moves: Cabinet approved constitutional changes to let elections proceed before a permanent constitution is adopted, and Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony reshuffled key local government ministry leadership. Regional Trade & Transport: South Sudan and Kenya discussed steps to operationalize South Sudan’s Naivasha dry port to cut clearance delays and storage costs. Humanitarian Safety: UK officials called for stronger protection of aid workers after repeated killings and abductions.

Elections Under Pressure: South Sudan’s cabinet approved a constitutional amendment to let December 2026 elections proceed without waiting for a permanent constitution, but UN and opposition voices say conditions still aren’t there—RJMEC warned key prerequisites remain unmet, while the NDM and UPA urged inclusive dialogue and questioned the timetable. Courtroom Transparency: In the Nasir incident trial, suspended VP Dr. Riek Machar asked to audio-video record remaining proceedings to prevent manipulation; prosecutors opposed and sought time to respond. Humanitarian Safety: The UK ambassador urged stronger protection and accountability for aid workers after repeated killings and abductions, calling for investigations and more funding for public services. Regional Trade Moves: South Sudan and Kenya discussed steps to operationalize South Sudan’s Naivasha dry port, with land already granted and remaining administrative waivers pending. Governance Shake-up: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony reshuffled local government ministry leadership. Education Push: South Sudan launched teacher professional development modules with Oxfam to improve teaching in crisis-affected areas.

Elections Under Pressure: The UN warns South Sudan is not yet ready for December polls, citing fragile political trust, unresolved legal issues, weak civic and political space, and security gaps—while the RJMEC says preparations are far behind schedule. Opposition Pushes Back: The UPA rejects Juba-led dialogue, calling for inclusive talks outside the country under neutral mediation, as the NDM questions the SPLM’s election push and warns of another extension. US Scrutiny: Washington accuses Juba of using “insincere” election talk to woo donors while conflict continues to drive killings, injuries, abductions, and mass displacement. Roads & Revenue: A reforms committee backs using non-oil revenue to rehabilitate the Juba–Nimule highway and orders fuel quality testing and better fuel-marking oversight. Education Boost: South Sudan launches teacher training professional development modules with Oxfam support, aiming to improve teaching in crisis-affected areas. Regional Trade: South Sudan and Kenya discuss steps to operationalize the Naivasha dry port, after land has been granted. Water Access: China hands over borehole drilling and water-supply projects in Central Equatoria and Lakes states. Governance Update: Eastern Equatoria Governor Lobong reappoints Matthew Oromo as Imehejek administrator and swears in a Torit caretaker commissioner. Energy Deal: Tanzania and Uganda sign an MoU to attract over $20 billion for the Tanga regional energy hub, including a refinery and pipeline links.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: WHO chief Tedros says the DRC outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, as Africa CDC warns contact tracing is failing and aid workers strike over unpaid wages; the outbreak has surged past 3,900 cases and 1,700 deaths. U.S. Funding for Health Response: The U.S. pledged an additional US$242 million for Ebola response and preparedness in the DRC and Uganda, keeping Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories for DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Water Access in South Sudan: China handed over a completed borehole-drilling and water-supply project in Central Equatoria and Lakes states, delivering 47 boreholes to improve safe drinking water and sanitation. Elections and Civic Space: Western Equatoria’s assembly reopened after a six-month recess, urging peace and security ahead of December 2026 elections, while civil society in Western Equatoria called for open civic and political space. Security Flashpoint: Eastern Equatoria SPLM’s grassroots registration drive was hit by an ambush on the Torit–Magwi road; a driver was killed and others wounded. Energy Investment: South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) will return to Juba on Nov 24–25, 2026, as the ministry-backed flagship energy investment event.

Food Security: The UN World Food Programme says El Niño is strengthening and could worsen hunger across East and Southern Africa into 2027, with South Sudan already covered by anticipatory response plans. Ebola Watch: WHO chief Tedros warns the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading faster than the response, as contact tracing struggles and health workers strike over pay; the US also pledged an extra $242 million for Ebola support. Security & Politics: Eastern Equatoria SPLM officials were attacked on the Torit–Magwi road, killing a driver; lawmakers in Tonj, Warrap warn insecurity may disrupt December 2026 elections. Elections Prep: Jonglei launched a civic and voter education campaign ahead of the December vote, while Western Equatoria reopened its assembly after a six-month recess. Governance & Services: EU support continues for Yei River County recovery, including housing, education and land reforms, and South Sudan moves to establish an ICT Authority to regulate internet service providers. Economy & Inclusion: A feature urges more women to use banking and highlights mobile-linked products like “Push and Pull” to improve access to funds. Infrastructure: An editorial calls for urgent road maintenance to stop potholes from worsening safety and costs.

Ebola Crisis: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than the response, with 3,874 confirmed cases and 1,751 deaths reported, as health workers strike over unpaid wages in Ituri near South Sudan’s borders. US Support: The US announced an extra $242m for Ebola response and preparedness in DR Congo, Uganda and other affected areas, adding to earlier funding. Elections Watch: Western Equatoria launched civic and voter education ahead of the December 22, 2026 polls, while the South Sudan Political Parties Council accuses the National Elections Commission of sidelining it from key preparations. Governance & Economy: Bank of South Sudan governor Addis Ababa Othow called for tighter monitoring of tax collection through commercial banks. ICT Push: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny briefed President Salva Kiir on plans to establish an ICT Authority to regulate internet service providers. Education: A teacher criticized a proposal to recruit volunteer teachers, saying salaries and working conditions must be improved first.

Election Security Prep: Western Equatoria Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa says his state will recruit and deploy 1,200 police officers to keep order during the 2026 general elections, with instructions to protect voters, observers and election staff. Education & Teacher Pay: A Central Equatoria teacher criticized plans to recruit volunteer teachers, saying the real fix is better salaries and working conditions to stop qualified teachers leaving public schools. EU Recovery Support: The EU ambassador visited Yei River County to assess recovery projects, including efforts to reopen Yei University and rehabilitate the Yei electricity power station. State Leadership Changes: President Salva Kiir overhauled Upper Nile State government, relieving and appointing officials across ministries, counties and commissions. Health & Ebola Watch: WHO’s chief arrived in Congo as the Ebola outbreak accelerates and some health workers strike over pay, while Canada also announced temporary travel restrictions affecting South Sudan. UNESCO Tourism Push: South Sudan plans to use the UNESCO listing of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to boost tourism, conservation and local livelihoods.

UNESCO & Tourism: South Sudan celebrated the inscription of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as its first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with officials saying it can boost eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, jobs, and help reduce cattle raiding and communal conflict. Social Protection Payments: The Shabaka Meisha project reassured beneficiaries that delayed cash transfers under the World Bank-funded SNSOP program have not been cancelled, after concerns over six pending payment cycles. Education & Teachers: Central Equatoria’s education ministry is considering recruiting volunteer teachers into the public system as economic hardship pushes many qualified teachers into better-paying jobs. Market Regulation: Juba launched the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority to curb monopolies, enforce pricing and product safety standards, and protect consumer rights. Food Security: Eastern Equatoria faces rising hunger fears as drought and crop failures hit harvests, with officials urging farmers to keep planting despite seed shortages. Politics: Rival factions in the United Sudan African Party (USAP) traded competing claims over leadership after a court-related reinstatement. Foreign Affairs: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed a new official spokesperson to strengthen media engagement and communications.

UNESCO Heritage: South Sudan celebrated the UNESCO listing of the Boma-Badingilo landscape as a major milestone for conservation and national pride. Diplomacy & Media: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen as its new official spokesperson to strengthen engagement with the media and communicate foreign policy. Elections & Politics: The SPLM-IO called for the unconditional release of detained leaders and urged a return to dialogue, while the Political Parties Council threatened to suspend its role in the December 2026 elections over alleged sidelining by the National Elections Commission. Court Update: In the Special Court in Juba, proceedings were adjourned to August 5 as lawyers sought access for Riek Machar ahead of defence statements; Gabriel Duop Lam denied ordering or coordinating the Nasir attack. Public Health: WHO says the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is now the largest ever recorded in the country, with no licensed vaccine or approved treatment for this strain. Health Infrastructure: UNDP and the government launched a new Aweil State reference laboratory with solar power and an incinerator to boost disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. Governance & Economy: Citizens urged President Kiir to focus on stronger financial systems and enforce rules, not just leadership changes, amid liquidity and foreign exchange pressures. Fraud Alert: The Ministry of Agriculture warned the public about a fake “Agricultural SMEs Grant” online offer.

Elections & Peace Commitments: South Sudanese political parties, civil society groups and stakeholders signed a Declaration of Essential Principles in Juba, pledging to reject hate speech, intimidation and election-related violence ahead of the December 2026 general elections. Court & Security Accountability: In Juba’s Special Court, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam completed his defence, denying he planned or coordinated the March 2025 Nasir violence, while lawyers for Riek Machar asked for access to prepare his statement; proceedings adjourned to August 5. Governance & Public Finance: Public voices urged President Salva Kiir to go beyond leadership changes and build stronger financial systems and enforce rules after the swearing-in of Bank of South Sudan governor Dr. Addis Ababa Othow. Health Infrastructure: UNDP and the government inaugurated a new Aweil State Reference Laboratory with solar power and a medical incinerator, funded through the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism. Education & Community Safety: Northern Bahr el Ghazal warned teachers against extorting unauthorized exam fees, and reported a five-year-old returnee child died after a suspected rabid stray dog bite in Aweil North. Youth & Opportunities: A South Sudan student selected for Geneva’s Youth Empowerment Forum 2026. Land Governance: The South Sudan National Land Coalition says political interference is driving illegal land acquisition and calls for faster passage of the Land Bill.

Elections & Peace: South Sudan’s political parties, civil society and stakeholders signed a Declaration of Essential Principles in Juba, pledging to reject violence, hate speech and intimidation ahead of the December 2026 general elections. Civic Prep: Eastern Equatoria launched its State High Election Committee office and a statewide voter education campaign in Torit, with plans to reach all counties and update polling stations. Rule of Law & Finance: Public voices urged President Salva Kiir to fix systems, enforce laws and regulate foreign exchange—saying leadership changes alone won’t stop mismanagement and street currency trading. Land Governance: The South Sudan National Land Coalition warned that political interference is driving illegal land acquisition, calling for faster passage of the Land Bill and stronger enforcement. Women & Youth Support: GIZ’s ResPEct programme distributed 1,822 dignity kits to partners to support menstrual health and school participation for girls. Economy & Courts: A US court recognized Qatar National Bank’s $1.02bn arbitration award against South Sudan, raising the risk of international enforcement. Health: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating toward 4,000 cases, with WHO warning transmission is outpacing response. Agriculture Jobs: Kenya and other cashew-growing countries trained 81 cashew actors in Mombasa on farming, processing and value addition to boost rural livelihoods. Public Safety: Northern Bahr el Ghazal reported a fatal rabies-linked stray dog bite of a five-year-old returnee child in Aweil North.

Elections & Peacebuilding: South Sudan’s peace sponsors are “jittery” as Juba kicks off the voter drive for the Dec. 22 polls, with critics warning institutions are still weak and civic education is lacking after amendments to the 2018 peace deal. Youth & Governance: A veterans official urged young people to reject “destructive politics” and choose education, skills, and nation-building. Education Accountability: In Aweil, the state education director warned teachers against extorting unauthorized fees from learners ahead of the elections, saying violators could face legal action. Local Health Support: In Lakes State, a community cost-sharing scheme (SSP 1,000) is helping keep Matangai Primary Health Care Centre running when funding delays hit. Economy & Finance: A legal expert says South Sudan could face international enforcement after a US court recognized a $1.02 billion Qatar National Bank arbitration award. Trade & Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor to cut transit times and costs. Youth Empowerment: Central Equatoria plans vocational training and agriculture projects to create jobs for young people. Public Safety: Aweil North County mourns a five-year-old returnee child who died after a suspected rabid stray dog bite.

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.

Elections & Civic Space: CEPO says South Sudanese are losing confidence in December 2026 polls as voter education stalls over delayed funding and insecurity rises. Central Banking & Reform: President Salva Kiir warns financial-sector failures won’t be tolerated as Dr. Addis Ababa Othow takes over the Bank of South Sudan, pledging staff welfare and monetary reforms. Opposition Rally Dispute: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony’s office rejects claims by the NPM that it blocked a rally in Lainya, calling the allegations politically motivated. Trade & Revenue: Authorities order security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks for unofficial taxes, directing revenue collection to authorized points at Nimule. Health & Community Resilience: In Lakes State, a Matangai health centre stays open through a community-approved cost-sharing scheme (SSP 1,000). Global Risk Watch: A US court recognized Qatar National Bank’s $1.02bn award against South Sudan, raising the prospect of international enforcement if payment isn’t made. Regional Health Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the second-largest on record, with insecurity and cross-border movement hampering response—South Sudan’s border links make the risk a shared concern. Heritage & Peacebuilding: UNESCO inscribes South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as World Heritage, while UN partners launch projects to support youth and women in peacebuilding across multiple states.

Central Banking & Economy: President Salva Kiir warned that failures in South Sudan’s financial sector will no longer be tolerated as Dr. Addis Ababa Othow took office again as Bank of South Sudan governor, pledging reforms to restore confidence amid liquidity stress and a weakening South Sudan Pound. Elections & Civic Space: A domestic observer group says citizens are losing confidence in December 2026 election preparations due to delayed funding for voter education and worsening insecurity. Political Tensions in Central Equatoria: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony denied blocking an NPM rally in Lainya, calling the claims misleading and politically motivated. Health & Community Resilience: In Lakes State, a Matangai health centre stays open through a community-approved cost-sharing scheme where patients contribute SSP 1,000 to cover daily operations when support is delayed. Ebola Watch (Regional): Africa CDC warned that operational constraints are hampering DRC’s Ebola response even as Uganda shows progress; the Bundibugyo outbreak has surged to become the world’s second-largest on record. UNESCO & Conservation: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage Site, spotlighting major wildlife corridors and the Great Nile migration system.

Central Bank Shake-up: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow for a second term as Bank of South Sudan governor, warning that failures in the financial sector will no longer be tolerated as the country battles cash shortages, inflation, and a weaker South Sudan Pound. Election Pressure: CEPO says citizens are losing confidence in December 2026 election preparations due to delayed funding for voter education and growing insecurity, while the National Elections Commission pledges neutrality and civic outreach. Trade and Taxes: A government economic reforms committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule highway to stop intercepting trucks for unofficial charges, and ordered the release of over 4,000 trucks unlawfully held at Nesitu checkpoint to cut costs and speed goods movement. Political Space: The National Patriotic Movement accuses Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil of blocking an approved rally in Lainya, as opposition groups warn civic space is shrinking. Women and Youth Peacebuilding: UNESCO and partners launched projects in Jonglei, GPAA, and Western Equatoria to support 6,000 young people and 2,100 women and girls through psychosocial support, livelihoods, and peacebuilding. UNESCO Heritage Win: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, spotlighting the country’s major wildlife corridors.