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.