AGP Executive Report

Security & Justice: South Sudan’s government dismissed SPLM-IO claims that First Vice-President Riek Machar faces an assassination plot, saying the allegation is false and meant to undermine his trial, while insisting Machar is under maximum security in Juba. Elections & Rights: A UN human rights commission warned that violence, impunity, shrinking civic space and weak institutions are putting civilians and the December transition at risk, urging credible electoral safeguards and inclusive dialogue. Politics & Law: Cabinet approved amendments to the Elections Act, including restoring 102 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-member National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to completion of a population census. Women & Livelihoods: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to offer training, business support and gender-based violence prevention, funded by the EU and Germany. Environment & Land Use: The wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in demarcating protected areas to settle land-use concerns and rebuild lost records after years of conflict. Human Impact: Displaced women in Tambura are using vocational skills and small businesses to rebuild livelihoods amid ongoing insecurity.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s Cabinet has approved amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the December polls, including restoring 102 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-seat National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to completion of a population census. UN Rights Warning: The UN Commission on Human Rights says worsening violence, impunity, shrinking civic space and weak institutions are endangering civilians and the democratic transition, and South Sudan’s government has rejected the UN’s election-risk claims. Civil Protection & Accountability: UNMISS says there has been “no real change” in the civil war since the 2018 peace deal, urging protection of civilians, humanitarian access and inclusive dialogue. Local Development: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to provide training, business support and gender-based violence prevention. Wildlife Governance: The wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in defining protected-area boundaries, aiming to fix lost records and land-use disputes. Humanitarian Livelihoods: Displaced women in Tambura are using vocational skills and small businesses to rebuild after conflict.

Elections & Rights: South Sudan’s government rejected a UN Human Rights Commission warning that December elections could spark violence, saying the country will follow the 2018 peace deal and hold polls; the UN said renewed violence, political mistrust, shrinking civic space, corruption and impunity still endanger civilians and the fragile transition. Humanitarian Protection: The UN Commission chair Yasmin Sooka said displacement, insecurity and rights abuses continue with little change, urging inclusive dialogue, civilian protection and conditions for credible voting. Security on the Road: A call to secure the Juba–Torit highway highlights how robberies, ambushes and abductions are raising transport costs and threatening trade and farm-to-market access. Livelihoods in Displacement: Displaced women in Tambura are using UNMISS-supported vocational skills and small businesses to rebuild after conflict, including shoemaking for income. Public Health Spillover: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with testing finding the rare Bundibugyo strain in Sud-Ubangi, raising fears for neighboring areas. Wildlife Governance: The wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in defining protected-area boundaries to address land-use concerns and improve demarcation standards.

Elections & Rights: A UN human rights commission warned South Sudan’s December polls face renewed violence, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption and persistent impunity, urging urgent steps to protect civilians and enable inclusive political dialogue. Corruption & Impunity: The commission said there has been little meaningful follow-through on last year’s corruption findings, with resource diversion going unpunished and fueling instability. Wildlife Governance: South Sudan’s wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in defining protected-area boundaries, aiming for a national policy and clearer procedures after lost records and conflict-era gaps. Public Health Watch: In the wider region, DR Congo confirmed Ebola in a seventh province bordering the Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville, with local transmission not yet confirmed. Humanitarian Pressure: A drought story from Eastern Equatoria highlights shrinking water points and worsening hunger as El Niño-linked extremes threaten food security. Community Tech: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek to train youth in digital skills and support local innovation. Sports: Simba SC, TP Mazembe, Pyramids FC, Al Hilal and Atlético Petróleos head into CAF Champions League return legs with valuable away results.

Elections Under Threat: UN human rights experts warn South Sudan’s December 2026 elections face growing risks as violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, corruption and impunity persist, urging protection of civilians, humanitarian access and inclusive dialogue. Humanitarian Protection Failures: The UN commission says it continues to document displacement and rights abuses across the country, with women and girls facing serious violations and many communities still unable to reach basic services. Inter-Party Dialogue: President Salva Kiir has set an inter-party dialogue for September 17 to shape the electoral pathway and transitional political settlement, including boundaries, candidacy rules, election financing, security and freedoms during campaigns. Border Trade Push: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster approved a One-Stop Border Post in Nimule to improve cross-border trade with Uganda, funded by the EU and implemented by UNOPS. Local Livelihood Support: IDPs in Amadi Residential Area received start-up items to expand small businesses, with organisers targeting women traders and host-community beneficiaries. Regional Security Spillover: Uganda’s URA says it seized a cigarette smuggling operation using modified Fuso trucks with hidden compartments, with contraband reportedly routed from South Sudan. Digital Skills Boost: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek to train youth and support innovation and entrepreneurship in Lakes State.

Elections Watch: UN human rights experts say South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 polls face mounting risks, citing renewed violence, shrinking civic space, stalled Revitalized Peace Agreement safeguards, and persistent impunity. Political Parties: Ahead of the vote, President Salva Kiir convenes an inter-party dialogue on September 17 to hash out election sequencing, boundaries, financing, security for candidates, observer access, and dispute mechanisms. Governance & Data: Kiir appoints a new National Bureau of Statistics board chaired by former finance minister Dr. Dier Tong Ngor, aiming to strengthen oversight and reliable national data. Budget & Taxes: Finance minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo tables a proposed SSP 11.34 trillion 2026/27 budget, with oil revenue projected at 79.5% of total; South Sudan Revenue Authority sets September 15 as the deadline for August tax filings and payments. Civil Society Space: A civil society assessment rates South Sudan’s enabling environment for civic groups “weak,” pointing to gaps between laws on paper and real-world implementation. Regional Trade: The Economic Cluster approves a Nimule one-stop border post, funded by the EU and implemented by UNOPS, to boost cross-border trade with Uganda. Local Livelihoods: IDPs in Amadi receive start-up support to expand small businesses, including food items like maize flour and cooking oil. Human Rights Beyond Borders: ICE arrests a South Sudan-born SCSU athlete in the U.S., raising fresh concerns about immigration enforcement.

Elections Roadmap: President Salva Kiir will convene an inter-party dialogue on September 17 to agree on the electoral pathway ahead of December 2026 polls, including constituency boundaries, independent candidacy, election timing and sequencing, financing, security for candidates and rallies, observer access, and dispute resolution. Budget & Vote Readiness: The government tabled the 2026/27 national budget at about SSP 11.34 trillion, with oil revenue projected at 79.5% of total revenue, and lawmakers also heard that nearly SSP 184 billion is earmarked for election operations and pre-election activities for the December 22 vote. Statistics Governance: Kiir appointed a new National Bureau of Statistics board, chaired by former Finance Minister Dr. Dier Tong Ngor, to strengthen oversight and improve the reliability of official data. Tax & Revenue Reforms: The South Sudan Revenue Authority set September 15 as the deadline for August tax filings and payments, and said payments should go through designated revenue collection banks to improve transparency. Livelihood Support for IDPs: In Amadi Residential Area, IDPs received start-up business support—items like maize flour, wheat and cooking oil—to expand small enterprises and boost incomes. Regional Trade Infrastructure: The Economic Cluster approved a Nimule One-Stop Border Post proposal, funded by the EU and implemented by UNOPS, to streamline cross-border trade with Uganda. Civil Society Space: A civil society enabling-environment assessment rated South Sudan “Weak” (2/5), citing gaps between legal frameworks and real-world implementation for civic actors and human rights defenders.

Elections Funding: South Sudan’s finance minister Kuol Ayulo tabled the 2026–27 budget, proposing nearly SSP 184 billion for National Elections Commission pre-election work and the December 22 general vote, with voter registration training already underway. Budget Pressure: The same budget totals SSP 11.34 trillion, with oil expected to fund about 79.5% of revenue, as the government says it must broaden the tax base and stabilize the economy ahead of polling. Civil Society Space: UN human rights experts urged leaders to keep political and civic space open and protected, warning that restrictions could weaken public trust in the electoral process. Statistics Leadership: President Salva Kiir appointed a new National Bureau of Statistics board, chaired by former finance minister Dr. Dier Tong Ngor, as the agency supports national planning and policymaking. Party Tensions: SPLM Former Detainees revoked Isaiah Hakim Garang’s membership after disputes over remarks by Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng ahead of elections. Health Cooperation: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen cross-border health security, citing Ebola risks and the need for coordinated surveillance and response. Humanitarian Health Crisis (Region): In DR Congo, UN updates say Ebola deaths have passed 3,200, with the response hampered by a shortage of trained health workers and funding. Conservation Spotlight: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting protection for migratory antelopes and key bird habitats. Road Repairs: Juba–Nimule highway repairs are set to resume after funding approval, aiming to ease travel and trade between South Sudan and Uganda. Tax Deadline: The South Sudan Revenue Authority set September 15 as the deadline for August tax filings and payments, including sales and excise taxes for major sectors.

Elections Funding: South Sudan’s Finance Minister Kuol Ayulo has tabled a proposed 2026-27 budget of SSP 11.34 trillion, with SSP 183.99 billion earmarked for election-related activities ahead of the December 22 vote. Civic Space Ahead of Polls: UN human rights experts are urging South Sudan to keep political and civic space open and protected, warning that restrictions could weaken public trust in the electoral process. Political Tensions in the Ruling Camp: The SPLM Former Detainees have revoked Isaiah Hakim Garang’s membership after he accused Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng of incitement, escalating internal disputes as elections near. Justice System Watch: Dr. Riek Machar’s trial was adjourned after a judge fell sick, leaving the court without a full panel and pushing key applications to Friday, Sept. 11. Health Cooperation: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen cross-border health security, citing Ebola risks and the need for coordinated surveillance and response. Tax Compliance Push: The South Sudan Revenue Authority set September 15 as the deadline for taxpayers to file and pay August taxes, including sales and excise obligations for major sectors. Roads and Trade: Repairs on the Juba–Nimule Highway are set to resume after funding approval, aiming to ease transport costs for traders and passengers.

Elections & Civic Space: UN human rights experts are urging South Sudan to keep political and civic space open and protected ahead of elections, warning that restrictions could weaken public participation and trust in the process, and calling for full implementation of R-ARCSS, a stronger justice system, and more AU support. National Budget: The finance minister has tabled a proposed 2026-27 budget of over SSP 11.34 trillion, with oil projected at SSP 9.01 trillion and plans to broaden the tax base through digital collection and tighter revenue administration. Tax Deadline: The South Sudan Revenue Authority has ordered taxpayers to file and pay August taxes by September 15, including sales and excise taxes for major sectors, and says arrears should be settled through designated banks. Civil Society Under Pressure: A panel rated South Sudan’s environment for civil society “weak,” citing gaps between legal protections and real-world intimidation and inconsistent enforcement. Security on the Roads: Catholic nuns were attacked and robbed on the Torit–Juba highway, with church officials warning insecurity is worsening. Governance & Oversight: An economic reforms committee is set to inspect revenue collection and working conditions at Juba International Airport.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s December 2026 polls are under debate after a constitutional amendment delinked elections from the permanent constitution process and the census; callers cited muddy roads that could delay moving election materials, while others said the real test is political will and timely funding. Youth & Political Tension: Former Political Detainees (FDs) rejected Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior’s funeral remarks, saying they amount to incitement and warning young people not to be pulled into confrontation. Security on the Roads: Two Catholic nuns were attacked and robbed on the Torit–Juba highway, adding to fears of collapsing security for religious workers. Food Aid Dependency: VP Taban Deng Gai urged communities to stop relying on humanitarian food since 1983, pushing youth toward farming instead of handouts. Water & Conflict Prevention: UNMISS handed over a new reservoir in Terekeka meant to ease farmer–cattle keeper clashes by supplying water for crops and reducing livestock pressure on farmland. Regional Tech & Connectivity: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia, highlighting a licensing gap even as satellite internet expands across parts of Africa—an issue that could shape future connectivity debates in the region.

Elections & Governance: South Sudanese citizens are split on whether the country is ready for the December 2026 general elections, with concerns over end-of-rainy-season road conditions for transporting election materials even as others say the key is political will and timely funding. Constitutional Path: The debate follows the signing of the 13th Constitutional Amendment Bill into law, which delinks elections from the permanent constitution-making process and the national population census. Aid Dependency: Vice President Taban Deng Gai urged communities to end reliance on humanitarian food aid, saying dependency on relief since 1983 has weakened farming participation, especially among youth. Security & Borders: UNMISS handed over a new reservoir in Terekeka meant to reduce farmer-herder conflict by easing pressure on water and grazing. Regional Context: South Sudan’s CAF campaign also drew attention as Al Ghazal Wau were thrashed 7–1 by Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars, leaving a tough return-leg task. Environment & Heritage: Boma and Badingilo national parks’ UNESCO World Heritage status is expected to boost conservation support for migratory birds.

Border Security & UN Probe: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, with both sides also pledging joint mechanisms to curb cross-border criminal groups. Elections Pressure: The AU Peace and Security Council reiterated that South Sudan’s transitional mandate must end in February 2027, warning of funding and administrative gaps and urging a realistic electoral roadmap plus donor support by October 2026. Currency & Cash Confidence: The government signed an MoU with De La Rue to strengthen currency management, forecasting, quality control, and circulation of the South Sudanese Pound, aiming to boost public confidence. Crisis on the Ground: A deadly raid on a Warrap State military base and an emergency drought declaration have highlighted worsening insecurity and rising famine fears as elections approach. US Diplomacy Push: A US congressman urged the State Department to take a stronger role in ending South Sudan’s political and military crises, citing billions in US taxpayer support since 2011. Regional Violence Response: Uganda and South Sudan agreed to identify, arrest, and prosecute people accused of mobilising communities in recent Moyo–Kajo-Keji border violence. SPLA-IO Leadership: SPLM-IO youth backed Oyet Nathaniel Pierino as acting chairman amid a leadership dispute, while the party’s spokesman said the crisis will not trigger armed infighting.

Elections Pressure & Currency Moves: The AU Peace and Security Council says South Sudan’s transitional period must end in February 2027 with no more extensions, urging a realistic electoral roadmap and donors to close funding gaps. In the same push to stabilize state systems, the government signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve planning, quality control, and circulation of the South Sudanese Pound. Security & Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to strengthen cross-border security and tackle criminal networks. Crisis on the Ground: A deadly raid on a Warrap State military base and a new drought emergency highlight how insecurity and climate stress are colliding, with UN monitors warning elections amid clashes, corruption allegations, and disasters could reignite conflict. Opposition Leadership Fight: SPLM-IO youth leaders back Oyet Nathaniel Pierino as acting chairman, rejecting moves to suspend him, while the party’s spokesman says the dispute is administrative and won’t trigger armed infighting.

Border Security & Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, with both sides also pledging tighter cross-border security and action against destabilizing groups. Human Rights Watch: UN human rights experts will visit South Sudan from 7–10 September to assess worsening rights, humanitarian and security conditions as fighting and political tensions rise ahead of elections. Elections & Transition Deadline: The AU Peace and Security Council reiterated that South Sudan’s transitional mandate must end in February 2027, warning of funding and administrative gaps and urging a clear electoral roadmap. Currency & Cash Shortage: Juba signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve planning, quality control, circulation, and security of the South Sudanese Pound amid ongoing liquidity problems. Crisis on the Ground: A deadly raid on a Warrap military base and a new drought emergency have deepened instability, with fears of famine as crops, grazing and livestock are hit. Regional Pressure: A U.S. congressman urged the State Department to take a stronger role in pushing Kiir and Riek Machar toward a binding democratic settlement, citing billions in aid and continued conflict. Opposition Leadership Tensions: SPLA-IO officials traded claims over who ordered the suspension of acting chairman Oyet Nathaniel, as the movement’s internal dispute continues.

UN Security & Borders: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, with both sides also pledging tighter cross-border security and action against destabilising groups. Elections & Governance: The AU Peace and Security Council says South Sudan’s transitional period must end in February 2027 with no further extensions, urging a realistic electoral roadmap and donors to close funding gaps. Currency & Economy: Juba signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve South Sudanese Pound planning, quality control, circulation, and public confidence amid ongoing cash shortages. Opposition Politics: SPLA-IO leadership tensions continue after Oyet Nathaniel Pierino’s suspension, with a spokesman insisting there will be no armed infighting and that the dispute is administrative. Human Rights Watch: UN human rights experts will visit South Sudan from 7–10 September to assess worsening rights, humanitarian and security conditions as elections near. Regional Trade & Logistics: Trucks queued at Busia after a cargo scanner broke down, delaying clearance and raising transport costs.