AGP Executive Report

CAF in Juba: Egypt’s Pyramids beat El Merriekh Bentiu 1–0 in the Champions League first leg, leaving the South Sudanese side with a tough task in the return match. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan has no confirmed cases, but is on alert after Kenya reported a third Bundibugyo case. Fifteen counties are priority areas, while gaps remain in case management and supplies. Food Crisis: Lakes State’s caretaker governor warns failed rains have wiped out crops and left communities facing severe shortages. Separately, WFP says 7.8 million South Sudanese are struggling to find food. Unity State Clashes: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions in Leer left at least 29 dead, deepening concerns about civilian safety as calls grow for a ceasefire. Economy and Trade: The IMF forecasts 10.5% growth in 2026, down from 41.4% in 2025, but oil dependence leaves the outlook vulnerable. South Sudan’s new membership in a regional maritime body may help improve access to ports and trade routes.

Unity State Clashes: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions around Adok Port in Leer has left at least 29 fighters dead and eight wounded, deepening divisions within the opposition movement. Ebola Readiness: South Sudan has no confirmed cases, but Kenya’s third Bundibugyo case has heightened concern. Authorities have named 15 counties as priority areas, while gaps remain in care and logistics. Food Crisis: Lakes State’s caretaker governor warns that failed rains have wiped out crops and left communities facing severe shortages; WFP says 7.8 million South Sudanese struggle to find food. Trade and Growth: South Sudan joined a regional maritime organization to improve shipping and market access. The IMF forecasts 10.5% economic growth in 2026, but says growth could slow to 3.9% next year. Election Preparations: With December polls approaching, officials are urging peaceful participation, while concerns persist over civic space and credible competition.

Ebola Alert: South Sudan has no confirmed cases, but Kenya’s third Bundibugyo Ebola case has heightened concern. Authorities have prioritized 15 counties for readiness, while gaps remain in treatment and logistics. Unity State Clashes: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions around Adok Port in Leer left 29 dead and eight wounded, an opposition official said. Community leaders are urging a ceasefire and dialogue. Trade and Connectivity: Uganda and South Sudan called for joint action on border security and land disputes as traders warned delays and barriers threaten exports. South Sudan’s new membership in a regional maritime body could support freight links and market access. Economy and Oil: The IMF projects South Sudan’s economy will grow 10.5% in 2026, but forecasts a slowdown next year. President Kiir has also received a petroleum-sector report covering the planned Lamu refinery project. Hunger and Elections: Lakes State’s caretaker governor warned failed rains have left little to harvest. With December polls approaching, officials and civil society groups are pressing for safer conditions, open civic space and credible competition.

Election Readiness: With the December 22 polls approaching, South Sudan’s army says it is ready to help protect candidates and ballot materials. A Central Equatoria elections official urged cooperation to build trust, while UNDP warned that hate speech and disinformation could fuel tensions. Security: At least 10 people were killed and eight injured in clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions in Leer County on October 13–14; community leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue. Food Security: WFP warns 7.8 million South Sudanese are struggling to find food. A Juba-based women-led business offers a local response, processing oilseeds and linking 90 farmers to markets. Public Services: Central Equatoria teachers say some have gone seven months without pay, warning that delays are driving educators from schools. Economy: The IMF projects South Sudan’s economy will grow 10.5% in 2026, the region’s fastest rate, but far below last year’s figure as oil production adjusts.

Hunger Crisis: WFP says 7.8 million South Sudanese struggle to find food, including 2.2 million children needing nutrition support; dwindling aid threatens assistance for more than one million people. Unity State Violence: Clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions in Leer County killed at least 10 and wounded eight. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino has offered amnesty to fighters who return, while activists urge a ceasefire and dialogue. Trade and Transport: Uganda and South Sudan signed a trade MoU and pledged to ease border tensions. Uganda says annual exports to South Sudan are about $700 million; both sides are discussing road security and electricity links. Juba also seeks land in Tanzania for a cargo depot to diversify trade routes. Energy and Education: South Sudan is courting South Korean support for the $2 billion Fula Dam and water projects, and has proposed scholarships for 1,500 students. Election Preparations: The army says military officers seeking to contest December’s elections must resign from service.

Unity State Clashes: At least 10 people were killed and eight wounded in fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions in Leer County. Acting opposition leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino has offered amnesty to fighters who return to their units. Uganda Trade: Uganda and South Sudan signed a trade MoU to tackle border delays and costs. President Yoweri Museveni says Uganda’s exports to South Sudan are already worth about $700 million a year, and urged better security on the Juba-Nimule road and progress on a power link. Energy Investment: South Sudan is discussing a proposed $2 billion partnership with South Korea to develop the long-stalled Fula Dam, which could generate up to 1,080 megawatts, alongside water and sanitation projects. December Elections: Museveni urged South Sudan to maintain peace during the December polls, the country’s first national elections since independence.

Trade & Livelihoods: Uganda and South Sudan discussed easing cross-border trade, with President Museveni citing annual Ugandan exports of about $700 million and urging progress on the Juba–Nimule road, electricity links, border security and a one-stop border post. FAO says commercialising livestock could boost incomes and growth. Election Watch: The UN warns disinformation could erode trust in South Sudan’s December 22 elections and is backing a coordination platform to address harmful narratives. Security: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani says clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions threaten civilians and urges dialogue; Western Equatoria’s governor has also called on armed groups to return home ahead of the vote. Machar Trial: Riek Machar told the special court his trial is linked to a failed attempt to replace the 2018 peace deal with the Tumaini proposal, and described the case as politically motivated. Infrastructure & Business: The government has ordered a fresh design for a section of the Juba–Rumbek road after finding communication gaps among project teams. Manufacturers in Juba meanwhile warn rising city charges and levies are adding to business costs. Regional Finance: Bank of South Sudan Governor Addis Ababa Othow called for more EAC cooperation, technology-sharing and investment in infrastructure, energy and financial services.

Election Watch: The army says serving personnel must resign before contesting the December 22 elections. The National Elections Commission is seeking faith leaders’ help with voter education as the SPLM prepares party primaries. Machar Trial: Riek Machar called his trial politically motivated, linking it to the rivalry between the SPLM and SPLM-IO and questioning why he is listed as the fifth accused. Security: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions continued near Adok in Leer County. Western Equatoria’s governor urged armed groups to abandon violence and return to their communities. Economy: Manufacturers say rising city charges and levies are adding to business costs in Juba. In Bangkok, South Sudan’s delegation sought Saudi investment, while the central bank governor called for stronger regional trade and financial cooperation. Climate and Hunger: Flooding continues to threaten lives and livelihoods, while a UN report lists South Sudan among countries at particular risk of acute hunger.

Election Pressure: Security officers reportedly stopped presidential aspirant Kornelio Kon from flying to Wau, with his party demanding an explanation. The army says serving personnel must resign before running in the December 22 elections. Civic Space: South Sudan launched a multi-agency platform to counter hate speech and disinformation ahead of the vote, while rights advocates stress that efforts must protect free expression and independent journalism. A Save the Children country director has reportedly been held since October 8 after authorities accused him and a colleague of discussing politics. Humanitarian Crisis: South Sudan is among four hunger hotspots facing risk of famine, while floods continue to destroy farmland and livelihoods. Economy: In Bangkok, government officials and the central bank governor discussed reforms and election preparations with the IMF; separately, the World Bank is exploring support for urban development in Juba.

Election Preparations: South Sudan’s army says service members seeking office in the December 22 elections must resign before campaigning. The elections commission says voters without national IDs or passports can register using identity certificates from local chiefs. Information and Freedoms: A new IGAD-, AU- and UN-backed workshop aims to establish a platform against hate speech and disinformation, while safeguarding free expression. Separately, Save the Children’s country director Chris Nyamandi has reportedly been held since October 8 after authorities accused him and a colleague of discussing politics; the organisation has not publicly commented. Security: Lakes State’s caretaker governor says calm has returned after clashes between Pakam and Kuei communities killed 60 people and injured 78. Civil society groups warn communal violence is worsening and accuse influential politicians and military officers of fuelling it. Economy and Services: South Sudan’s finance minister and central bank governor met the IMF in Bangkok to discuss reforms and election preparations. The World Bank is also exploring support for urban development in Juba, while 40 health facilities are receiving laboratory equipment to expand local testing.

Election Preparations: South Sudan’s elections commission says local chiefs can certify voters without national IDs or passports, as preparations continue for the December 22 poll. Yei activists say local election offices and voter education are still lacking. Security Concerns: At least 71 people were reported killed in clashes in Rumbek. A civil society coalition says political and military figures are fuelling communal violence, while the SPLA-IO claims it captured a government barracks near Mundri. Humanitarian Crisis: The US condemned an attack on WFP workers and looting of food aid in Jonglei intended for nearly 20,000 people, calling for safe aid access and accountability. Government Directive: President Salva Kiir has ordered officials and security personnel to obtain his approval before travelling abroad, for three months as the country prepares for elections. Juba Development: The World Bank is exploring support to expand urban development work in Juba, including infrastructure, services and planning.

Election Preparations: President Salva Kiir says South Sudan will hold its first general election on December 22, but concerns persist over readiness. In Yei, a civil society leader says the electoral commission has yet to establish county offices or begin voter education. Communal Violence: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were killed in fighting around Rumbek, according to a preliminary government report. A civil society coalition warns violence is spreading and accuses politicians and military officers of fuelling clashes, without naming them. Security: The SPLA-IO says it captured a government barracks near Mundri in Western Equatoria; casualties have not been confirmed. Humanitarian Access: The U.S. condemned an attack on World Food Programme workers and the looting of aid intended for nearly 20,000 people in Jonglei, urging safe access and accountability. Juba Development: The World Bank is exploring support for urban infrastructure, planning and services in Juba and surrounding areas.

Communal Violence: Clashes in Rumbek, Lakes State, killed at least 71 people, including four soldiers. In Jonglei, Twic East and Duk communities have agreed to end hostilities after deadly disputes over fishing islands. December Elections: President Salva Kiir reaffirmed his commitment to December polls after talks in Kenya and South Africa, while an opposition alliance warned against using political dialogue to delay the vote. Trade and Business: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone, aimed at easing the movement of more than 1.5 million tonnes of cargo a year. Juba says it has issued no order for foreign nationals to leave, though county authorities have restricted foreign traders’ small-scale retail activity. Youth and Inclusion: UNDP has provided ICT equipment to the Youth Ministry, while a Juba wheelchair basketball tournament brought together 45 players from across the country.

Elections: President Salva Kiir has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to December polls, while a civil society activist urged voters to choose leaders focused on basic services and called for women, youth and people with disabilities to take part. Security: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were killed in clashes in Rumbek. Separately, rival communities in Jonglei’s Twic East and Duk counties agreed to end hostilities over disputed fishing islands. Trade and Jobs: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone, intended to speed imports and exports and ease pressure on Mombasa port. UNDP also handed ICT equipment to the Youth Ministry; its youth-enterprise project has provided interest-free loans to 1,247 youth- and women-led businesses. Environment: A new national committee will guide financing for biodiversity conservation and help prepare the country’s first Biodiversity Finance Plan.

Communal Violence: Clashes between rival groups in Rumbek, Lakes State, left at least 71 people dead, including four soldiers. Security forces were deployed, and the violence has intensified concerns about stability as elections approach. December Elections: President Salva Kiir told caretaker officials his Kenya and South Africa visits secured support for December polls. An opposition alliance warned against using political dialogue to delay the vote or extend the transition. Trade and Business: Uganda and South Sudan are seeking to expand trade, already worth up to $800 million annually. Juba also clarified that there is no national order expelling foreign traders, though county authorities have moved to reserve small-scale retail for South Sudanese. Oil and Health: South Africa’s planned oil project in Jonglei faces major terrain, security and logistics hurdles. Meanwhile, Ebola hotspots near South Sudan’s border with DR Congo heighten health concerns; the reported closure of the US CDC’s South Sudan office adds to questions about outbreak preparedness.

Intercommunal Violence: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were killed in clashes near Rumbek over grazing land, authorities said. Security forces restored order, but the bloodshed underscores the risks facing communities as elections approach. Election Preparations: President Salva Kiir returned to Juba after talks in Kenya and South Africa, seeking technical, logistical and financial support for the December vote. Meanwhile, party candidates are entering primaries and peace groups are urging peaceful campaigning. Foreign Traders: The Foreign Affairs Ministry says there is no national order for foreign nationals to leave South Sudan. Its clarification follows a Juba County move to reserve small-scale retail trade for South Sudanese. Health Risks: The U.S. CDC closed its South Sudan office on October 1, ending two decades of operations, while Ebola hotspots in neighbouring DR Congo have emerged near the border. Oil Investment: South Africa is pressing ahead with plans for a refinery in Jonglei, but conflict, difficult terrain and unexploded ordnance complicate efforts to survey the site.