AGP Executive Report

Election Preparations: The army says it will help protect politicians and ballots in the planned December 22 polls, while Central Equatoria election officials urge cooperation to build public confidence. Teachers say some have gone seven months without pay. Renewed Violence: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions in Leer killed at least 10 people and injured eight; communal clashes in Tonj East left 26 dead. Hunger and Climate: WFP says 7.8 million South Sudanese struggle to find food as El Niño threatens crops and livelihoods. Health: The South Sudan Red Cross is urging voluntary blood donations amid shortages in health facilities. Juba Governance: Juba County’s commissioner warned land grabbers to surrender illegally occupied land or face enforcement. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects South Sudan’s economy will grow 10.5% in 2026, but says the sharp slowdown from last year reflects post-conflict adjustments in oil production.

Communal Violence: At least 26 people were killed and 30 injured in fighting in Tonj East after an ambush triggered retaliatory attacks. In Unity State, clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions left 10 dead; opposition leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino has offered fighters an amnesty and called them back to their units. Hunger Crisis: WFP says 7.8 million people in South Sudan struggle to find enough food, while shrinking aid funds threaten assistance for more than a million people. Trade and Transport: Uganda says it exports about $700 million in goods to South Sudan each year and wants to grow trade by easing border procedures and improving Juba-Nimule road security. South Sudan is also seeking land in Tanzania for an inland cargo depot. Elections and Peacekeeping: Central Equatoria’s cabinet adopted a 14-point plan for the transition and December elections, while Germany extended its UNMISS mandate through October 2027. Education and Science: The University of Juba launched a free Chinese course for 124 students and staff, and Israel reaffirmed plans for a satellite ground station to support student research.

Security: At least 10 people were killed and eight wounded in clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions in southern Unity. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino has offered amnesty to fighters who return to his ranks. Separately, communal fighting in Tonj East left 26 dead and 30 injured. Elections: Central Equatoria has begun voter education as South Sudan prepares for December polls; the UN warns disinformation could undermine the process. The National Elections Commission is also recruiting returning officers for all states and administrative areas. Trade: Uganda and South Sudan signed a trade MoU, pledging to tackle border delays and costs. Uganda says its exports to South Sudan already total about $700 million a year, with road security and electricity links among priorities. Health and livelihoods: South Sudan’s Ebola task force has formed a resource mobilisation committee to support preparedness. In Upper Nile, aerial operations are targeting Quelea birds threatening cereal crops.

Regional Trade: President Yoweri Museveni and a South Sudanese delegation discussed easing trade barriers, improving border security and advancing the Juba–Nimule road and a cross-border power link. Uganda’s exports to South Sudan have risen to an estimated $700 million a year. Security: Communal clashes in Lakes State have left about 70 people dead, while renewed fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions is raising fears for civilians in Unity State and elsewhere. Elections: Central Equatoria has launched voter education ahead of the December 22 polls. The UN warns that disinformation and declining public trust could undermine the electoral process. Food and livelihoods: Aerial operations are targeting Quelea birds threatening cereal crops in Upper Nile. FAO says stronger livestock markets and animal health are key to growth and pastoral livelihoods. Oil and infrastructure: The petroleum minister has warned that declining output threatens reserves, calling for more exploration and investment. Separately, officials have ordered a new design for a section of the Juba–Rumbek highway after finding communication gaps among project teams.

Conflict and Politics: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions left an estimated 10 to 15 fighters dead, with forces loyal to Oyet Nathaniel claiming control of Adok Port. Riek Machar called his Juba trial politically motivated. Earlier communal clashes in Lakes State reportedly killed 71 people. Election Watch: The SPLM is preparing to launch primaries, while election officials are seeking faith leaders’ help with voter education. Army officers hoping to contest have been told to resign. Economy: In Bangkok, South Sudan’s delegation courted Saudi investment and urged stronger regional trade and financial cooperation. Juba manufacturers meanwhile warn that rising fees and levies are driving up business costs. Daily Pressures: A road incident near Gangi left Yei-Juba passengers injured, renewing calls to repair the highway. Food basket prices were unchanged overall, but the national average remained about 133,602 SSP per person, with the pound trading at 7,439 SSP to the dollar on parallel markets.

Election Tensions: South Sudan’s army says serving personnel must resign before contesting the December 22 elections. Separately, an opposition presidential hopeful says security officials stopped him travelling to Wau; his alliance says authorities gave no written reason. Health and Travel: The US extended Ebola-related restrictions for 30 days, barring entry to foreign nationals who had been in South Sudan, Uganda or the DRC within the previous 21 days. Humanitarian Crisis: Floods continue to destroy crops and livelihoods, while a UN report warns South Sudan is among countries at particular risk of worsening hunger. Civil Liberties: A Zimbabwean aid worker leading Save the Children South Sudan is reportedly being held by security authorities after an alleged political discussion at a Juba hotel; the organisation has not publicly confirmed details in the reports. Peace and Information: South Sudan launched a national effort with regional and UN partners to coordinate responses to hate speech and disinformation ahead of elections. Football: South Sudan’s under-17 side came from two goals behind to beat Sudan 3–2 in the CECAFA qualifiers.

Election Preparations: South Sudan’s army says servicemembers must resign before contesting the December 22 elections. The elections commission has urged journalists to report accurately, while Eastern Equatoria authorities have barred exam candidates from renting houses for private study, citing supervision and safety concerns. Security: Lakes State’s caretaker governor says calm has returned after clashes between the Pakam and Kuei communities killed 60 people and injured 78. Civic Space: A Save the Children country director and a colleague were reportedly detained in Juba on October 8 after authorities accused them of discussing politics; the aid worker is said to be held at National Security Service headquarters. Health: WHO estimates 1.2 million people need mental health support, but only about 1% receive services. Equipment and training are also reaching 40 health facilities, with work completed at 36 by September. U.S. Report: South Sudan is among 14 countries named on the 2026 Child Soldiers Prevention Act list, which can trigger restrictions on some military assistance.

Communal Violence: Clashes between rival communities in Lakes State left about 70 people dead and more than 50 wounded, overwhelming Rumbek hospital. The government says the toll is preliminary; civil society groups warn recurring violence could threaten the political transition. Election Preparations: The National Elections Commission says local chiefs can certify voters without national IDs or passports, as preparations continue for the December 22 polls. A Yei activist says county election offices and voter education are still lacking. Humanitarian Access: The US condemned an attack on WFP workers and the forced offloading of food aid in Jonglei meant for nearly 20,000 people, urging safe access and accountability. Security: SPLA-IO says it captured a government barracks near Mundri in Western Equatoria; casualties have not been confirmed. Juba Development: The World Bank is exploring support for urban infrastructure, services and planning in Juba and Juba County.

Western Equatoria: SPLA-IO says its fighters captured an army barracks near Mundri on Monday; the claim has not been independently confirmed, and reports say soldiers were wounded. Journalists’ elections: UJOSS says it will hold its delayed leadership vote once a court injunction is resolved, with a hearing expected on October 22. Government travel: President Salva Kiir says officials and security personnel need his approval to travel abroad for the next three months as South Sudan prepares for December elections. Lakes State clashes: At least 71 people were reportedly killed in fighting between armed youths in Rumbek; authorities say security forces restored calm, while the toll remains unconfirmed. Machar trial: Riek Machar says an alleged assassination plot has made his trial environment “toxic” and calls for an investigation. US report: South Sudan is among 14 countries listed over child soldiers, a designation that could trigger restrictions on some US military assistance unless waived.

Disability & Sport: A Juba wheelchair basketball tournament brought together 45 players from across South Sudan, with participants saying the sport builds confidence and unity. Trade Links: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone, aimed at easing the movement of goods through Mombasa. Peace & Security: Twic East and Duk communities have agreed to stop fighting over fishing islands after talks, while deadly clashes in Rumbek left about 71 people dead, according to authorities. Elections: With December polls approaching, President Kiir has reiterated that senior officials must get permission before travelling abroad; he also briefed officials on talks with Kenya and South Africa about electoral support. Health: South Sudan is tightening Ebola surveillance after a case was reported in Kenya, though officials say there are no confirmed cases in South Sudan. Youth & Conservation: UNDP has provided ICT equipment to the Youth Ministry, while a new national committee will guide funding for biodiversity conservation.

Security: Intercommunal fighting in Rumbek has left at least 71 people dead, including four soldiers. The Bank of South Sudan rejected reports that its local branch was looted. In Jonglei, Twic East and Duk communities have agreed to end hostilities over disputed fishing islands. Elections: President Salva Kiir has reaffirmed plans for December polls, while an opposition alliance warns against postponement. A civil society activist urged voters to choose leaders focused on basic services, including roads and clean water. Health: South Sudan says it has no Ebola cases but is stepping up surveillance after Kenya’s first reported case, with heightened attention to the border. Trade: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone, intended to speed clearance of goods moving through Mombasa. Girls’ Education: South Sudanese girls raised concerns about floods disrupting schooling and access to health services at a British Embassy event in Juba. Juba: Power rationing is scheduled to continue through October 15, while a market fire destroyed four shops in Juba County.

Communal Violence: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were reportedly killed in clashes in Rumbek, Lakes State. Security forces say they have regained control, but the death toll remains preliminary and authorities are urging communities to avoid reprisals. Election Preparations: President Salva Kiir briefed officials on his Kenya and South Africa visits, saying regional partners are ready to support December polls. He also reiterated that senior officials must seek permission before travelling abroad. An opposition alliance warned against using political dialogue to delay the elections or extend the transition. Regional Trade: Uganda and South Sudan are looking to expand annual trade, already worth up to $800 million, by addressing barriers and strengthening business ties. Accountability: A military court sentenced an SSPDF soldier to 10 years in prison for abducting and murdering a UNMISS staff member, and ordered his dismissal and compensation for the victim’s family.

Rumbek Violence: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were reported killed in intercommunal clashes in Lakes State. Security forces say they have regained control, but the toll remains unverified. Accountability: A military court in Wau sentenced an SSPDF soldier to 10 years in prison for abducting and murdering a UNMISS staff member, and ordered his dismissal and compensation of 51 cattle to the family. Election Preparations: President Salva Kiir returned to Juba after talks in Kenya and South Africa on support for December’s elections, peacebuilding and regional cooperation. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan says it has no confirmed cases but has heightened surveillance after Kenya reported an imported case; the closure of the CDC’s South Sudan office raises concerns about the loss of public-health support. Foreign Traders: The Foreign Ministry denied any national order for foreign nationals to leave, saying commercial activity must be handled under the law after Juba County moved to restrict foreign participation in small-scale retail.

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.