Martyrs’ Day & Political Tensions: South Sudan marked July 30 Martyrs’ Day with SPLM officials in Torit urging unity and rejection of violence, while National Salvation Front leader Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka accused President Salva Kiir and the SPLM of betraying the martyrs’ sacrifices. Elections & Transition Debate: Commentaries and political reporting renewed the fight over whether December 2026 elections should proceed now or only after key peace and civic conditions are met. Economic Shock & Governance Moves: President Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and named Addis Ababa Othow, as analysts link reshuffles to power consolidation amid oil revenue decline, inflation, and cash shortages. Trade Corridor Crackdown: A ministerial economic reforms committee ordered security agencies to stop intercepting trucks on the Juba–Nimule Highway for unofficial taxes, and also ordered release of over 4,000 trucks held at Nesitu checkpoint. Public Life & Community Support: Juba women were trained to make liquid soap to boost household incomes, and parliament debated a National Holidays Bill to clarify national and religious public observances. Security & Peace Implementation: CTSAMVM warned insecurity and restrictions on its movement are still undermining parts of the revitalised peace agreement as elections approach.
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Central Banking Shake-Up: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa Damian and reappointed his predecessor, Addis Ababa Othow, as governor, in a move analysts link to mounting economic pressure and political consolidation. Elections & Peace Process: The CTSAMVM outgoing chair urged signatories to recommit to the permanent ceasefire, warning that localised insecurity and armed violence continue to undermine the revitalised peace agreement ahead of December 2026 elections. Border Security & Revenue: The Interior Minister called for professionalism at the Nimule border, while a government reform committee announced new measures to boost revenue collection, tighten tax compliance, and remove illegal roadblocks. Repatriation Plan: South Sudan says it will facilitate the voluntary return of 20,000 vulnerable citizens from Egypt, including refugees registered with UNHCR. Martyrs’ Day in Torit: SPLM leaders marked July 30 Martyrs’ Day, urging unity and rejection of violence as the country heads toward its first general election. Crime Watch: Police in Aweil detained a man over alleged counterfeiting of U.S. dollars, with investigations ongoing.
Central Banking Shake-up: President Salva Kiir dismissed economist Johnny Ohisa as governor of the Bank of South Sudan and immediately reappointed his predecessor, Addis Ababa Othow, as the economy faces cash shortages, inflation, and currency pressure ahead of December elections. Elections Watch: The National Elections Commission launched nationwide civic and voter education in Juba, while political parties urged transparency; RJMEC warned that unresolved security and political issues could still threaten a peaceful, credible vote on 22 December 2026. Border Revenue Reforms: At Nimule, the government announced new measures to curb tax evasion and smuggling, tighten payment rules for suppliers, remove illegal roadblocks, and stop security agencies from collecting money from truck drivers. Regional Diplomacy: South Sudan’s foreign minister met IGAD’s envoy on cooperation and election preparations, while Nigeria urged Juba to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Accord to end conflict and hold credible polls. Martyrs’ Day in Torit: SPLM leaders marked 30 July with calls for peace and unity, honoring the liberation struggle and Dr. John Garang’s legacy. Humanitarian Returns: Government plans to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese from Egypt, including transport and reintegration support.
Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has launched a nationwide civic and voter education drive in Juba, with the UN calling it a key step toward credible December 22 polls; political parties also urged transparency and dialogue as RJMEC warned that unresolved legal and security issues, weak transitional arrangements, and displacement could still undermine a peaceful, inclusive vote. Youth & Women in Politics: The South Sudan National Youth Union is pushing parties to reserve at least 20% leadership roles for young people, while the Women Union calls for intensified grassroots voter education and greater women’s participation in party structures and elective seats. Peace Implementation Pressure: RJMEC says the Revitalised Peace Agreement is at a critical stage and urges stronger international political, diplomatic, humanitarian, and technical support, including backing for the AU C5 Plus dialogue. Health & Ebola Readiness: WHO reports South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness has risen to 65% in July, up from 29% in May, as border risk from DRC remains high. Economy & Growth: The AfDB projects South Sudan’s economy will grow 22% in 2026, tied to improving oil exports and macro conditions, while warning that heavy oil dependence makes diversification urgent. Governance & Revenue: Government and state officials at Nimule are harmonising tax collection to reduce revenue leakages, clarifying what belongs to national vs state authorities. Local Voices: Maiwut youth in Upper Nile demand expanded mobile network coverage, saying poor connectivity is hurting business, emergency response, and communication. Sports & Education: Catholic University of South Sudan (Yambio campus) announced scholarships for outstanding, disciplined athletes for 2026/27 admissions.
Elections & Civic Education: Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang urged South Sudan to hold December 2026 general elections despite insecurity, as the National Elections Commission rolls out civic and voter education in Juba; political leaders also welcomed the campaign, while youth groups pushed for a 20% leadership quota and the Women Union called for intensified grassroots voter education. Peace Process Watch: The RJMEC warned peace implementation is under strain as elections approach, citing a legal procedure breach over proposed R-ARCSS amendments. Health & Ebola Readiness: WHO said South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness rose to 65% in July, up from 29% in May, with no confirmed cases reported. Local Impacts: Yei farmers reported major crop losses from prolonged dry spells, and Maiwut youth demanded expanded mobile network coverage after weeks of outages. Justice & Accountability: Human Rights Watch alleged abuses by all sides in Nagero County in 2025, and a legal explainer said reconciliation doesn’t always stop prosecution. World Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, its first World Heritage listing, and placed some conflict-hit sites on the Danger list. Economy & Courts: A US court ordered South Sudan to pay Qatar National Bank $1 billion in a dispute tied to wartime loans.
Elections & Civic Education: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission launched a nationwide civic and voter education drive ahead of the December 2026 general elections, promising a neutral, non-partisan process and urging citizens—especially women, youth, people with disabilities, and displaced communities—to register and vote peacefully. Security & Rule of Law: An editorial stresses that voter education will only work if the government provides real security and prevents intimidation, while a legal report explains why reconciliation in a criminal case may not stop prosecution when public interest is involved. Border & Revenue: A government reform committee has arrived in Nimule to assess operations at the main border crossing, aiming to plug revenue leakages and improve coordination to boost national income. Health Systems: WHO installed solar-powered blood bank refrigerators across South Sudan to improve access to safe blood. International Watch: The U.S. will stop routine visa processing at Juba and 24 other African posts from August 1, redirecting applicants to regional hubs. Regional Health: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free as the outbreak surges in DR Congo.
Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has launched a nationwide civic and voter education campaign ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, promising a strictly non-partisan process and urging citizens to register and vote peacefully, with special focus on women, youth, people with disabilities, and internally displaced communities. Civil Society & Women’s Union: Rights groups and the Women’s Union are calling for political consensus to reduce the risk of election-related violence, urging parties to reject hate speech and intimidation. Border & Revenue: A government economic reform committee has arrived in Nimule to assess operations at the country’s main border crossing, aiming to curb revenue leakages and improve coordination among customs, immigration, and security agencies. Civil Registry Digital Push: The government says it will digitize civil registration, shifting birth certificate issuance from hospitals to a centralized directorate and introducing digital national identity cards for adults. Mine Action Support: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and equipment to strengthen South Sudan’s national mine action capacity. Energy Diplomacy: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable energy, power generation, and dam projects. Health Alert: Ebola continues to surge in the region, with cases crossing 3,200 in the DRC and spreading into Uganda. Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to its World Heritage in Danger list amid poaching, trafficking, infrastructure pressure, and insecurity. Court Ruling: A US court has ordered South Sudan to pay Qatar National Bank more than $1.02 billion in a dispute enforced through an international arbitration award.
Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has kicked off a nationwide voter and civic education drive ahead of the December 22 general elections, promising a strictly non-partisan campaign and targeting women, youth, people with disabilities and internally displaced people. Legal & Finance: A U.S. court has ruled in favor of Qatar National Bank in a $1.02 billion dispute involving South Sudan and the Bank of South Sudan, enforcing an ICSID award. Telecom Costs: MTN, Zain and Digitel say a second phase of tariff increases takes effect, with prices for calls and data expected to rise after an NCA-approved exchange-rate adjustment. UNESCO & Conservation: UNESCO has placed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on its World Heritage in Danger list, citing poaching, trafficking, infrastructure pressure and insecurity. Regional Peace: South Sudan and Uganda leaders are pushing implementation of joint border resolutions, including community-level engagement with Kuku and Aringa groups. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10–$20 billion and trigger mass migration.
Elections & Civic Space: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission says it will stay neutral and non-partisan during the 2026 election campaign, launching a civic and voter education drive in Juba and releasing a seven-step voting guide. Rights & Voter Education: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network warns voter education “cannot flourish where fear prevails,” urging authorities and political actors to protect civic freedoms and prevent intimidation. Security Prep: Western Bahr el Ghazal begins training 1,011 police recruits ahead of the 22 December elections, with officials stressing professionalism and election protection. Party Mobilization: SPLM Eastern Equatoria holds a four-day leadership meeting in Torit to strengthen structures, push peace and grassroots mobilization, and prepare for the December polls. Health Crisis (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps surging, reaching about 3,200 confirmed cases and over 1,400 deaths, with strikes by unpaid health workers disrupting response efforts. Environment & Heritage: UNESCO adds South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List in Danger, citing poaching, development pressure, and limited capacity. Sports: Malawi’s Flames open 2027 AFCON qualifiers against South Sudan at home in September.
UNESCO Heritage in Danger: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to its World Heritage in Danger list on an emergency basis, citing threats including insecurity, poaching, and limited conservation capacity. Climate Shock: The African Development Bank warned a potential “Super El Niño” could cut GDP growth across Africa by 1%–2% and cost the continent $10–$20 billion, worsening droughts and floods. Ebola Response Strain: DRC and Africa CDC officials say they’re struggling to track new Ebola cases as contact tracing drops and labs run out of testing kits, with the outbreak spreading regionally. South Sudan Elections Prep: The National Elections Commission is set to launch a civic and voter education campaign ahead of December polls, following the signing of amended peace agreement provisions. Revenue & Fuel Policy: South Sudan Revenue Authority says taxpayers must pay assessed taxes in SSP through designated banks (not cash at offices), while the Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on fuel imports beyond the G2G arrangement for licensed importers. Wildlife Under Pressure: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warned poaching and habitat loss remain major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement.
Border Revenue Push: A high-level economic reform committee has arrived in Nimule to review operations at South Sudan’s main Uganda trade gateway and propose ways to boost revenue collection and curb malpractice. Telecom Costs: Mobile operators MTN, Zain and Digitel say calls and data tariffs will rise again tonight under the second Tariff Exchange Rate Adjustment, citing higher operating costs and limited foreign currency. Elections Watch: The National Elections Commission has started a Juba civic and voter education roadshow ahead of the official December 2026 polls. Passports Update: South Sudan says passport shortages are easing after new booklet arrivals, and it plans a new 10-year passport generation with EAC passports in 2027. Politics in the States: Three ministers and an SPLM-IO deputy chairperson have defected to the SPLM Party in Wau, accusing their former party of tribalism and nepotism. World Heritage: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List, alongside Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day beaches. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cut GDP across affected African countries by 1–2% and trigger mass migration, with South Sudan listed among high-risk states.
Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s NEC is set to launch a civic and voter education campaign ahead of December polls, following President Salva Kiir’s signing of amended R-ARCSS that clears the way for key electoral steps. Economy & Revenue: The South Sudan Revenue Authority says taxpayers must pay assessed taxes in South Sudanese Pounds through designated collection banks, with bank slips required for receipts, aiming to improve transparency and ease liquidity pressures. Migration & Borders: Cabinet approved a framework to receive deportees and returnees through official entry points and transit centres, alongside a national labour migration policy to protect workers and improve labour mobility. Oil & Fuel Supply: The Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing other licensed importers back into the market while a government review continues. Security & Polls Risk: A new analysis warns illicit arms smuggling remains a major threat to December 2026 elections, undermining the fragile transition. Environment & Conservation: Wildlife authorities warn poaching and habitat destruction are still major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement to protect South Sudan’s natural heritage.
Tax & Cash Controls: South Sudan Revenue Authority says taxpayers must pay all SSP-denominated tax liabilities through designated revenue collection banks, present the bank deposit slip for a receipt, and avoid cash payments at its offices; US-dollar tax payments keep existing arrangements, with the move aimed at transparency and liquidity. Fuel Market Shift: The Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions limiting fuel imports to the G2G arrangement, allowing all qualified licensed importers to resume supplying pending a government review. Deportees & Labour Migration: Cabinet approved a framework to receive, register, shelter, and support deportees and returnees via official entry points and transit centres, and endorsed a national labour migration policy to protect workers and improve labour mobility. Elections Security Risk: A new report warns illicit arms smuggling remains a major threat to December 2026 elections, despite the existing UN arms embargo. Border Cooperation: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to strengthen border security, resume joint technical work to re-mark their shared boundary by 2027, and reactivate cross-border security committees. Health Crisis Watch: With Ebola in DR Congo surpassing 1,000 deaths, the crisis is spreading instability and disease risk into neighboring Uganda, complicating containment efforts. Sports (U18): South Sudan’s U18 Bright Stars begin Zone 5 AfroBasket qualifiers today against Uganda.
Border Security Talks: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to strengthen border security, reactivate cross-border security management committees, and resume joint technical work to re-mark their shared 470-kilometre boundary by 2027, warning against misinformation that could inflame tensions. Deportees & Labour Migration: Juba’s Council of Ministers approved a framework to manage deported and returning citizens at official entry points, including transit centres and reintegration support, alongside a national labour migration policy to protect migrant workers. EAC Monetary Union: South Sudan signed the EAC commitment to establish the East African Monetary Union by 2031, as regional central banks discussed reserve resilience and policy coordination. Elections & Transition: President Salva Kiir said citizens want elections to end transitional arrangements, while political figures continue to debate whether the transition has truly started. Mining & Community Rights: The Acholi community warned that excluding local leaders from mineral exploration in Eastern Equatoria could spark future conflict. Youth & Sports: South Sudan’s U18 Bright Stars begin FIBA AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers today against Uganda. China Ties: Juba marked the PLA’s 99th anniversary with pledges to deepen military-to-military cooperation.
Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir says South Sudanese want elections to end “transitional arrangements,” and he signed amendments to the 2018 R-ARCSS that delink the permanent constitution and national census from elections, clearing the legal path for December 2026 polls; Election Integrity Debate: SPLM-IO accuses Kiir of laying groundwork to rig the elections, while youth leaders call for inclusive polls and economic reforms; Peacebuilding Role of Faith: A new push urges government to strengthen bishops and faith leaders to spearhead peace in conflict areas; Regional Integration & Money: South Sudan signed an EAC joint communiqué reaffirming the East African Monetary Union by 2031; Health Crisis: Ebola in DR Congo has surpassed 1,000 deaths as containment struggles amid conflict, with cases spreading into more provinces and Uganda; Economy & Trade: Kenya and South Sudan agreed a framework to tackle harassment of truck drivers on the Juba–Nimule corridor; Sports & Youth: South Sudan’s U18 Bright Stars begin FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers against Uganda.
Elections & Peace Agreement: President Salva Kiir signed amendments to the 2018 R-ARCSS that delink the permanent constitution and national census from elections, clearing the legal path for December 2026 polls, as youth leaders also urged full implementation of the peace deal and more youth representation ahead of voting. Political Tensions: SPLM-IO accused Kiir and the ruling SPLM of setting up to rig the December elections, pointing to arrests and legal changes. Governance & Planning: The Ministry of Finance began consultations for South Sudan’s 10-year development plan (2026–2036), gathering state and administrative leaders to shape a long-term economic framework. Higher Education Policy: The Higher Education Minister vowed to ease tax and accreditation hurdles for private universities after stakeholders complained about multiple taxes and slow accreditation processes. Food Security & Climate Resilience: The AfDB approved a $9.3m grant for solar water systems, flood management, and climate-smart farming training in Ethiopia and South Sudan, while a UN report flagged worsening hunger hotspots including South Sudan. Health Crisis: Ebola continues to surge in eastern DRC, with reports of over 1,000 deaths, and Switzerland pledged more Ebola aid, including support for containment efforts reaching South Sudan.
Political Transition: President Kiir signed an amendment clearing the legal path for December elections, removing links to constitution-making and the national census, and urged voters to register in large numbers while keeping the peace agreement intact. Dialogue & Youth: A NAS leader, Gen. Thomas Cirillo, rejected the current transition as “aborted” and pushed his own transition proposals, while youth forums in Juba called for inclusive elections, full R-ARCSS implementation, youth representation, and economic reforms. Ebola Watch: Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda has now killed over 1,000 people, with officials warning the outbreak is still spreading; Switzerland, the African Development Bank, and WHO partners are scaling support, including for testing and cross-border containment that includes South Sudan. Economy & Governance: The Finance Ministry began consultations for a 10-year South Sudan Development Plan (2026–2036), and the government ordered businesses to pay taxes and customs charges in cash to ease liquidity strain. Regional Cooperation: Uganda and South Sudan started joint border bilateral meetings in Arua to tackle trade, security, and customs/immigration issues.
Elections & Peace Deal: President Kiir signed an amendment that clears the legal path for December 2026 polls, removing links to the permanent constitution and a national census. Opposition Politics: SPLM-IO interim leadership in Juba opened a secretariat and denied any “IO Party” rebrand, while a detained deputy army chief told court the arrests of SPLM-IO leaders amount to a “coup” against the peace agreement. Local Party Prep: SPLM Juba County began voter registration preparations for July 24, pushing youth training and grassroots mobilisation. Economy & Liquidity: South Sudan ordered businesses to pay taxes and customs charges in cash, while keeping digital revenue collection running through Capital Pay. Humanitarian & Health: A bishop issued a second humanitarian appeal for the South Sudan–Uganda border after fighting in Andejo, as foreign missions urged the government to pay health workers amid Ebola alert. Food Security: IFAD and the government launched a $41.8m programme to boost climate-smart farming and fisheries in four counties, while drought in parts of Eastern Equatoria drove families to flee. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya reaffirmed support for IGAD and African-led peace efforts in the Horn of Africa.
Digital Revenue & Liquidity: South Sudan’s Capital Pay will keep running the digital revenue system, but the government says taxes must now be paid in cash (including at border points) and banks must remit cash to the Ministry of Finance to ease currency shortages. Food Security: The government and IFAD launched a $41.8M programme for 4 counties, aiming to boost climate-smart farming, fisheries, nutrition, and market access for 100,000+ people over seven years. Electricity Costs: A ministerial committee inspected Ezra Power Plant to assess heavy fuel oil needs after the company sought tax exemptions to keep Juba’s power supply running. Currency & Prices: Juba residents say prices of essentials keep rising despite falling fuel costs, blaming pound depreciation and higher taxes. Cybercrime Act Watch: CEPO says it will monitor how the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act is enforced, warning it must not be used to silence dissent. Ebola Update (Regional): WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is expanding in Ituri but some areas show stabilization. Bishops Urge Peace: Catholic bishops appealed for dialogue and peace ahead of December elections, warning of a looming constitutional crisis and calling for stronger humanitarian support.
Sudan spillover and local response: In el-Obeid, civilians are caught between RSF and SAF as a drone strike and tanker explosion left people needing urgent surgery, with local relief groups running emergency response rooms. Cost of living pressure in Juba: Residents say prices of essentials keep rising even after fuel drops, blaming a weaker South Sudanese pound and higher taxes. Liquidity and banking steps: A ministerial committee ordered cash tax payments into SSRA bank accounts and approved lifting limits on cash withdrawals and deposits to ease shortages at the Bank of South Sudan, while pushing digital tax collection. Electricity fuel dispute: Officials inspected Ezra Power Plant as government reviews a heavy fuel oil tax exemption request to keep Juba’s power supply running. Humanitarian aid from China: China handed over the final consignment of 3,256 metric tons of emergency food aid in Juba, aimed at returnees, IDPs and flood-affected communities. Cybercrime law watch: CEPO says it will monitor enforcement of South Sudan’s Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act to ensure it targets real crime, not free expression. Security in Wau: Police in Wau are investigating multiple shootings that killed a prison officer/teacher and a 15-year-old boy. Regional cooperation: East African central banks met in Kampala to discuss monetary convergence, with South Sudan participating. Catholic bishops urge peace: Bishops appealed for dialogue and full implementation of the 2018 peace deal ahead of December elections, warning of a looming constitutional crisis.
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