AGP Executive Report

Elections & Governance: Equatoria traditional leaders renewed calls for federalism, security reforms and credible elections, while civil society figures pushed for an inclusive national dialogue ahead of South Sudan’s 22 December 2026 vote. Women’s Leadership: WAASS set July 11 for elections to choose new leadership in Juba, with a seven-member electoral committee overseeing the process. Local Security Crackdown: Yei authorities banned illicit drugs and unlicensed alcohol, destroying seized items and warning that substances like Tramadol are fueling violence among youth. Courtroom Update: In Riek Machar-linked trial proceedings, co-accused Gatwech Lam Puoch denied authoring or sharing WhatsApp messages prosecutors presented as digital evidence. Health & Borders (Ebola): As Ebola fears rise after cases in the DRC and Uganda, Saudi Arabia imposed travel and visa restrictions on DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while the US CDC raised its Ebola response to the highest emergency level. Economy & Cash: The Economic Cluster lifted the 10 million SSP cash withdrawal limit amid a wider push to restore confidence in banking and ease liquidity pressure. Diplomacy & Health Deal: South Sudan and the US signed a $146m health cooperation agreement in Juba to strengthen outbreak resilience and HIV support.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s opposition UPA says December polls can’t be legitimate amid war, insecurity and “state capture,” urging an inclusive national dialogue and a neutral caretaker transition instead of voting. Ebola Watch: South Sudan’s health ministry and WHO say the country remains Ebola-free after seven suspected cases tested negative, but the region’s risk is rising as DRC and Uganda report more cases and the CDC raises its response level. Health Deal: Juba and the United States sign a $146m health cooperation agreement to strengthen health systems and support HIV care through PEPFAR. Security & Food: Western Equatoria recovers 100 cattle and arrests suspects after Greater Mundri raids that killed 32 people, while Abyei expands subsidised maize sales to Alal and Mijak to ease food-price pressure. Mining & Governance: South Sudan backs a continental minerals governance strategy after ratification in Abuja, Nigeria’s mining cadastre office pledges technical support, and Eastern Equatoria suspends mining at Nakere over community grievances. Local Life: Yei authorities destroy illegal drugs and unlicensed alcohol in a crackdown; in Koch, 120+ SPLM-IO members defect to SPLM-IG.

Ebola Alert: The CDC raised its Ebola response to the highest emergency level as the DRC outbreak tops 300 deaths, with Uganda reporting new cases and experts warning South Sudan faces the biggest risk of being next if prevention slips. Health Diplomacy: South Sudan and the US signed a $146m health cooperation deal in Juba to strengthen the health system and support HIV programs, as authorities push back against Ebola travel restrictions. Elections & Dialogue: A policy think tank and civil society leader Edmund Yakani urged inclusive national dialogue before the December 22 vote, warning weak consensus could derail a peaceful election. Food Security: Abyei expanded subsidised maize sales to Alal and Mijak counties to cut household costs amid rising prices. Local Enforcement: Yei authorities destroyed illegal drugs and unlicensed alcohol in a crackdown. Sports Funding: Cabinet approved $3.09m for South Sudan’s national basketball and football teams ahead of key qualifiers. Mining Tensions: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspended mining in Nakere after community unrest and complaints over environmental damage and benefits. Infrastructure: Leer County received its first concrete airstrip to improve humanitarian access.

Ebola Watch: South Sudan urged foreign governments to lift Ebola-related travel and visa restrictions, saying the country is Ebola-free and all seven suspected cases tested negative, while WHO said surveillance is working and border closures aren’t recommended. Health Policy: The CDC raised its Ebola response to the highest level as cases surge across Congo and Uganda, warning the situation could worsen. Risk Forecast: A WHO-linked Lancet study says a rare Ebola strain has about a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan, pushing calls for border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burial. Travel Rules: Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visa issuance for citizens arriving from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, and tightened screening for travellers who visited affected countries in the last 21 days. Humanitarian Access: Leer County in Unity welcomed the handover of its first concrete airstrip rehabilitated by WFP with UK support, expected to boost cargo and emergency flights. Mining Governance: Nigeria’s Mining Cadastre Office offered technical support to South Sudan to strengthen its mining title system, while Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspended mining operations in Nakere after community grievances over environmental damage and limited benefits. Justice & Security: Prosecutors asked a Juba court to allow written defence statements in the Machar-related trial to speed proceedings. Local Peace & Services: Unity State took over health service delivery at Bentiu IDP camp, shifting from IOM-managed care to government-run services.

Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health says all seven suspected Ebola samples tested so far are negative, while surveillance and screening are being stepped up as outbreaks in DRC and Uganda raise regional risk. Ebola Warning: New modelling warns the DRC outbreak could reach South Sudan within weeks, with UN and partners also releasing emergency funds to boost preparedness in South Sudan and Burundi. AIR SUVIDHA 2.0: India launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a mandatory online health self-declaration portal for international travellers amid the Ebola alert, with contactless reporting before immigration clearance. Regional Cybersecurity: IGAD is running a regional cyber drill in Addis Ababa to strengthen cross-border coordination against cyber threats. Humanitarian Access: Leer County airstrip was commissioned after WFP rehabilitation funded by the UK, improving access for humanitarian flights in Unity State. Economy & Cash: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster lifted commercial bank cash withdrawal limits to ease the cash crisis. Justice in Court: Prosecutors in Riek Machar’s trial asked the special court to allow written defence statements to speed up proceedings. Civil-Military Trust: SSPDF apologized to civilians in Nimule and adopted a roadmap to rebuild trust and strengthen rule of law. Sports Funding: Cabinet approved funding for South Sudan’s national basketball and football teams ahead of regional qualifiers. Media Appointments: Koang Pal Chang was appointed to the South Sudan Media Authority board. Local Security: Police in Twic County detained a mentally distressed suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe; in Tonj North, a commissioner urged residents to move in groups after three fishermen were killed.

Gender-Based Violence Watch: Central Equatoria says it recorded 120 gender-based violence cases between May and June, with officials linking some incidents to women travelling long distances from Gondokoro Island to farms. Humanitarian Access: WFP handed over an upgraded all-weather airstrip in Leer, funded by UK Aid, aiming to keep flights running year-round and reduce isolation during floods. Security Leadership: President Salva Kiir dismissed the Civil Defence Service chief, General Johnson Lusuk Lupai, and appointed Lt Gen Ruben Loro Karlo as replacement. Sudan Peace Diplomacy: UN envoy Pekka Haavisto warned that fighting around El-Obeid is disrupting humanitarian aid and said the Jeddah deal can still anchor future Sudan peace talks. Ebola Risk for South Sudan: WHO modelling says the DRC Ebola outbreak has about a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan soon, as Saudi Arabia suspended travel to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and India launched an Ebola health self-declaration portal for travellers. US Immigration Shock (Global Impact): The US Supreme Court upheld ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a move that could affect thousands of families worldwide, including South Sudan-related diaspora communities.

Ebola Response: India launched the upgraded AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 portal for mandatory, contactless health self-declarations for international arrivals, with real-time sharing to health and immigration desks as countries bordering DRC and Uganda—including South Sudan—are flagged high-risk. Regional Health Precautions: Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and tightened visa rules for travellers from those countries via third states, saying no Ebola cases have been detected since the measures began. Telecom Costs in South Sudan: The National Communication Authority approved phased telecom tariff adjustments taking effect June 26, saying underlying prices haven’t changed for eight months despite currency pressures. Local Governance & Services: Juba County plans to digitalise land registration to cut disputes and fraud, while Eastern Equatoria created two new administrative units to improve service delivery. Food Prices in Abyei: Abyei launched a subsidised sorghum sales program, selling 4kg tins at 12,000 SSP versus market prices of 22,000–25,000 SSP. Media Freedom: The Speaker’s office withdrew a directive requiring media houses to use official portraits after concerns about editorial independence and press freedom. Justice & Accountability: UN Security Council adopted a resolution to strengthen accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, urging faster investigation and prosecution.

Ebola Crosses Into Europe: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the DRC after a doctor tested positive and was isolated; officials say the risk to the general public is low, but contact tracing is underway. Ebola Funding Push: The U.S. White House plans to seek over $1.4bn from Congress for the widening Ebola response, including a quarantine center in Kenya and global health security support. South Sudan Exam Disruptions: Education Minister Kuyok Abol Kuyok warned that some county commissioners are detaining aircraft carrying exam materials, threatening delays and higher costs for national exams. South Sudanese Detained Abroad: The National Assembly Speaker says over 100 South Sudanese are detained in Libya and 55 are in Kenya, with parliament set to summon relevant ministers. Humanitarian Access Clash in Jonglei: Governor Riek Gai Kok accused aid groups of dealing with opposition-linked “illegitimate” authorities and defended checkpoints as part of state duties. Health & Livestock Alert: Northern Bahr el Ghazal is investigating a mysterious cattle disease that has killed at least 56 animals in Aweil East. Education Support: UNESCO launched a mobile teacher professional development initiative in Juba, with a focus on empowering women teachers and leaders. Elections Update: NEC-related reporting reiterates December 22, 2026 as the general election date, with ongoing debate over readiness and timelines. Road Safety: Authorities warned heavy trucks using Kapuri Bridge to keep loads under 20 tons after engineers found structural damage.

Ebola Update: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 confirmed cases, with health officials warning of fast spread and ongoing community transmission, while France confirmed its first linked case after a doctor returned from the DRC and was isolated. Health & Food Security: The IGAD Soil Health and Fertiliser Hub was launched in Nairobi to tackle land degradation and boost farm output across the region, including South Sudan, as farmers in Aweil were urged to step up rice production. Local Governance & Services: South Sudan launched a biometric registration exercise for organised forces to clean payrolls and remove “ghost workers,” and UNESCO began a mobile learning push to strengthen teacher training and professional development. Economy & Infrastructure: The government expanded biometric-linked public systems and warned heavy truck drivers about Kapuri Bridge structural damage, urging load limits to prevent collapse. Justice & Politics: The Special Court in Nasir heard Gatwech Lam Puoch defend his remarks, citing immunity and rejecting claims he called forces “militias.” Agriculture & Safety: Authorities in Aweil East are investigating a mysterious cattle disease after at least 56 deaths, and Warrap reported a toddler burned to death after children tried to burn an invading caterpillar outbreak.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan has submitted the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape nomination to UNESCO in Paris, with the World Heritage Committee set to consider it in Busan, South Korea, in July. Elections & Security: The NEC declared 22 December 2026 as South Sudan’s election date, but SPLM-IO says the timetable is premature and civil society warns voter registration and security gaps could undermine credibility; CTSAMVM also plans to investigate fresh ceasefire violations reported in Nasir County. Fuel & Courts: A court suspended Pacific Petroleum’s exclusive fuel import monopoly after a public interest petition challenged it as an unlawful single-source deal. Health & Safety: A toddler died in Warrap after a fire broke out when children tried to burn hairy caterpillars; meanwhile, MTN South Sudan wrapped up its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign with support to Juba Teaching Hospital. Governance & Rights: Civil society is calling for urgent amendments to the National Security Service Act after the arrest of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor. Regional Watch: South Sudan remains on FATF’s “grey list” for weak anti-money laundering and terrorism financing controls.

Elections in focus: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has officially declared 22 December 2026 as the general election date, but civil society warns major gaps remain, including the status of the final voter register and unresolved legal and operational issues. Security ahead of polls: Ceasefire monitors in Juba say incomplete implementation of security arrangements is eroding confidence, with displacement and lack of a neutral, unified security force raising fears for voters and political actors. Civil liberties pressure: A national civil society coalition is calling for urgent amendments to the National Security Service Act after the arrest of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor, arguing the law is being misused and threatens civic space. Health and Ebola risk: Kenya has halted construction of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility after a court contempt ruling, while Catholic bishops urge transparent dialogue and public accountability over the Laikipia Air Base plan. Maternal health boost: MTN South Sudan wrapped up its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, handing support to Juba Teaching Hospital including solarisation of care units and restoration of a CT scan. Local violence: Two civilians were killed in a cattle-camp attack in Dolo Payam, Central Equatoria, and an infant wounded in Tonj East has been referred to Juba for specialized treatment.

Elections Update: South Sudan has set Dec. 22, 2026 for its first general election since independence, with the National Elections Commission saying legal amendments, funding and logistics still need urgent government action. Security & Justice: Warrap State detained 30 suspects over Tonj North inter-clan violence, transferring them to Kuajok Main Prison for mobile court processing. Health & Violence Aftermath: A four-day-old infant shot during a cattle-related attack in Tonj East was airlifted to Juba for specialized treatment. Youth & Skills: The South Sudan National Youth Union launched applications for TVET training in trades and tech skills, including digital design, programming, and paramedics. Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting warns hunger is worsening in 13 hotspots, naming South Sudan among the most at-risk, as conflict and funding gaps bite. Aid Delivery Critique: Pope Leo XIV told the UN World Food Programme that conflicts get priority over feeding people, while aid delivery faces bureaucratic hurdles. Ebola Watch: A CDC order extends Ebola-related entry restrictions for travelers coming from South Sudan and neighboring countries. Local Governance: Greater Bahr el Ghazal youth welcomed a reported presidential directive to review cases of political detainees.

Elections Countdown: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set Dec. 22, 2026 for the country’s first general election since independence, after years of delays. NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol says the date follows the elections law, but warns the process still needs legal amendments, funding and security support. Political Tensions: Opposition-linked SPLM-IO says registering and campaigning in its areas could be “a prisoner of war” situation, while it remains unclear whether jailed/charged leader Riek Machar will be allowed to stand. NEC Readiness Issues: NEC outlines a tight plan: voter registration in about a month, voter roll display and verification, and distribution of materials—while noting the election budget gap. Hunger Warning: Pope Leo XIV told the UN World Food Programme that conflicts are “fed” more readily than people are nourished, as UN agencies warn hunger could worsen in 13 hotspots, including countries in the region. Local Peace Moves: Bahr el Ghazal youth welcome a reported presidential directive to review political detainees’ cases. Health Update: Yei health authorities dismissed an Ebola scare after tests confirmed severe stomach ulcers. Youth & Migration: Youth and Sports Minister Atong Kuol urged young people to stay and build solutions at home, warning against risky irregular migration. Trade Push: Juba hosted the Second National Trade Forum, with stakeholders pointing to weak infrastructure, high taxes, and limited finance as key barriers.

Elections Funding: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission says $5 million for December 2026 polls will be distributed this week to the ten states and three administrative areas, with the NEC pushing for steady funding to publish the electoral timetable. Ebola Preparedness: Health workers in the region are training to support the DRC Ebola response, as officials warn the risk to East African countries—including South Sudan—remains high due to the outbreak near the border. Security & Tensions: A presidential security advisor ordered Eastern Equatoria and Greater Pibor leaders to stop inciting youth after the killing of the Kapoeta East commissioner, with a central committee set to investigate. Cash Crunch: Cabinet referred delayed salaries and banking liquidity problems to the economic cluster, as officials say people are hoarding the South Sudanese pound instead of using it in the banking system. Local Development: Yei Electricity Cooperative has started installing power poles to restore electricity, while Northern Bahr el Ghazal launched mass distribution of 800,800 mosquito nets to curb malaria. Constitution Process: The National Constitutional Review Commission urged journalists to join civic education and public consultations ahead of the permanent constitution. Sports: South Sudan’s Bright Starlets exited the CECAFA U17 Women’s semis after a 4-0 loss to Tanzania, while Uganda’s Teen Cranes booked the final after beating Kenya 3-0.

Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan will launch an inter-party dialogue next month to build consensus ahead of the December 2026 elections, with talks expected to include parties and holdout groups outside the 2018 peace deal. Security & Justice: Presidential security advisor Tut Gatluak Manime urged Eastern Equatoria and Greater Pibor leaders to stop inciting youth after the killing of the Kapoeta East commissioner, and said a central committee will investigate the root causes and report to President Salva Kiir. Health & Humanitarian Impact: MSF reports Akobo clashes in Jonglei left at least 15 health facilities looted and deserted, with vaccination services halted and the health system collapsed. Economy & Cash Crisis: Cabinet referred delayed salaries and liquidity pressures to the economic cluster, as an activist proposes redesigning or reprinting the South Sudanese pound to pull cash back into banks. Public Health Campaign: Northern Bahr el Ghazal launched distribution of 800,800 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to curb malaria during the rainy season. Sports: South Sudan’s Bright Starlets exited the CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship after a 4-0 semi-final loss to Tanzania, while Uganda’s Teen Cranes booked the final after beating Kenya 3-0.

Constitution-Making: South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission urged journalists to help shape the permanent constitution, saying media voices are key to the civic education and public consultations now covering all states and administrative areas. Elections & Dialogue: Ahead of the December 2026 polls, South Sudan will launch an inter-party dialogue next month to build consensus and include parties outside the 2018 peace deal, while SPLM leaders also push state-level mobilization for election readiness. Peace Implementation: IGAD called on South Sudan to strictly follow the Revitalised Peace Agreement provisions after talks with President Salva Kiir, stressing dialogue and confidence-building. Infrastructure & Jobs: President Kiir inspected the $300m State House project, now set to complete in September 2027 after construction resumed following an 18-month halt. Health & Malaria: Northern Bahr el Ghazal began distributing 800,800 insecticide-treated mosquito nets using trained community volunteers and digital registration to curb malaria during the rainy season. Regional Trade: South Sudan’s trade forum in Juba focused on reducing oil dependence and boosting East African market access. Public Health Watch: A suspected Ebola case in Kerala linked to travel from South Sudan tested negative, ending the scare.