AGP Executive Report

Rumbek Clashes: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were reported killed in intercommunal fighting in Lakes State. Security forces have deployed and authorities urged communities to avoid retaliation; the toll is still being verified. Foreign Traders: South Sudan’s foreign ministry says there is no national order for foreign nationals to leave, after Juba County restricted their small-scale retail businesses. Uganda has urged Juba to respect regional trade commitments. Ebola Alert: South Sudan says it has no confirmed cases but has stepped up surveillance following Kenya’s imported case, as new outbreak hotspots emerge near its border in DR Congo. Election Talks: President Salva Kiir has returned to Juba after meetings in Kenya and South Africa on support for December’s planned elections and peace efforts. Returnees from Sudan: South Sudanese released from Sudanese prisons are reuniting with families in Renk, but survivors describe torture and face an uncertain future amid conflict and hardship.

Ebola Alert: South Sudan has put its health system on high alert after Kenya confirmed an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case. No cases have been reported in South Sudan; authorities are strengthening surveillance along the border as Africa CDC urges regional preparedness. Election Race: Former Central Equatoria governors Emmanuel Adil and Rabi Mujung have entered the SPLM’s gubernatorial primaries, while comedian-turned-politician Majuetdit is seeking the Northern Bahr el Ghazal nomination. Civil society groups are urging candidates to put citizens first and reject violence ahead of December’s planned elections. Foreign Traders: South Sudan says it has issued no order for foreign nationals to leave, amid concern over calls for foreign traders to quit small-scale retail. Uganda has urged Juba to respect EAC common-market rules. Security: The army has called Agwelek fighters to regroup for inspection and integration into national forces, as church and peace groups call for an end to hostilities. Health and Farming: The government launched a five-year eye-care plan to expand services and train specialists. In Yei, GIZ equipment will help maintain tractors and support local farmers.

Election Preparations: The National Elections Commission has consulted the Council of Churches on voter registration, while residents in Northern Bahr el Ghazal say they want elected leaders to improve roads, schools and health services. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also urged President Salva Kiir to address security and logistical challenges ahead of the December 22 vote. Peace and Security: South Sudan’s church leaders are calling for an end to hostilities, protection for civilians and safe humanitarian access amid killings, abductions and displacement. Juba Trade Dispute: Juba County Commissioner Kalisto Lado denies ordering foreigners to leave, but says small-scale retail should be reserved for South Sudanese, prompting concern from Uganda over traders’ rights. Ebola Alert: New outbreak hotspots in DR Congo are emerging near South Sudan, and authorities are increasing vigilance after Kenya confirmed an imported case. Aid and Services: Food shortages and insecurity continue to strain communities, while rehabilitation has begun on the long-delayed Magwi–Palwar road. Deportation Case: A Laotian man sent by the United States to South Sudan has left Juba for home after more than a year in detention.

Elections and Peace: President Kiir and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed South Sudan’s December polls and peace process. The election commission says voter registration is expected to begin in the coming weeks, while church leaders are urging an end to hostilities and protection for civilians. Juba Business: Juba County Commissioner Kalisto Lado denied ordering foreigners to leave the city. He said his remarks concerned foreign nationals in small-scale retail, not expulsion from South Sudan. Humanitarian Needs: Torit’s commissioner warned that drought is worsening food shortages and driving families to seek help across the borders in Uganda and Kenya. In Magwi, work has begun to rehabilitate a long-awaited road linking communities and farms to markets. Health: East African health ministers agreed on stronger cross-border outbreak measures after Kenya confirmed an Ebola case; Kenya has also stepped up screening for travellers arriving from South Sudan and nine other countries.

Ebola Alert: South Sudan has stepped up screening at Juba airport and other entry points after Kenya confirmed its first Bundibugyo Ebola case. No cases have been detected in South Sudan. Election Preparations: The December 22 vote faces a major funding gap: the elections commission has received $27 million of the $250 million it says it needs, while voter registration has yet to begin. President Kiir discussed peace and the polls with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria. Calls for Peace: Church leaders urged an immediate ceasefire and an end to arming young people, warning that violence is killing and displacing civilians and disrupting aid access. Regional Trade: Uganda has urged South Sudan to protect lawful foreign businesses after reports that Ugandan traders in Juba were told to stop operating.

Election Preparations: South Sudan’s December polls face a funding crunch: the Elections Commission has received just $27 million of the $250 million it says it needs, while voter registration has yet to begin. The commission is training election teams and says claims that voters have already registered are false. Peace and Security: Church leaders are urging an immediate ceasefire and an end to arming young people, warning that violence across several states is killing and displacing civilians and disrupting aid. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP says food stocks at its Malakal hub have plunged below 300 tonnes, putting assistance for more than one million people at risk. Trade Tensions: Juba County’s commissioner denies ordering foreigners to leave, but says small-scale retail should be reserved for South Sudanese; Ugandan traders say they are worried by notices they received. Health: Kenya has stepped up Ebola screening for arrivals from South Sudan and nine other countries. Local Services: Lainya County has received medicines for its referral hospital amid reported shortages.

Aid & Hunger Crisis: WFP warns South Sudan’s food stocks are collapsing as needs rise, with Malakal stocks dropping from 10,000 metric tonnes to under 300, and over a million vulnerable people at risk of losing life-saving support by October. Humanitarian Access Under Fire: In Jonglei’s Ayod, armed youth blocked a river convoy; WFP says 162.54 metric tonnes of food for 4,400 people was forced off under duress. Health System Strain: Only 11% of South Sudan’s health facilities are highly functional, while funding is 47% met and a service “cliff” threatens closures into October. Elections & Governance: Kenya’s Ruto met Kiir in Nairobi, reaffirming support for December 22 polls; Kiir says legal steps are complete while dialogue continues. In Central Equatoria, caretaker Governor Jadalla urged ministers and county commissioners to prioritize peace, security, unity, and election readiness. Local Business Rules: Juba County caretaker commissioner Kalisto Ladu ordered foreigners to stop small-scale retail (chapati, onions, tomatoes, boda boda), reserving retail for South Sudanese and pushing foreigners toward wholesale and company investments. Security & UN Presence: UNMISS built a police post in Yambio to improve detention conditions, and a UN assessment team is preparing a 250+ deployment to Yei. Climate & Food Risks: El Niño warnings point to lower yields and heat stress across the region, while meteorological forecasts flag relatively cooler conditions in parts of Central Equatoria.

Health System Under Strain: Only 11% of South Sudan’s health facilities are highly functional, and aid funding gaps are forcing closures—MSF says two thirds of primary centres in Northern Bahr el Ghazal have shut, while the Health Cluster warns of an end-September service cliff. Humanitarian Access Blocked: WFP condemned armed youth in Jonglei who forced food offloading; 162.54 metric tons meant for 4,400 people in Mogok were removed after gunpoint threats. Food Insecurity Worsens: A market monitoring update shows the survival basket fell 10% in September, but conflict and drought continue to hit Eastern/Western Equatoria, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei and Upper Nile. Elections and Security Push: Central Equatoria Governor Jadalla urged commissioners to prioritize peace, unity, and election readiness for the 22 Dec polls, while the South Sudan Council of Churches called for an immediate nationwide ceasefire and an end to youth arming. Local Economy Rules: Juba County Commissioner Kalisto Lado ordered foreign traders to stop small-scale retail (chapati, onions, tomatoes, boda bodas), warning non-compliant roadside stalls could be demolished. Weather Watch: The meteorological service forecasts relatively cooler conditions in parts of Central Equatoria, including Yei, Lainya and Morobo, but still warns of heat stress across most areas. UN Presence in Yei: UNMISS assessment teams arrived in Yei to prepare for a 250+ personnel deployment, including health and security checks.

Regional Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir met Kenya’s William Ruto in Nairobi to push regional economic and infrastructure cooperation ahead of South Sudan’s December elections. Trade & Industry: China expanded its zero-tariff access for African goods, with the ambassador saying more South Sudanese products could enter China’s market; locally, the Manufacturers Association backs renovation of the Juba Trade Ministry compound. Money & Banking: The Trade Ministry urged banks to form a banking union and speed up digital banking as a shortage of South Sudanese Pound notes keeps cash withdrawals and trade difficult. Health: The Ministry of Health says 850,000 malaria cases were treated with first-line medicines in the first half of 2026. Humanitarian Access: WFP condemned armed obstruction in Jonglei’s Ayod, saying 162.54 metric tons of food were forced off a convoy. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Juba County inspected Kapuri Bridge works and reopened an access road in Gudele West; JEDCO restored power after a billboard collapse. Security & Education: A Yei student survived an arson attack; teachers in Yei demanded better pay and training. Politics: SSOA defended PPC chair James Akol Zakayo amid opposition claims over party registration records.

Elections & Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir has travelled to Kenya for high-level talks with President William Ruto, with focus on South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 elections, regional stability, and election security and cooperation. Returnees & Peace Demand: South Sudanese returnees from Uganda say worsening conditions in refugee settlements pushed them home, urging the caretaker administration to restore peace so they can vote and rebuild. Morobo Security & Trade: Traders in Morobo County are calling on the new caretaker commissioner, Isaac Moro, to prioritize security to protect goods and revive cross-border commerce with Uganda and the DRC. Civil Society Pressure: The South Sudan Civil Society Forum is urging renewed commitment to the 2018 peace deal, inclusive dialogue, and protection of constitutional freedoms ahead of elections. Food Insecurity for Women: UN Women warns 11.7 million more women and girls across 28 countries could face food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan named among high-risk areas. Climate Shock in Bentiu: UNMISS warns Bentiu’s flooding crisis is turning into a long-term hydrological emergency, with El Niño-linked heavy rains threatening dykes and livelihoods. Ebola Update (DRC): In the DRC, Ebola deaths among children have risen sharply, with Save the Children reporting 961 child deaths since May 15.

Elections & Diplomacy: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has travelled to Kenya for talks with President William Ruto on December 22 elections, regional stability, and how the two countries will work around the Lamu oil refinery. Humanitarian Crisis: Boma County in Greater Pibor remains in emergency acute food insecurity, with malnutrition affecting millions of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women across South Sudan. Local Administration: Jonglei caretaker Governor Moses Majok Gatluak Thou appointed six caretaker county commissioners, while Western Equatoria caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa named caretaker commissioners for all ten counties. Security & Borders: Kajo-Keji Chief Mawa Joseph was released after nearly ten months in Uganda and handed back at the Afoji checkpoint, with officials citing dialogue and cooperation. Health Preparedness: Western Equatoria stepped up readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after a WHO and health partners’ assessment of border entry points and isolation capacity. Sports (Regional): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana beat Egypt 1-0 in Cairo in a friendly, with South Sudanese-linked refugee story “His House” highlighted in entertainment coverage.

Regional Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir travelled to Kenya for bilateral talks with President William Ruto, with discussions expected to cover electoral preparations for South Sudan’s 22 December vote and economic cooperation, including the Lamu oil refinery. Oil & Economy: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry met oil production partners to review sector performance and push for more investment and production, as the country seeks to turn an oil rebound into wider economic revival. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160m from the CERF for life-saving aid in 12 underfunded crises, including $15m for South Sudan. Elections Watch: SPLM opened nominations for internal party candidates for December elections, running Oct. 5–9 in Juba. Local Governance: Caretaker commissioners were sworn in and appointed across Central Equatoria, including Lainya’s Laku Micah Wani and Morobo’s Isaac Moro Johnson Lupai, as preparations intensify ahead of elections. Health Security: Western Equatoria stepped up readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after a WHO-led assessment and inspections of isolation capacity near the DRC border. Cross-Border Ties: A Kajo-Keji chief detained in Uganda for nearly 10 months was released and handed back during a border handover ceremony. Sports & National Pride: Egypt hosts South Africa in a friendly in Cairo after beating South Sudan 5-0, while Malawi’s AFCON qualifier campaign continues in Angola.

SPLM Candidate Nominations: The SPLM has opened internal nominations for December elections, running Oct. 5–9 in Juba for seats in parliament, state assemblies, governorships and chief administrator posts, with the party stressing it is separate from the NEC’s formal process. Machar Court Update: South Sudan’s Special Court ruled Riek Machar can present his defence orally, rejecting a bid to confine him to a written statement, and set the trial to resume Oct. 7. Elections & Dialogue Tensions: Opposition parties have refused to join President Salva Kiir’s national dialogue, while the court ordered tighter security after concerns raised by Machar’s legal team. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160m from CERF for 12 underfunded crises, including $15m for South Sudan, warning that money alone won’t reach people without political will and access. Economy & Currency Pressure: The Bank of South Sudan says gross international reserves fell to about five days of import cover, down 67.21% in 2025’s first quarter, despite a trade improvement linked to resumed oil production. Local Governance: Central Equatoria sworn in six caretaker county commissioners and Juba City leadership, with Governor Jadalla urging impartiality and security ahead of polls.

Humanitarian Funding: The UN has released US$160 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for 12 underfunded crises, including South Sudan (US$15m) and Sudan (US$16m), warning that money alone won’t reach people unless governments allow aid access. Elections & Governance: In Central Equatoria, six caretaker county commissioners and Juba City leadership were sworn in, with Governor Augustino Jadalla urging impartiality and security ahead of December polls. Local Administration: Yei River County appointed Emmanuel Taban Seme as caretaker commissioner, while Central Equatoria also named new caretaker state ministers and Juba County security leadership. Economy & Currency: The Bank of South Sudan says gross international reserves fell to about five days of import cover. Standards & Digital Shift: The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards unveiled progress on an ERP system and engaged partners at the ISO General Assembly in Paris. Women & Youth Support: Germany funded projects for women and girls across Equatoria states, and the ICRC backed 800 farming families in Lainya with tools and seeds. Regional Tensions: Sudan reiterated concerns over Abyei elections, saying South Sudan’s plan doesn’t match existing agreements.

Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160 million emergency aid for 12 underfunded crises, including $15m for South Sudan, urging leaders to open access and remove obstacles so help reaches people at risk. Ebola Update: In DR Congo, Ebola deaths rose to 4,018 with 8,300 cases, as insecurity and community resistance threaten surveillance and response. Local Relief: ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross distributed farming tools and seeds to 800 vulnerable families in Lainya County to restart food production. Elections & Security: Caretaker officials are pushing for election readiness: Juba County appointed caretaker leaders and pledged neutrality, while Eastern Equatoria ordered equal security for all political parties. Governance & Services: Central Equatoria appointed seven caretaker ministers; meanwhile, Interior officials warned Juba has only two firefighting vehicles. Economy & Trade: South Sudan directed telecom firms Zain, MTN and Digitel to settle taxes in cash amid liquidity pressure, and South Sudan and Turkey moved to implement a 2017 trade deal. Food Prices: UN Women warned Middle East escalation could push 11.7 million more women and girls into food insecurity, with South Sudan among the highest-risk countries.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 4,018 people and confirmed cases have reached 8,300 across seven provinces, as conflict and weak health systems keep response efforts under pressure. Trade & Investment: South Sudan and Turkey are moving to implement a 2017 trade deal covering mining, agriculture, fisheries, energy and tourism, with plans to tackle double taxation and investment protection. Border Peace: Kajo-Keji’s Chief Mawa Joseph was released after nearly 10 months in Uganda and handed back at Afoji checkpoint, with local leaders renewing commitments to prevent unlawful arrests. Food Security: UN Women warns Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Women’s Finance: Ecobank says it will lend $2bn to women-owned businesses by 2030, including in South Sudan, using digital onboarding to bring informal traders into banking. Local Governance: Central Equatoria caretaker governor Jadalla appointed county commissioners and Juba City Council leadership, effective 1 October. Public Safety: Interior minister says Juba has only two firefighting vehicles, urging stronger Civil Defence capacity ahead of elections. EAC Consultations: EAC held political confederation consultations in Rumbek, gathering views on governance, peace, infrastructure and funding. Child Protection: Central Equatoria traditional chiefs pledged to intensify action against child marriage and protect girls.