AGP Executive Report

Ebola & Travel Warnings: Uganda has started a 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free after discharging its last patient, while the DRC outbreak keeps worsening and the U.S. has tightened rules for Americans returning from the DRC. Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: In Juba and across South Sudan, petrol prices have jumped again, pushing transport fares and everyday costs higher. Kajo-Keji Displacement: The Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo says renewed border fighting has displaced about 10,000 civilians, with families sheltering around St. Paul Cathedral and local schools and urgently needing food, water, shelter and medicine. Local Security Response: Tonj South convened an extraordinary meeting with payam directors to tackle rising insecurity and improve coordination. Elections & Hate Speech: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani urged South Sudanese to avoid hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the December 2026 elections. Aviation Upgrade: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, calling it a major step toward modernising aviation. Party Mobilisation: SPLM in Central Equatoria launched membership registration ahead of the December 2026 polls. Digital Skills: Internet Society trained youth in Yei on responsible internet use and digital communication. Regional Trade & E-commerce: The EAC says it is working to make online shopping and cross-border business safer and more trusted.

Ebola Response Under Strain: The U.S. says Americans returning from the DRC must spend 21 days in a third country before entering the U.S., a move aid groups warn will slow staffing and hurt the Ebola response as cases and deaths keep rising. Health Crisis in the Region: WHO says the DRC outbreak is at least two to four times larger than official figures, with many deaths happening in communities before patients reach care. Uganda Nears Endgame: Uganda is set to discharge its last Ebola patient, starting a 42-day countdown toward being declared Ebola-free. U.S. Travel Warnings: The U.S. also lists South Sudan, Uganda and the DRC under Level 4 “Do Not Travel,” citing security and limited consular help. Oil Finance Update: A partial settlement with BB Energy eases a court block on new oil-backed loans, but highlights how much South Sudan still depends on future crude revenue. Workers Push Back on NSIF: Unions and employers urge the government to suspend the NSIF rollout, saying governance and transparency are not ready. Courtroom Fight in Machar Trial: A co-accused asks the Special Court to exclude a digital forensic report, arguing it’s unreliable. Aviation Milestone: President Salva Kiir will commission Juba Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday. Local Incident: A hyena attack in Rumbek North injured two boys and livestock.

Ebola Update (DRC): WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak could be 2–4 times larger than official figures, with cases nearing 2,000 and health workers warning of a possible full-scale strike over unpaid wages. US Travel Rules (Ebola): The US issued new restrictions for Americans returning from Congo, requiring a 21-day stay in a third country, while also listing South Sudan among Level 4 “Do Not Travel” destinations. Border Tensions (Kajo-Keji): SSPDF and UPDF clashed in Kajo-Keji over a disputed border area, with the county commissioner accusing Uganda of attacking an SSPDF base. Deportations (Sudan): A Sudan court ordered expulsion of 23 South Sudanese in Al-Dabbah, raising fears of more deportations. Elections & Media: AMDISS and NPA trained journalists in Bor on ethical, conflict-sensitive election reporting ahead of December 2026 polls. Economy & Cost of Living: Fuel prices and the falling South Sudan pound are squeezing households, with callers reporting steep diesel increases and higher transport costs. Social Protection (NSIF): Workers’ unions urged the government to pause NSIF rollout, saying reforms and governance structures are not ready. Aviation: President Kiir will commission Juba Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday. Humanitarian (Food Security): WFP launched South Sudan’s first drought anticipatory action plan for over 65,000 people in Eastern Equatoria.

Gold Mining Demands: In Aweil North, Mayom Angok Boma residents told Lol Malual Mining Company to build a road, school, and police station before gold mining starts, with the acting governor and company representatives attending the meeting. Peace Deal in Parliament: South Sudan MPs signed a church-facilitated Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War, backing a framework for conflict prevention and reconciliation. Ebola Alarm for the Region: Congo’s Ebola tally rose to 2,011 cases and 754 deaths, while WHO warned the outbreak is growing faster than reported; health workers in Congo also threatened strikes over unpaid wages, and South Sudan is urged to strengthen border surveillance. Humanitarian Pressure from Drought: In Eastern Equatoria’s Imehejek, drought is driving hunger and displacement as families flee failed farms and seek help in towns and even back toward Kenya’s Kakuma camp. Education Audit: Western Equatoria’s governor ordered a full school-by-school education audit after learning standards declined. Food Safety Upgrade: SSNBS began training lab staff to use HPLC equipment to improve testing for harmful food contaminants. Oil Financing Update: South Sudan partially regained access to crude-backed advance financing after a settlement with BB Energy over a London court dispute.

Ebola Alert for the Region: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is likely 2–4 times bigger than official figures, while health workers in Ituri threaten strikes over unpaid wages—raising fears of spillover risk for South Sudan amid porous borders and displacement. Fuel Deal Court Twist: Kenya’s Supreme Court temporarily lifted a block on the Kenya–South Sudan government-to-government fuel import arrangement, pausing an earlier injunction while an appeal is heard. Humanitarian Food Push: USDA will provide up to $235m via Catholic Relief Services for emergency food and nutrition aid in Sudan and Ethiopia, including delivery of over 110,000 metric tons of U.S. commodities. Health in Focus: WHO reports South Sudan’s neonatal mortality at 35 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, pointing to gaps in skilled birth attendance and antenatal care. Local Governance & Security: Warrap Governor Bol Wek Agoth says disarmament efforts are hampered by lack of logistics like fuel, as insecurity and revenge violence continue in Tonj. Civil Society vs Central Bank: A South Sudan civil society coalition says the Bank of South Sudan’s dissolution of a workers’ union is unlawful and calls for dialogue. Food Safety Capacity: SSNBS trains lab staff on HPLC technology to improve testing for harmful substances in food. Independence at 15: ICRC reflects on 15 years since independence, warning humanitarian needs keep growing as conflict, displacement, and funding shortfalls strain services.

Central Bank Labour Dispute: South Sudan’s civil society coalition says the Bank of South Sudan’s dissolution of the workers’ union is unlawful, arguing the employer has no power to dissolve unions and urging Governor Johnny Ohisa Damian to resolve grievances through dialogue. Abyei Electoral Row: Sudan rejects South Sudan’s plan to include Abyei in electoral constituencies, saying it violates the 2005 Abyei Protocol and related agreements, and calls for UN and regional support to uphold the accords. Media Governance: A report alleges President Salva Kiir dissolved and replaced the SSBC board on 7 July using a presidential order, raising fresh rule-of-law concerns. Ebola Cross-Border Worry: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 1,792 cases and 625 deaths, while the U.S. entry restriction and airport screening are set to expire soon; South Sudan is urged to stay alert to importation risks. Independence Peace Appeals: As South Sudan marks 15 years since independence, Catholic bishops and civil society groups renewed calls for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation amid ongoing insecurity. Local Security: Yei authorities investigate the killing of three civilians on the Yei–Maridi road and warn perpetrators will be prosecuted. Wildlife Enforcement: Juba wildlife authorities seized two warthogs kept illegally in a private home, warning residents that keeping wild animals without permission is prohibited.

DRC Ebola Update: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surged to at least 1,926 confirmed cases and 702 deaths, with the virus now spreading to Haut-Uele and Tshopo, raising fears of further regional spillover. South Sudan Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up border and public health readiness as WHO warns the risk of importation remains high due to cross-border movement and trade with DRC and Uganda. US Travel Disruption: The U.S. has kept visa operations paused for Juba, Kinshasa and Kampala, linking the halt to the wider Ebola situation, while a U.S. entry restriction order tied to the outbreak is set to expire in about eight days. Roads and Revenue: South Sudan Revenue Authority calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway to speed cargo and boost tax collection, as customs operations at Nimule report improved clearance. Local Community Concerns: Yei River County authorities investigate the killing of three civilians along the Yei–Maridi road, with security agencies hunting for the attackers. Drought Support: WFP and the government activate the first drought anticipatory action plan, delivering cash transfers and early warning support to over 65,000 people in Budi and Kapoeta North. Civic Life: In Yei, distribution of newly processed national identity cards begins for Greater Yei applicants, with processing expected in about two weeks.

Sudan Power Play: A leaked plan says Sudan’s army leadership, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is pushing a five-year military government before elections, reshaping the constitutional order and sidelining transitional peace institutions. Road Chaos in East Africa: On the Malaba–Bungoma highway, hundreds of motorists spent the night in a 33km traffic jam blamed on mandatory Uganda Revenue Authority plate seals, with drivers citing safety and fatigue risks. South Sudan Revenue Crackdown: At Nimule, the South Sudan Revenue Authority warned clearing agents against false declarations and ordered trucks routed via the DRC to be turned back to stop tax losses. Highway Rehab Push: SSRA also urged urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule road, saying delays in cargo movement are hurting customs clearance and revenue. Security Update (Eastern Equatoria): An advisor to the governor, Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, was shot in an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road; authorities arrested two suspects and said a third died during the operation. GBV Alarm in Juba: A rights group reports 102 cases of gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence in Kabo area over 11 months, driven by youth crime, drugs, and land grabbing. Politics & Protocol: Central Equatoria deputy governor Paulino Lukudu reposted an old government protocol guide after a dispute over how a former minister was introduced during Jubek Day. Sports (FIBA Qualifiers): Tunisia and Senegal confirmed as hosts for Window 4 of the 2027 African qualifiers, with South Sudan drawn in Group E.

Customs Crackdown at Nimule: South Sudan Revenue Authority Commissioner General Moun Deng Ajuet ordered customs officers to turn back trucks using false declarations and rerouting schemes to cut invoices, warning of severe penalties for tax evasion. Roads for Revenue: SSRA also urged urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway, saying faster truck movement would speed customs clearance and boost government income. Security on Eastern Highway: Eastern Equatoria officials report an advisor, Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, was shot in an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road and airlifted to Juba; authorities condemned the attack and called for arrests. GBV Alarm in Juba: A rights group says 102 cases of gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence were recorded in Kabo area near Juba over 11 months, driven by youth crime, drugs, and land grabbing. Politics and Protocol: Central Equatoria Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu reposted an old government protocol guide on precedence, following a dispute with former minister Josephine Napwon during Jubek Day. Oil Deal Update: BB Energy says South Sudan regained limited access to advance crude financing after agreeing to relax injunction restrictions and receive three more cargoes. Sports: FIBA confirmed Tunisia and Senegal as hosts for Window 4 of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, with South Sudan drawn in Group E.

Roads & Revenue: South Sudan Revenue Authority says the Juba–Nimule highway needs urgent rehabilitation to speed truck movement and boost tax collection, after inspections at Nimule border facilities. Tax Crackdown: SSRA also says it has ended illegal tax exemptions from 6 July, warning contractors and others against abusing customs rules to avoid paying taxes. Local Governance: Juba City Council has started consultations with hotels and catering businesses over proposed solid waste collection fee changes, after concerns that sharp increases could burden operators. Security in Eastern Equatoria: An advisor to the Eastern Equatoria governor, Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, survived a Kapoeta–Torit Road ambush after being shot in the thigh; he was airlifted to Juba and is in stable condition. Energy Deal: BB Energy says South Sudan has awarded it three more crude cargoes (August, September, November 2026), and agreed to relax court injunction limits on advance payments until end of November. Disaster Risk: A lightning strike in Juba killed a 60-year-old man and injured another near a power station in Bojur. Elections & Politics: SPLM says it received a donation of SSP 5 billion from Digital Dots Interior Designing Ltd as it prepares for the December 2026 elections.

TPS Uncertainty in the US: The Trump administration extended work permits for hundreds of thousands of migrants with Temporary Protected Status, but the relief is short. Haitians’ permits now run until July 24, while TPS holders from Ethiopia, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan and Myanmar face July 17 deadlines, leaving many employers and families anxious. Eastern Equatoria Security: An advisor to the Eastern Equatoria governor, Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, survived a gun ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road and was airlifted to Juba; officials say his condition is stable and security agencies must arrest the attackers. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak death toll rose to 648 with 1,830 confirmed cases; response teams report ongoing pressure as the epidemic continues to spread. Oil Financing Resumes: South Sudan regained limited access to advance crude financing after settling a dispute with BB Energy, with three additional cargoes awarded for delivery later in 2026. Juba City Fees & Revenue: Juba City Council consults hotels over proposed waste collection fee changes, while the South Sudan Revenue Authority says it has ended illegal tax exemptions to stop revenue leakages. Drought Preparedness: WFP launched South Sudan’s first anticipatory action against drought in Eastern Equatoria, targeting over 65,000 people with early warnings and cash support.

Independence at 15: South Sudan marked 9 July with renewed calls for unity and reconciliation as President Salva Kiir urged voter participation ahead of the first elections since 2011, while citizens staged Independence Day marathons in Juba calling for peace across all states. Drought response: WFP and the government launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan for Budi and Kapoeta North, targeting 65,000+ people with cash support and early warning messages. Currency pressure: A senior economic advisor warned the SSP could hit 1,000,000 per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken, after the black-market rate climbed to about 700,000 per $100. Security and local governance: Lakes State’s new police commissioner started a 30 million SSP renovation drive for police facilities, using personal funds to restore stations. Elections planning: NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok proposed temporary constituency adjustments, including a standalone Abyei constituency, to manage territorial disputes before the 22 Dec 2026 polls. Conflict and violence: Jonglei police opened an investigation into the killing of two construction workers in an ambush in Duk County. Health crisis watch: DRC Ebola updates reported 625 deaths as the outbreak expands into a fourth province, raising pressure on strained hospitals.

Independence & Unity Push: President Salva Kiir marked South Sudan’s 15th independence anniversary by urging unity and reconciliation, saying elections in December are meant to end the transitional period under the 2018 peace deal. Election Readiness: The NEC proposed temporary constituency adjustments to handle unresolved territorial disputes ahead of the 22 December 2026 polls, including a standalone constituency for Abyei and temporary sharing arrangements for other areas. Drought Response: WFP and the government launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Eastern Equatoria, targeting Budi and Kapoeta North to protect 65,000+ people with cash support and early warning communications. Currency Warning: A senior economic advisor warned the South Sudan pound could hit 1 million per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken, citing a worsening black-market rate. Security & Local Governance: Lakes State’s new police commissioner started a 30 million SSP renovation drive for police facilities using personal funds; in Juba, the NSS said a Blue House fire caused damage but no casualties. Conflict & Violence: Police in Jonglei launched an investigation into the killing of two road workers in an ambush on the Bor-Pibor route. Health Watch: DRC Ebola updates reported 625 deaths and spread into a fourth province, keeping regional health pressure high.

Independence at 15, peace still the demand: South Sudan marked 15 years since independence with citizens saying the real wish is dialogue and a credible democratic transition, as insecurity and economic strain continue and elections remain a major test. Violence in Warrap: At least 15 people were killed in attacks on government facilities in Warrap, with reports of injuries, underscoring how far the country is from stable security ahead of December polls. Elections readiness concerns: Civil society warned that insecurity, election funding gaps, and unclear legal rules could undermine free and fair voting, urging inclusive dialogue. Humanitarian drought response: WFP and the South Sudan government activated the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Eastern Equatoria, targeting 65,000+ people with early cash support and early warning communications. Medical evacuations rise: ICRC reported wounded evacuations up by about 50% amid renewed fighting, with more cases directed to Juba Military Hospital. Regional ties and diplomacy: South Sudan discussed bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, while Russia’s leader sent congratulations to President Kiir. Oil and transport corridor momentum: Kenya pushed for regional backing for the Lamu–South Sudan–Ethiopia corridor as Dangote confirmed the Lamu refinery plan, with talks also on extending rail links toward South Sudan and Ethiopia. Sports spotlight: Nigeria’s D’Tigers urged national support as they begin FIBA World Cup qualifiers in a group that includes South Sudan.

Independence Anniversary, Peace and Elections: South Sudan marked 15 years since independence on July 9, but many citizens said the real test is peace and credible elections in December, with calls for dialogue, security first, and reforms to avoid a “sham” vote. Violence in Warrap: At least 15 people were killed in attacks on government facilities in Warrap, underscoring fears that insecurity could derail preparations. Peace Agreement Amendments: Western embassies and the EU warned that July 1 amendments to the 2018 peace deal may weaken consensus and push the country back toward conflict. Civil Society Pushback: Civil society leaders told an AU delegation that election readiness is threatened by insecurity, funding gaps at the National Elections Commission, and unclear legal rules. Ebola Alert Beyond Borders: Africa CDC reported the DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak has surpassed 600 deaths, urging sustained support; the U.S. CDC also reminded healthcare facilities to prepare for possible traveler-related cases. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia discussed bilateral ties with South Sudan, while Russia sent congratulations to President Salva Kiir.

Independence at 15, still no elections: South Sudan marks 15 years since July 9, 2011, but the anniversary comes amid stalled 2018 peace implementation, deep insecurity, and a worsening humanitarian situation, with many communities still waiting for basic services and political progress. Security for Independence Day: Police say they’ve stepped up deployments and patrols across Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal, warning residents to celebrate responsibly and avoid fireworks and unauthorized firearms. Peace agreement amendments under pressure: Western embassies and Japan urged South Sudan to use “authentic dialogue” with all signatories after parliament approved changes to the 2018 peace deal that defer key election prerequisites. Court delays for Machar trial: Riek Machar’s suspended special court proceedings were adjourned after other accused failed to appear and a power outage hit Freedom Hall. Oil milestone: South Sudan’s oil output has reportedly passed 100,000 barrels per day, with VP Atak Santino briefing President Kiir on gains and plans to sustain production. Elections prep funding push: The Political Parties Council is seeking over $23 million to expand operations and monitor the December 2026 vote. Bank staff protest: Bank of South Sudan workers staged a sit-in over unpaid incentives and benefits, then called off the strike after an ultimatum and talks. Regional trade focus: Kenya renewed efforts to deepen Horn of Africa trade integration, highlighting Lamu Port and the LAPSSET corridor. Health watch: The U.S. keeps enhanced Ebola screening active at major airports through July 21 for travelers linked to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.