AGP Executive Report

ICT & Youth Skills: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, Lakes State, to train young people in digital skills and support innovation and entrepreneurship. Cross-Border Trade: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster approved a Nimule one-stop border post, funded by the EU and implemented by UNOPS, to speed up trade with Uganda. Diplomacy & Culture: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan met UN human rights officials to deepen South Sudan’s international engagement, while Culture officials agreed to strengthen cultural diplomacy and protect South Sudanese heritage abroad. Humanitarian & Livelihoods: IDPs in Amadi, Juba received start-up support to expand small businesses, including food items like maize flour and cooking oil. Health Cooperation: South Sudan honored an outgoing Chinese medical team in Juba and welcomed the next batch, citing training and services delivered to communities. Governance & Economy: Commercial banks praised cash collection reforms, while revenue collection oversight talks continued in Nimule. Justice: Juba PACS ex-secretary was arrested over alleged misappropriation of Rs 14.22 lakh (reported from India). Regional Context: DRC Ebola response warns the outbreak could worsen, as cases and deaths rise.

Chinese Medical Cooperation: South Sudan honored the outgoing 13th Chinese medical team in Juba, saying it treated 13,500 outpatients, handled 1,700 inpatients and carried out 200+ surgeries, while training local health workers; the incoming 14th batch was officially welcomed to expand services to remote areas. Trade & Borders: The Economic Cluster approved a proposal for a Nimule One-Stop Border Post, funded by the EU and implemented by UNOPS, aiming to speed up and improve cross-border trade with Uganda. Diplomacy & Rights: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan met the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan to deepen international engagement on the human rights situation. Economy & Taxes: South Sudan Revenue Authority set September 15 as the deadline for August tax filings and payments, including arrears from audits, with cash collection rules shifting toward designated banks. Elections Prep: President Salva Kiir announced an inter-party dialogue for September 17 to discuss the electoral pathway ahead of December 2026 polls, including boundaries, financing, security and campaign freedoms. Health at the Border: Western Equatoria reported Congolese nationals and South Sudanese refugees entering Ibba County over Ebola fears, prompting screening centres and surveillance teams. Land Dispute: Juba High Court ordered a halt to demarcation in the disputed Nyamini area pending a substantive ruling, without deciding ownership. Public Order: Juba traffic police were ordered to stop collecting fines on streets, directing motorists to pay at Traffic Police offices in Buluk.

Elections Funding: South Sudan’s Finance Minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo tabled the SSP 11.34 trillion 2026-27 budget, with about SSP 184 billion earmarked for election work ahead of the December 22 polls, while the National Elections Commission trains officials for voter registration and civic education. Civil Society Space: A South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network expert panel rated the country’s civil society “enabling environment” as weak (2/5), saying laws exist but implementation blocks journalists, rights groups and civic actors. Traffic Crackdown in Juba: Traffic police officers have been ordered to stop collecting fines on the streets; motorists must be taken to Traffic Police HQ in Buluk to pay officially. Military Leadership Reshuffle: Major General Atem Salva Kiir has taken over as commander of the Tiger Division and will also lead the Special Forces temporarily. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to remove administrative barriers for health workers and emergency supplies during outbreaks, including faster visas and work permits. Regional/Global Watch: UN and partners warn Ebola in eastern DRC is still spreading with over 3,200 deaths, and WFP says El Niño could push tens of millions more into hunger.

Elections Funding: South Sudan’s Finance Minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo tabled the 2026-27 budget of SSP 11.34 trillion in parliament, with SSP 183.99 billion earmarked for election activities ahead of the Dec 22, 2026 polls. Political Tensions: The SPLM Former Detainees revoked Isaiah Hakim Garang’s membership after he accused VP Rebecca Nyandeng of incitement, while the group urged youth to reject confrontation. Justice & Security: The trial of Dr. Riek Machar and seven others was adjourned because the court lacked a full judicial panel; defense also raised threats against the accused. Health Cooperation: Juba and Kampala agreed to remove administrative barriers for cross-border emergency health response, including faster visas and real-time disease data sharing. Public Safety: A temporary court opened inside the Bentiu IDP camp to tackle SGBV, drugs and gang violence. Roads & Services: Repairs on the Juba–Nimule Highway are set to resume after funding approval, while officials warn the Juba–Rumbek Highway could face rainy-season closures. Regional Health Crisis: UN updates say Ebola deaths in eastern DR Congo have passed 3,200, with WFP warning food aid must be part of the response.

Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU in Juba to remove administrative barriers for faster movement of health workers, vehicles and emergency supplies, with plans for real-time disease surveillance, mutual outbreak alerts, joint contact tracing and coordinated response. Road Safety & Access: Officials warned the Juba–Rumbek highway may be closed again in the rainy season, as the ministry inspects works and pushes urgent repairs on key sections and bridges. Revenue Drive: South Sudan’s Revenue Authority ordered taxpayers to file and pay August taxes by September 15, including sales and excise taxes for major sectors, with arrears to be settled through designated banks and online filing encouraged. Airport Revenue Oversight: An Economic Reforms committee is set to inspect tax and revenue collection at Juba International Airport, including working conditions and how revenue is managed. Human Rights & Civic Space: A panel rated South Sudan’s environment for civil society “Weak,” saying protections exist on paper but are inconsistently applied, leaving defenders and journalists vulnerable to restrictions and intimidation. Crime & Tragedy: In Aweil, police reported a woman arrested for allegedly strangling her two children after a domestic dispute.

Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance along their border, including joint simulations, information sharing, and coordinated early warning. Economic Reform at Juba Airport: A ministerial economic reform committee plans to inspect revenue collection at Juba International Airport, while a sub-team in Nimule follows up orders against malpractices and illegal checkpoints. Road Works and Access: Authorities inspected the Juba–Rumbek highway construction and said efforts are underway to keep major roads accessible year-round. Drought Response: Relief authorities and WFP discussed drought measures and cash assistance for vulnerable communities as hunger pressure grows. Border Incident Returns: Uganda handed over bodies of two South Sudan soldiers to Kajo-Keji for burial after months in Uganda’s mortuary, following talks between local officials. Security and Insecurity on Highways: Outrage followed reports of nuns assaulted and robbed on the Torit–Juba highway, adding to wider concerns about insecurity. Heritage Protection in Juba: Culture and land ministries agreed to protect historic sites and cultural spaces in Juba through clearer development controls and shared planning. Former Detainees Push Back: Former Political Detainees distanced themselves from VP Rebecca Nyandeng’s remarks, warning against incitement and youth confrontation.

Economic Reform: South Sudan’s Economic Reform Committee says it has removed security and illegal checkpoints along the Juba–Nimule Highway, leaving only five checkpoints for security checks and warning traders against paying illegal charges. Public Safety: Juba’s traffic police warn the public to stop recording and posting government-related traffic incidents on social media without authorization, saying videos can misrepresent what happened on the road. Local Governance: Juba County Commissioner Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia rejects claims that plots in Molobur, Lado Payam were allocated to a group of comedians, directing verification and action against unauthorized land dealings. Cross-Border Security: Kajo-Keji County and Uganda’s Moyo District agree to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute people accused of inciting communities after a raid that stole over 300 cattle, with 171 recovered. Humanitarian & Food: Aweil East authorities appeal for urgent drought relief after crops failed and water sources dried up across all seven payams. Energy Cooperation: South Sudan seeks to reactivate a stalled energy deal with Russia, discussing expanded cooperation to tackle electricity shortages. Sports: Al Ghazal Wau were thrashed 7–1 by Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars in the CAF Confederation Cup, leaving a tough return-leg task.

Juba County Land Dispute: Juba County Commissioner Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia has rejected claims that four plots in Molobur, Lado Payam were allocated to a group of comedians, warning anyone posing as chiefs against selling or transferring land without authorization. Cross-Border Cattle Raid Probe: Kajo-Keji County in South Sudan and Uganda’s Moyo District agreed to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute people behind a raid in Abaya village that saw over 300 cattle stolen, with 171 recovered so far. SPLM-IO Leadership Fight: The SPLM-IO National Youth League backed Oyet Nathaniel Pierino as acting chairman, rejecting a move by Interim Secretary-General Regina Joseph Kaba to suspend him amid a wider leadership dispute. Energy Shortage Push: South Sudan is seeking to revive a stalled 2024 energy deal with Russia’s RusHydro to expand hydropower and other power generation as electricity shortages bite. UN Peacekeeping Probe: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to tighten border security. Warrap Attack & Drought Emergency: Warrap State reported an attack on an army barracks that killed at least 26 people and declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency, raising fears of worsening hunger. Traffic Police Warning: Juba’s traffic police leadership warned officers and the public against posting unauthorized government-related traffic videos on social media, saying incidents are individual and should be handled through legal channels. Wildlife & Land Policy: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities urged lawmakers to align the National Land Policy with conservation and protected areas laws, pushing for faster wildlife legislation. Smuggling Crackdown: Two women were arrested at JKIA over alleged gold smuggling totaling about 658 grams, concealed in hair and inside a bra.

Warrap Security Crisis: Armed youths attacked a South Sudanese army barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap State, killing at least 26 people including 10 soldiers, 6 police and 4 civilians (an 11-year-old among them), while authorities say six attackers were also killed; the state declared an emergency and launched investigations. Drought Emergency: Warrap also declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency after severe rainfall deficits devastated crops, grazing lands and livestock, raising fears of catastrophic famine as El Niño threatens the region. Cross-Border Cattle Raid: Kajo-Keji County (South Sudan) and Uganda’s Moyo District agreed to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute suspects behind a cross-border raid in Abaya village that saw over 300 cattle stolen, with 171 recovered. Juba–Addis Probe: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to strengthen border security and curb cross-border criminal groups. Energy Deal Push: South Sudan is seeking to revive a stalled 2024 energy cooperation MoU with Russia’s RusHydro to tackle electricity shortages and expand hydropower and related infrastructure. Wildlife Lawmaking: Juba’s wildlife lawmakers urged Parliament to integrate conservation and protected areas laws into the national land policy, calling for faster wildlife legislation.

Warrap Security Crisis: Armed youths attacked a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap State, killing 16 soldiers, six police and four civilians (including an 11-year-old), with six attackers also reported killed; the state declared an emergency and investigations are underway. Drought Emergency & Food Fears: Warrap also announced an “unprecedented” drought emergency after severe rainfall deficits devastated crops, grazing and livestock, raising fears of looming famine as El Niño threatens the region. UN Peacekeeping Probe: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed in Juba to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to tighten cross-border security and curb criminal groups. Election Readiness Push: Youth leaders urged the government to match the speed of constitutional changes with urgent funding and security guarantees for December elections, warning that delays could undermine credibility. Humanitarian Funding Gap: WFP warned food assistance could be cut for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions due to funding shortfalls, with rainy-season delivery challenges likely to worsen hunger and malnutrition risks. Wildlife & Land Policy: Juba lawmakers and the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation urged integrating conservation and protected-area laws into the national land policy, calling for faster wildlife legislation and clearer protected-area demarcation.

Elections Readiness: South Sudan’s government moved fast on constitutional changes for December 2026 polls, but youth leaders say Juba must match that speed with funding and security for election institutions and voters. Broadcasting Reform: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent fixes at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) to strengthen professionalism ahead of elections. Currency Management: Juba signed a deal with De La Rue to improve management and circulation of the South Sudanese Pound. Security Incident in Warrap: Armed youth attacked an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap, killing at least 26 people including soldiers, police and civilians, and leaving others wounded. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warned of food cuts for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs due to funding shortfalls, with the rainy season making deliveries harder. Regional Flashpoint: Uganda and South Sudan agreed to identify and prosecute people behind Moyo border violence after a cattle dispute escalated into killings and looting. Sudan Spillover: UN-linked reporting says foreign networks are helping fuel Sudan’s war, while fighting in South Kordofan reportedly killed at least 21 people in Kauda.

Warrap Security: Armed youth attacked an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap State, killing at least 26 people (including 10 SSPDF personnel, six police and four civilians, with an 11-year-old among the dead) and wounding eight; six attackers were also killed, and authorities say the motive is still unknown. Humanitarian Funding: WFP warns food assistance for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs could be cut after September distributions due to funding shortfalls, with deliveries threatened during the rainy season. Return and Reintegration: Cabinet approved $26.5 million to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception and reintegration support; a government delegation is expected to coordinate with Egyptian authorities. UN Rights Mission: UN human rights experts led by Yasmin Sooka will visit South Sudan from 7–10 September to assess worsening human rights, humanitarian and security conditions amid renewed fighting and election preparations. Justice for GBV: A Juba court convicted a father for gouging out his daughter’s eyes over an arranged marriage dispute, sentencing him under the Penal Act and Child Act. Currency & Cash: Bank of South Sudan signed a deal with De La Rue to strengthen currency management and boost public confidence in the South Sudanese Pound as cash shortages continue. Sports & National Pride: D’Tigers climbed to 52nd in the latest FIBA rankings, while South Sudan’s Bright Stars remain Africa’s top men’s team.

UN Human Rights Mission: UN human rights experts led by Yasmin Sooka will visit South Sudan from 7–10 September to assess worsening human rights, humanitarian and security conditions as the country pushes toward December elections. Constitution & Elections: President Salva Kiir assented to constitutional amendments removing the permanent constitution-making process and the national census as preconditions for the 22 December 2026 vote, clearing the legal path for voter registration. SSBC Crisis: Kiir ordered urgent action to fix operational challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation as the board and managing director John Madol Panther clash over his reported suspension. Currency Deal: The Bank of South Sudan signed a partnership with De La Rue to strengthen currency management, quality control and circulation amid ongoing cash shortages. Juba City Clean-Up: Central Equatoria Governor Adil declared every Saturday a city-wide cleaning day in Juba, targeting waste management, tree planting and urban enforcement. Regional Trade Disruption: Trucks queued at the Busia border after a cargo scanner broke down, delaying clearance for goods heading to the DRC. Sudan War Watch: UN reports say foreign networks are helping fuel Sudan’s war, including supplying drones and military support to warring forces. Sports: D’Tigers climbed to 8th in Africa in the latest FIBA rankings; AFCON 2027 qualifiers schedule was released.

South Sudan Elections Roadmap: President Salva Kiir assented to constitutional amendments removing the permanent constitution-making process and national census as conditions for the 22 December 2026 polls, clearing the legal path for voter registration and election preparations. Election Prep: The National Elections Commission has begun training election officials across states and administrative areas for voter registration ahead of the December vote. Public Media Power Struggle: Kiir ordered urgent action to fix challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation as its MD John Madol Panther faces board removal reports; Panther says the board has no power to suspend him. Youth Mobilisation: SPLM Youth League leaders briefed Kiir on a grassroots reorganization drive to expand youth structures nationwide ahead of elections. Health & Safety: DFCA ordered pharmacies to immediately recall two unregistered medicines, Duphaston and Navidoxine, warning of patient safety risks. Local Governance: Juba County suspended illegal boda-boda associations, while Juba City Council and stakeholders agreed to regulate Buluk Playground activities to protect school learning and sanitation. Humanitarian/Returnees: In Yei River County, authorities registered over 200 returnees from Uganda and DRC and urged livelihood support as farming faces climate stress. Regional Watch: UNICEF warns El Niño could endanger 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa, including threats to nutrition, water, education and safety.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir signed Constitutional Amendment No. 13, clearing legal hurdles for South Sudan’s planned Dec 22 general elections by delinking polls from permanent constitution-making and the national census. Public Broadcasting: SSBC Managing Director John Madol Panther denies suspension, saying the SSBC Board has no legal power to remove him; sources say an acting MD was named, but SSBC has not confirmed. Diplomacy: South Sudan’s Embassy in Cairo apologised after the national flag was displayed upside down during talks with Egyptian officials. Peace Process: The AU Peace and Security Council urged leaders to resume direct political dialogue without preconditions, push ahead on the Hybrid Court and Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Commission, and complete unified forces and security reforms. Health & Climate: UNICEF warns 162+ million children across eastern and southern Africa face El Niño risks, including South Sudan, where drought, heat and flooding could worsen malnutrition and disease outbreaks. Regional Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Nadapal highway to improve trade links and access to Mombasa port. ICT & Modern Services: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny met Huawei VP Eric Ma to discuss using Huawei expertise to modernise and connect public services, including “smart city” plans.

Constitutional & Elections: President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, clearing the way for South Sudan’s planned December 22, 2026 general elections by separating election conduct from the permanent constitution process and the population census. Health & Safety: The Drug and Food Control Authority has recalled Duphaston and Navidoxine after safety and quality concerns, warning they are not safe for pregnant women. Local Governance: Juba County has suspended illegal boda-boda associations that were operating without authorization, including stopping them from collecting fees or issuing IDs. Public Finance & Prices: A ministerial economic reform committee has recommended further fuel price reductions, while Western Equatoria’s governor urged traders to keep money circulating locally instead of flying cash to Juba. Infrastructure & Trade: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway to boost trade links to the Port of Mombasa. Humanitarian & Climate: UNICEF warns El Niño risks could worsen drought, flooding and hunger, with South Sudan among the most vulnerable. Sports & Youth: South Sudan’s Bright Stars swept Tunisia in FIBA qualifiers and will be celebrated in Juba, while EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated sports playground in Terekeka.