AGP Executive Report

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir dissolved South Sudan’s transitional government Tuesday, hours after signing election law amendments that remove the need to complete a permanent constitution and national census before voting on December 22, while analysts warn the last-minute changes consolidate control and keep the executive running through the election period. Opposition Pushback: The South Sudan Opposition Alliance rejected the amendments as unilateral and said agreed dialogue steps were bypassed, as Central Equatoria urged calm and protection of state assets during the political transition. Security & Civic Space: Heavy security was reported in Juba as vice-presidents were removed from office, and Amnesty International urged authorities to guarantee people can vote and stand freely, safely, and equally. Election Machinery: The NEC unveiled the voter registration book and Gabriel Bol Deng was sworn in as chairperson, as the National Elections Act amendment law clears the legal path for the polls. Economy & Money Controls: The Bank of South Sudan banned forex deals with unauthorised dealers, warning against cash-for-dollars arrangements outside regulated channels. Humanitarian & Climate Risks: Authorities warned of possible Nile flooding as Lake Victoria levels rise, while WFP-linked reports highlight worsening hunger pressures across the region. Local Crime: One person was shot dead in a botched Maracha fuel station robbery, with police searching for escaped suspects.

Elections and Power Shift: President Salva Kiir signed amendments to South Sudan’s National Elections Act, clearing the way for the Dec. 22 vote and removing links to a permanent constitution and national census, while the Opposition Alliance says the changes were made without proper consultation; Security in Juba: heavy patrols and a high-alert order followed the legal changes, with shops closing as soldiers flooded main roads; Peace Deal Pressure: RJMEC urged parties to uphold the 2018 peace agreement and complete remaining transitional tasks ahead of the election, ahead of an inter-party dialogue set to start Sept. 24; Election Administration: the new NEC chair, Gabriel Bol Deng, vowed an independent, transparent process after the previous chair was replaced; Governance Costs: MPs are set to receive new vehicles as parliament prepares for the election period; Humanitarian Spillover: IOM reports over 5.1 million Sudanese have returned home while 8.6 million remain displaced, with damaged services and limited livelihoods; Flood and Climate Risk: authorities warned Lake Victoria’s rising levels could trigger severe Nile flooding, with El Niño-linked rainfall driving the risk; Aid Accountability: UN and partners launched a five-year strategy to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse across humanitarian work in South Sudan.

Flood Watch: South Sudan warns of severe riverine flooding after Uganda says Lake Victoria water levels are set to reach record highs, with increased Nile releases threatening Juba and low-lying areas across multiple states. Roads & Transport: A ministerial committee has referred the rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule Highway to the Roads and Bridges Ministry for supervision as maintenance continues. Health Under Strain: Doctors in South Sudan report extreme pressure, including 42 surgeries in 48 hours during a surge of violence-related injuries. Elections & Governance: Parliament passed the National Elections Act amendment keeping the incumbent president in office through the election period, while opposition groups warn unilateral changes to the peace framework could undermine the December polls. Human Rights & Media: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network condemns the shutdown of Eye Radio’s website, saying it blocks access to a 23-year archive. Peace & Civic Push: In Yei, youth leaders are urged to “be job creators, not job seekers,” alongside calls for peaceful civic participation ahead of elections.

Election Pressure & Peace Deal: South Sudan’s Opposition Alliance says unilateral amendments to the R-ARCSS, Transitional Constitution and Elections Act undermine the peace process, calling for consultation among signatories. Calls for a Vote: Yei’s public service minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth urges leaders to “let the people decide” ahead of December elections, arguing elections are the chance to seek renewed mandates. Inter-Party Dialogue Clash: Opposition leader Kornelio Kon Ngu wants inter-party dialogue postponed until after elections, saying constitutional changes already shifted the political framework. Youth & Jobs: In Yei, officials told young people to be job creators, linking peace-building to reopening payams and returning communities. Business & Livelihoods: A China-aided Juba Teaching Hospital expansion is employing nearly 500 workers, while entrepreneurs demand simpler rules and stronger laws to unlock SMEs. Rights in Displacement: LGBTQ+ refugees in Gorom report ongoing discrimination and targeted attacks despite seeking protection. Regional Context: The AU and UN co-chaired talks on peace and security across Sudan and South Sudan, alongside global financial reform.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomurö met UK Ambassador David Ashley, reaffirming free, fair December 2026 elections and saying inter-party dialogue is set to start in Juba next week, with calls for inclusivity. Humanitarian Access: Pochalla community leaders in Pibor Administrative Area appealed for a modern health facility and better access to care, citing isolation from Juba and Pibor. Youth & Leadership: In Egypt, South Sudanese youth leaders raised concerns over detention, finances, and student welfare, while NRM’s Rose Namayanja urged young people across the region to take leadership roles through civic platforms. Health & Outbreaks: An OpEd warns Ebola response is being distorted by hype and funding gaps, as South Sudan also faces heightened alert for trauma care amid regional threats. Energy & Sovereignty: Energy Minister Agok Makur reiterated plans to move forward on the Grand Fula hydropower dam (1,080 MW) and said South Sudan is not afraid to build Nile dams despite downstream opposition. Sports: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu visited Juba to hand over a school block and launch South Sudan’s first women’s football league.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomurö reaffirmed the government’s commitment to free, fair and credible elections in December 2026, saying the Inter-Party Political Dialogue is expected to begin in Juba next week with regional and international support, after a meeting with UK Ambassador David Ashley. Hydropower & Sovereignty: Energy and Dams Minister Agok Makur said Juba is moving ahead with the Grand Fula dam on the White Nile near Nimule, citing Nile Basin Council approvals and a 1,080 MW assessment, while rejecting Egypt’s opposition. Humanitarian Access: Pochalla community leaders in Pibor Administrative Area appealed for improved healthcare and a modern health facility, saying isolation makes access to Juba and Pibor difficult. Youth in Exile: South Sudanese youth leaders in Egypt raised concerns over detention, financial hardship and student welfare after meeting VP Hussein Abdelbagi Akol. Sports & Inclusion: CAF acting general secretary Samson Adamu visited Juba to hand over a school block and launch South Sudan’s first women’s football league. Diaspora & Justice: A 19-year-old South Sudanese man, Chan Mathok Atak, was jailed in the UK for two years and three months for piloting a Channel crossing dinghy carrying 165 migrants, including 31 children. Diplomacy: The Netherlands reversed plans to close its Juba embassy, citing South Sudan’s humanitarian situation.

Hydropower & Sovereignty: South Sudan says it’s ready to push ahead with the Grand Fula dam on the White Nile near Nimule, citing Nile Basin Initiative figures of 1,080 MW and pointing to Nile Basin Council approvals, while details on funding and timelines are still unclear. Elections & Dialogue: The government reaffirmed its commitment to December 2026 elections and says inter-party political dialogue is expected to start in Juba next week, with calls for inclusivity from the British ambassador. Humanitarian Access & Health: Pochalla communities in Pibor Administrative Area are appealing for better healthcare and a modern health facility, citing isolation and difficulty reaching services in Juba and Pibor. Youth & Student Welfare: South Sudanese youth leaders in Egypt report financial strain, detention fears, and student challenges including food shortages after meetings with senior officials. Sports & Women’s Football: CAF’s acting general secretary Samson Adamu visited Juba for a school handover and to help launch South Sudan’s first women’s football league. Regional Integration: South Sudan plans national consultations on an EAC political confederation, focusing on structure, cooperation, decision-making, governance, and funding. Migration & Justice (UK): A 19-year-old South Sudanese teen, Chan Atak, was jailed in the UK for piloting a Channel crossing dinghy carrying 165 migrants, including 31 children.

Women’s Football & Education: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu visited South Sudan, handing over a school block in Juba and launching the country’s first women’s football league, backed by CAF and the Motsepe Foundation. Nile Dams Debate: Energy and Dams Minister Agok Makur said South Sudan will build Nile dams, arguing it has a right as a Nile Basin member and that downstream concerns won’t stop projects. EAC Political Confederation: Government says it will consult citizens on a proposed EAC political confederation, starting in Juba on Sept. 23, covering structure, decision-making, governance and funding. Local Health Pressure: Pochalla community leaders appealed for a modern health facility and better access to care, citing isolation and difficulty reaching Juba and Pibor. Youth in Egypt: South Sudanese youth leaders reported detention worries, financial strain and student challenges after meeting VP Hussein Abdelbagi Akol. Hunger & Crop Failure: Lakes State held talks with partners over looming hunger from drought and crop failure, agreeing on technical assessments on the ground. Migration Case: In the UK, a South Sudanese teen, Chan Mathok Atak, was jailed for piloting an overcrowded Channel crossing boat carrying 165 migrants, with deportation risk.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Cabinet Affairs minister says the government remains committed to free, fair, credible elections in December 2026, with inter-party political dialogue expected to start in Juba next week, backed by regional and international partners. Electoral Law: Parliament is considering an amendment to the National Elections Act that would keep the President in office during the election period while removing vice presidents three months before polling—raising major constitutional questions. Security & Power: President Salva Kiir has appointed his son, Major General Atem Salva Kiir, to command the elite Tiger Division presidential guard, a key role in protecting top officials. Humanitarian & Health: Pochalla community leaders in Pibor are appealing for a modern health facility and better access to medical services, citing isolation and difficulty reaching Juba and Pibor. Unity State Protection: UNMISS says it deferred closing a Unity State base after attacks drove families to seek refuge, continuing patrols and community engagement to deter violence. Migration & Justice: In the UK, a 19-year-old South Sudanese teen, Chan Mathok Atak, was jailed for two years and three months for piloting an overcrowded Channel crossing carrying 165 migrants, including 31 children. Climate & Food Security: Lakes State officials and partners plan crop-failure assessments after prolonged drought threatens hunger, with interagency teams to gather data on affected areas.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s government will hold national consultations on a proposed EAC political confederation starting Sept. 23 in Juba, with citizens expected to weigh structure, decision-making, authority, governance and funding. Elections & Institutions: Ahead of the Dec. 22 vote, Parliament is considering an amendment to the National Elections Act that would keep the President in office with full powers during the election period while removing vice presidents three months before polling. Security & Power: President Salva Kiir has appointed his son, Major General Atem Salva Kiir, to command the elite presidential guard (Tiger Division), a key unit for protecting the presidency. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns “Super El Niño” is already driving severe hunger, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and up to a million more at risk of losing food aid by October. Local Response: Lakes State officials and partners plan crop-failure assessments after drought, to guide humanitarian action. Diplomacy: The Netherlands reversed plans to close its embassy in Juba, citing South Sudan’s humanitarian situation. Justice & Conflict: UNISFA reports at least 26 killed and 82 injured in Abyei market clashes between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities. Health & Aid: A Chinese medical mission is treating patients at Juba Teaching Hospital using traditional Chinese medicine methods like acupuncture and cupping. Youth & Jobs: DMI Sisters and Strome Foundation graduated 83 young people with vocational skills, backed by the Indian ambassador. Migration: In the UK, a 19-year-old South Sudanese teen, Chan Mathok Atak, was jailed for piloting a Channel “mega-dinghy” carrying 165 migrants, including 31 children.

Election & Governance: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir fired the National Elections Commission chair, Abednego Akok Kacuol, and named Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, as the country heads toward the Dec. 22 vote; lawmakers also tabled amendments to the National Elections Act to align election rules with the Transitional Constitution, while the inter-party political dialogue was postponed to Sept. 24. Security & Conflict: Rival SPLA-IO factions clashed in Central Equatoria, and in Abyei at least 26 people were killed in market violence between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities. Humanitarian Crisis: The World Food Programme warns “Super El Niño” is deepening hunger, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and funding gaps threatening more people by October. Health & Diplomacy: A Chinese medical team is treating patients at Juba Teaching Hospital using traditional methods like acupuncture and cupping. Infrastructure & Economy: MTN South Sudan expanded broadband coverage to 85% after upgrading 500+ network sites; the youth and sports minister also sought Turkish-Africa investment for sports facilities.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol and appointed Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, raising fresh concerns that preparations for the Dec. 22 vote could slip. Electoral Law: Parliament has begun first reading of amendments to the National Elections Act, with proposals that keep the incumbent president in power during the election period and require removal of vice presidents three months before polling. Political Dialogue: The inter-party political dialogue on peaceful elections, set for Sept. 17, has been postponed to Sept. 24 in Juba. Security & Power: Rival SPLA-IO factions clashed in Central Equatoria around Magoya, while President Kiir is also set to retain executive powers as the transitional government moves toward dissolution. Humanitarian & Climate: WFP warns “Super El Niño” is deepening hunger, with millions at risk as aid funding shrinks. Regional Shock: UNISFA reports 26 killed in Abyei market violence, underscoring how instability keeps spilling across borders.

Elections Shake-Up: South Sudan President Salva Kiir fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, just three months before the Dec. 22 vote—raising fears of delays and eroding voter confidence. Dialogue Delayed: The inter-party political dialogue on elections was postponed from Sept. 17 to Sept. 24 in Juba, with no public reason given. Hunger Crisis Deepens: The World Food Programme warns “super El Niño” plus conflict and shrinking aid are pushing 7.8 million people into acute food insecurity, with over a million at risk of losing assistance by October. Climate & Food: WFP says drought is already damaging crops in key farming areas. Health Alert (DRC): WHO reports Ebola response is improving in DRC, but the epidemic is still killing people. Regional Violence: Clashes in Abyei between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya left at least 9 dead and more than 60 injured. Humanitarian Access & Safety: A fire gutted parts of Juba’s Ministry of Roads and Bridges, destroying offices and documents; officials say it started from an electrical socket tied to an air conditioner.

Elections in the spotlight: South Sudan President Salva Kiir fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named NEC secretary-general Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, just three months before the Dec. 22 vote—raising fresh worries about voter registration and whether the timetable can hold. Political dialogue: The planned inter-party dialogue was postponed to 24 September, with civil society warning it may not tackle security threats and calling for a more inclusive national consensus process. Hunger crisis: WFP says “super El Niño” and conflict are pushing South Sudan deeper into food insecurity, with 7.8 million people facing acute hunger and over a million at risk of losing aid by October as funding gaps widen. Health and services: In Leer County, Unity State, new health and education facilities were handed over after World Bank support, while officials urged action against anyone suspected of selling construction materials. Connectivity: MTN South Sudan says broadband coverage rose to 85% after upgrading 500+ network sites. Regional risks: ICRC warned Ebola preparedness must be strengthened despite no cases in South Sudan, due to the nearby outbreak in DR Congo. Sudan spillover: A gold mine collapse in Sudan’s West Kordofan killed at least 60–82 miners, underscoring the wider regional instability.

Regional Diplomacy: IGAD ministers met in Djibouti for an extraordinary session, with IGAD’s chief warning the bloc is under financial and institutional strain as conflicts and food crises deepen across the Horn. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP says “super El Niño” is worsening hunger in South Sudan, where 7.8 million people face acute food insecurity; without new funding, aid could be cut for two million and more than a million people may lose life-saving food support by October. Health Preparedness: South Sudan has formed a national Ebola task force despite no confirmed cases, as the virus spreads in neighboring DRC and Uganda and threatens trauma care and border response. Elections Watch: President Kiir removed the NEC chair three months before polls, and a court injunction halted UJOSS journalists’ union elections over alleged constitutional breaches. Connectivity & Trade: MTN South Sudan expanded broadband coverage to 85% after upgrading hundreds of sites, while Ethiopia and Kenya moved toward scaling cross-border power trade by December 2026. Civic Space: Rights defenders say restrictions on media and political activity are tightening ahead of December elections.

Elections & Rights: A human rights group says South Sudan’s civic and political space is still restricted ahead of December polls, citing arrests and detention of activists and journalists, plus media curbs like confiscated phones and blocked access to parliamentary proceedings. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns a “super El Niño” is worsening hunger and that food assistance could run out by October without new funding, putting millions at risk. Food Insecurity & Displacement: UNICEF reports conflict and access problems in Jonglei have cut off services, with high child malnutrition rates and emergency supplies delivered to isolated communities. Political Transition: UN experts say conditions for credible elections remain unfavorable, while the government rejects the warning; cabinet also approved education-calendar changes to let exam candidates finish before the election period. Security & Dialogue: SPLM-IO calls for international protection for suspended leader Riek Machar, alleging an assassination plot, and the government plans inter-party dialogue ahead of the vote. Regional Cooperation: IGAD ministers reviewed peace and security challenges across the region, including developments in Sudan and South Sudan. Connectivity & Economy: MTN South Sudan says broadband coverage rose to 85% after modernizing 500+ network sites, while economic reform talks covered cash tax policy and fuel supply issues.