AGP Executive Report

Kenyan Nationals Safety: South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei raised concerns in Nairobi over the detention without charge of a Kenyan man, denial of consular access, and rising attacks on Kenyan truck drivers. Jonglei Violence: Jonglei State condemned the killing of Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach and other officials in Walgak, while the SPLM also condemned the attack and called for dialogue over violence. Detention Transfers: Former Lakes State SPLM-IO deputy governor Isaiah Akol Mathiang and another official were moved to military detention in Rumbek, with local authorities saying they were not informed. Bank of South Sudan Sit-in: Bank staff staged a sit-in over unpaid incentives, medical insurance gaps, and difficulty accessing salaries in commercial banks; the central bank governor accused protesters of undermining the institution. Ebola Update: WHO warned DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still expanding and its “true magnitude” is unknown; Africa CDC welcomed a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo strain. Health Access: ICRC reported medical evacuations of wounded South Sudanese rose by over 50% in the first half of 2026 as fighting intensified. Elections & Inclusion: Women with disabilities and justice groups urged the Political Parties Council and electoral bodies to ensure equal, meaningful participation ahead of elections. Security on Bor–Pibor Road: Two students and others were killed or injured in ambushes along the Bor–Pibor route, prompting calls for more patrols. Regional Diplomacy: UNISFA’s acting head urged Sudan and South Sudan to advance security cooperation and demilitarise Abyei.

Jonglei Violence: South Sudan’s peace monitors (RJMEC) condemned renewed clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Walgak, Akobo County, Jonglei, saying the fighting threatens civilians and could derail the 2018 peace deal. Government Moves: President Salva Kiir set up an ad hoc committee to review and revoke unlawful tax exemptions, aiming to curb revenue losses and tighten oversight. Cabinet Shake-up: Kiir dismissed Higher Education Minister Madut Biar Yel and appointed Changkuoth Bichiok Reath, while also naming Biar Yel as Presidential Envoy for the Great Lakes Region. Elections & Inclusion: Women with disabilities urged political parties and election bodies to make campaigns and civic education accessible and remove barriers ahead of December 2026 polls. Political Appointments: Josephine Achiro Forteio joined SPLM-IO Interim Leadership and was appointed a National Elections Commission commissioner. Local Security: Tonj South saw revenge violence that left at least 19 dead, 14 injured, and 11 homes burned, before security forces restored calm. Trade & Agriculture: EAC agriculture ministers endorsed regional reforms in Dar es Salaam, with South Sudan’s minister backing moves to boost mechanised farming and cross-border trade. Regional Connectivity: ProCharter launched new direct cargo routes from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to strengthen East Africa’s air freight links.

Jonglei Peace Crisis: South Sudan’s peace monitors (RJMEC) condemned renewed clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Walgak, Akobo County, Jonglei, warning the fighting threatens the 2018 peace deal and civilian safety. Local Violence in Warrap: Tonj South County reported a revenge attack that killed at least 19 people, injured 14, and burned 11 homes, with security forces deployed to restore calm. Elections & Inclusion: Women with disabilities in Juba urged political parties and election bodies to remove barriers and make campaigns accessible, including sign-language interpretation. Political Appointments: Josephine Achiro Forteio joined SPLM-IO Interim Leadership and was appointed a National Elections Commission commissioner. Media Leadership Loss: Media Authority DG Sapana Abui died after a short illness, with colleagues mourning his public service. Regional Agriculture Talks: South Sudan’s agriculture minister backed EAC resolutions in Dar es Salaam to shift toward commercial mechanised farming and boost cross-border trade. Trade Push: South Sudan’s trade minister directed the ambassador to Ghana to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. UN Peacekeeping Prep: Ghana Battalion 14 completed a seven-day reconnaissance ahead of its UNMISS deployment in South Sudan. Health & Data Gap: El Sabah Children’s Hospital says it recorded 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, calling for support to expand testing.

FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been drawn into Group E with Cameroon, South Sudan, Cabo Verde, Tunisia and Guinea, starting Aug 27 with Cameroon, then South Sudan on Aug 28, and Cabo Verde on Aug 30. Jonglei Fighting: Jonglei State reports fighting in Walgak Payam, Akobo County, between government forces and SPLA-IO, with details and casualties still unclear. SPLA-IO Recapture Claim: SPLA-IO says it recaptured Walgak and claims heavy losses, also reporting the killing of Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach. Transitional Justice Push: South Sudan’s Ministry of Justice appealed to the UN Human Rights Council for financial and technical support to set up transitional justice institutions and reform the justice system. Media Authority Mourning: South Sudan’s Media Authority mourned DG Sapana Agyuli Abuyi, who died after complications from high blood pressure and injuries following a fall. Fuel Monopoly Court Case: Juba’s Court of Appeal is set to resume hearing a case challenging a government-to-government fuel import arrangement granting Pacific Petroleum exclusive rights. Upper Nile Radio Rebuild: UNESCO and JICA have started reconstructing Malakal’s government radio facilities, aiming to restore broadcasting by September.

Akobo Fighting and SPLA-IO Gains: Jonglei State says fresh fighting erupted in Walgak Payam, Akobo County, with details still unclear, as SPLA-IO later claimed it recaptured Walgak and said Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach was killed. Transitional Justice Push: In Geneva, South Sudan’s Minister of Justice Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol appealed to the UN Human Rights Council for financial and technical support to set up transitional justice institutions, train rule-of-law stakeholders, and reform laws under the 2018 peace deal. Media Sector Update: President Salva Kiir swore in a new Media Authority board, urging professionalism and responsible journalism, while the Media Authority also mourned the death of its Director General Sapana Agyuli Abuyi. Court Fuel Monopoly Case: Juba’s Court of Appeal is set to resume on Monday, 7 July, in a case challenging a government-to-government fuel import arrangement that critics say created an unlawful monopoly. Humanitarian and Community Developments: Residents in Akobo protested delayed humanitarian cash assistance, and Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona to support local resilience and services. Passports Faster: Civil Registry and Immigration says new passport booklets will cut processing time to about two to three days.

Media & Governance: President Salva Kiir swore in a new South Sudan Media Authority board, urging professionalism, accuracy, and responsible journalism while warning against hate speech and misinformation. Leadership Loss: Eye Media CEO Stephen Omiri paid tribute to late Media Authority DG Sapana Abui, who died in Juba after nearly two weeks of treatment. Courts & Economy: A Juba court is set to resume hearings on Monday in a fuel monopoly case challenging a government-to-government import arrangement granting Pacific Petroleum exclusive rights. Public Services: The civil registry and passports directorate says new passport booklets will cut processing to two to three days after 5,000 booklets arrived. Health Oversight: A national Ministry of Health team completed a five-day assessment of healthcare quality in Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s Aweil area. Local Development: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona, with plans for flood mitigation and more community infrastructure. Humanitarian Access: Akobo residents protested delayed humanitarian cash assistance, accusing authorities in Juba of blocking aid. Elections & Security Institutions: The Interior Minister urged the newly sworn-in Civil Defence Service commissioner general to strengthen teamwork and prepare for December 2026 elections.

Humanitarian Access & Hunger: UN agencies warn South Sudan is nearing a tipping point as conflict, climate shocks and a badly underfunded aid budget push millions toward acute hunger, with aid being rationed mainly to people already in “catastrophe” levels. Local Anger in Akobo: Akobo residents staged a protest in Jonglei demanding release of delayed humanitarian cash assistance in Juba, accusing authorities of politicising aid. Community Resilience in Unity: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona, with plans for flood mitigation and more local infrastructure projects. Health System Support: A national Ministry of Health assessment team completed a five-day supervision visit to Northern Bahr el Ghazal to review service delivery and support frontline workers. Ebola Preparedness in Yei: Yei River County renewed Ebola preparedness efforts amid regional risk, focusing on surveillance, risk communication and infection prevention. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir swore in a new South Sudan Media Authority board, urging professionalism and responsible reporting, and also called on political forces to reject violence and embrace dialogue as elections approach. Public Finance & Salaries: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years of arrears, drawing calls to clear the full backlog. Trade Boost: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to improve cargo movement via Dar es Salaam and strengthen the trade corridor. Youth Protection in Yei: Yei River County banned children under 18 from nightclubs and discos to curb drug abuse, crime and violence.

Media & Security Appointments: President Salva Kiir swore in a new South Sudan Media Authority Board, urging professionalism, accuracy, and responsible reporting, while also administering oaths to the new Civil Defence Service Commissioner General Gen. Ruben Loro Karlo and a National Elections Commission member. Elections & Dialogue Pressure: The U.S. says South Sudan cannot claim “genuine” interparty dialogue while Riek Machar remains under house arrest and on trial, warning that delayed R-ARCSS implementation keeps political credibility weak. Budget & Tax Rules: Cabinet approved an SSP 11.3 trillion 2026/27 budget framework and referred it to parliament, alongside tighter tax exemption limits for imports like alcohol, cigarettes, and vehicles. Hunger Warning: UN agencies warn South Sudan is nearing a hunger tipping point as funding shortages force aid rationing, leaving millions outside the most critical “catastrophe” support. Civil Servants’ Pay: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years, but public calls say it’s far from enough to clear arrears. Trade Deal: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to speed cargo movement via Dar es Salaam port and boost the trade corridor. Ebola Preparedness: Yei River County renewed Ebola preparedness efforts amid cross-border risk concerns, as DRC continues to report rising cases and deaths. Local Justice: Police in Wau opened an investigation into the killing of a 29-year-old man found dead along the Mboro–Wau road.

Sudan Border War: The Sudanese army launched a major offensive to retake Kurmuk, a strategic Blue Nile border city, battling RSF and SPLM-N forces and aiming to control key supply routes into Ethiopia and South Sudan. Hunger Crisis: UN agencies warn South Sudan is nearing a tipping point as funding gaps force aid rationing, leaving millions in “Crisis” or worse hunger levels. Ebola Preparedness: Yei River County renewed Ebola readiness as DRC and Uganda report rising cases and deaths, with officials stressing cross-border risk. Elections & Politics: The Political Parties Council says 39 parties are legally registered as December polls approach, while monitors warn insecurity and funding shortages could delay election milestones. Salaries Pressure: Public calls are growing for government to clear at least six months of salary arrears, after civil servants in Jonglei started receiving one month’s pay after a two-year delay. Trade Deal: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to boost cargo movement via Dar es Salaam port. Court Update: Riek Machar’s Nasir trial was adjourned after a judge fell ill. Security Incidents: Police in Wau investigate a killing along the Mboro–Wau road, and Greater Pibor officials deny links to a deadly Duk County convoy ambush.

Peace Talks & Elections: Troika diplomats (US, UK, Norway) warned that South Sudan’s 2018 peace dialogue cannot be “genuine” without all signatories, saying Riek Machar’s absence under house arrest makes current talks “farcical,” even as parliament approved amendments to the R-ARCSS that de-link the census and permanent constitution from the December 2026 election timeline. Political Parties Council Funding: The Political Parties Council flagged a severe 60% funding deficit, saying delays in money from the treasury could disrupt state membership audits and threaten the electoral roadmap. Ceasefire Monitoring: CTSAMVM raised fresh alarm over recurring ceasefire violations, citing delayed security reforms and chronic funding gaps that risk derailing the peace process. Ebola in the Region: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 400 deaths and is spreading toward Kisangani, with WHO launching a clinical trial of two treatments as regional health concerns grow. Humanitarian Security: Reports also highlight deadly attacks on aid convoys in South Sudan, including a Duk ambush that killed 17 aid workers. Sports & Community: South Sudan’s Bright Stars thrashed Libya 95–57 in FIBA qualifiers, while communities in Uganda’s Arua (airfield expansion) demanded faster land valuation and compensation.

Elections Roadmap: President Salva Kiir says the census and permanent constitution-making process have been de-linked from the electoral roadmap, clearing the way for December 2026 elections after parliament approved amendments to the 2018 peace agreement. Peace & Security: CTSAMVM warns Chapter Two of the 2018 deal is only partially implemented, with ongoing violations in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Central and Eastern Equatoria that could derail election preparations. Political Party Moves: South Sudan’s NCP dismisses its secretary general and appoints Mohammed Almak Ayang as replacement, saying it will strengthen the party ahead of December polls. Church Dispute: The Presbyterian Church of South Sudan declares its 35th General Assembly illegal, saying the 34th assembly’s mandate runs until December 2028. Child Protection: DDR Commission reports the release of 49 children from military training centres and armed forces, while Defence Minister Chol Thon reiterates zero tolerance for child rights violations. Humanitarian Health: DR Congo’s Ebola death toll rises above 400 as the outbreak spreads, with the region including areas bordering South Sudan facing heightened risk. Diplomacy & Returns: South Sudan’s embassy in Egypt and IOM agree to speed up voluntary return for South Sudanese facing challenges in Egypt. Health Services: Al Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba is set to receive its first dedicated paediatric operating theatre between September and October. Regional Trade: South Sudan and Ethiopia agree to strengthen border trade, security, and legal cross-border commerce under the border trade protocol.

Elections & Peace Deal: South Sudan’s parliament approved major amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, deferring the population census and permanent constitution-making until after the December 2026 elections to speed up preparations. Civil Service Pay: The government says civil servants’ and organized forces’ salaries are being processed and paid in phases, with some ministries and states already receiving at least one month. Security & Online Speech: The National Security Service warns it is using digital forensics to identify people behind false and defamatory social media posts, saying arrests and prosecutions will follow under the new cybercrime law. E. Equatoria Hate Speech Drive: Traditional and faith leaders in Torit are being trained to use social media to counter hate speech and misinformation ahead of elections. Humanitarian Attack in Jonglei: An ambush on a clearly marked aid convoy in Duk County killed 17 people, including five John Dau Foundation staff, with others injured and vehicles destroyed. Health Crisis Watch: WHO reports 120 deaths and 1,102 suspected cholera cases in Sudan since May, as conflict continues to disrupt access to clean water and care. Regional Ebola Alarm: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps expanding, with new restrictions and growing fears of spillover toward South Sudan. Transport Safety: Kenyan truck drivers raise alarm after reports of a brutal assault on a long-distance driver by South Sudanese soldiers along the Juba–Nesitu road. Independence Day Plans: The Culture Ministry urges nationwide Independence Day celebrations on 9 July in all states, not only in Juba. NCP Politics: The National Congress Party says it will back President Salva Kiir for the December 2026 presidential election while focusing on parliamentary seats. Medical Support in Juba: ASK Foundation and partners launched a four-day free cleft lip and palate surgery campaign for about 20 children.

Humanitarian Access & Security: Western embassies and the EU condemned the Duk County ambush on a humanitarian convoy run by the John Dau Foundation, saying aid workers must never be targeted and calling for accountability after at least 17 people were killed and nine injured. Ebola & Public Health: UNDP warned the DRC Ebola outbreak could push about 985,000 more people into poverty and cost Africa up to $3.6bn, as the WHO reports 1,333 cases and 399 deaths; Africa CDC also flagged new traces near a province bordering South Sudan, raising spillover fears. Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan’s legislature ratified amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, clearing the way for December 2026 elections by deferring the permanent constitution and national census to the next elected government. Children & Protection: DDR Commission said 49 children were released from military training centers; Defense Minister Chol Thon vowed zero tolerance for violations against children. Health & Community: ASK Foundation and partners launched free cleft lip and palate surgeries for 20 children in Juba. Local Governance: Torit Mayor Eddy William raised concern over low marriage rates among youth while saying security remains calm. Economy & Cash: Government eased bank cash withdrawal limits to 10 million SSP, but some citizens say banks still lack cash.

Humanitarian Security: An ambush on a humanitarian convoy in Duk County, Jonglei, killed at least 17 people and wounded nine, with officials blaming Murle youth; the UN condemned the attack and called for accountability. Politics & Elections: The Political Parties Council registered the SPLM-IO breakaway as the “IO Party,” a legal name change that could spark backlash ahead of South Sudan’s first national election since independence. Diplomacy: South Sudan’s foreign minister says ties with the United States remain intact despite disagreements, pointing to the continued presence of the US embassy in Juba. Regional Cybersecurity: IGAD’s Regional Cyber Drill 2026 ended in Addis Ababa with calls for stronger cooperation, harmonized cybersecurity policies, and plans for a regional information-sharing center. Health & Economy: The UN warns the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs if it spreads, with experts flagging risks to neighbours including South Sudan. Trade & Industry: Israel and South Sudan pledged deeper cooperation after talks in Jerusalem, including humanitarian support and sector partnerships.

Ebola Spillover Fears: DR Congo health authorities are tracing possible Ebola exposures in two new provinces after a pregnant woman’s body was transported from Ituri to Kisangani, triggering contact tracing in Tshopo and reports that two isolated contacts fled to Haut-Uele—raising worries about spread toward neighbours including South Sudan. Humanitarian Attack in Jonglei: UN says five humanitarian workers were killed and four others injured when a John Dau Foundation convoy was ambushed in Duk County, with civilians also reportedly affected; UN calls for a prompt investigation and stresses aid workers must never be targets. Economic Shock Warning: The UN warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs if not contained, with experts pointing to risks of wider regional spread. Opposition Party Update: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council registered the SPLM-IO breakaway as the “IO Party,” a move that could spark backlash ahead of elections. Local Governance Push: Central Equatoria Governor Adil directed Juba City Council’s new deputy mayor to improve service delivery, including road opening and better urban management.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 1,307 with 377 deaths, and the outbreak has now spread to a fourth province, Haut-Uele, after a traveler moved from Ituri; authorities are tracing contacts as the northeast region is fully affected. Regional Preparedness: Uganda is stepping up Ebola logistics, including support for an incident management team and faster customs clearance for medical supplies across the region. South Sudan Risk & Food Crisis: The UN warns South Sudan’s food crisis will worsen through late 2026 as drought risks rise, displacement continues, and humanitarian funding falls; it also notes water scarcity driving people toward Kenya. Aid Workers Attacked: In Duk County, Jonglei, an ambush on a humanitarian convoy linked to the John Dau Foundation killed 17 people and injured nine, with officials blaming armed attackers from Greater Pibor. Health Deal (US–South Sudan): The US and South Sudan signed a $166m health cooperation MoU to strengthen disease surveillance and health systems, with the US pledging over $146m. Security & Politics: South Sudan’s NSS dismissed claims that senior officials were involved in mining deals in Tonj South, calling them false and politically motivated. Police Leadership: The promotion of Lt. Gen. Achol Cyer Rehan is hailed as a historic milestone for women in South Sudan’s police service. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s NCA approved telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustments amid forex woes, drawing criticism online.