AGP Executive Report

Elections & Security: Warrap State is training more than 5,000 police recruits across six counties ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, with applied drills and planned arms management. Land & Investment: VP Taban Deng Gai urged urgent Juba land reforms, saying the current tenure system blocks investors and limits access to bank loans that require land as collateral. Diplomacy & Regional Security: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan traveled to Luanda for an African Union summit on conflict prevention and continental security, as leaders review crisis tools and early warning systems. UN Peacekeeping: The African Union condemned a deadly attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and wounded seven, calling for investigations and justice. Road Safety & Violence: Kenya’s Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association warned truck drivers after a reported abduction and assault of a Kenyan driver on the Juba–Wau route, urging drivers to pause movement and avoid loading. Health & Blood Supply: WHO says South Sudan still relies too much on family and replacement blood donors, while the Muslim community is highlighted as a key source for voluntary donations. Sports: D’Tigers’ World Cup hopes took another hit as Nigeria lost 82-79 to South Sudan in Tunisia, despite a late fightback.

UN Security & Peacekeeping: The African Union condemned a deadly Aug. 25 attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and wounded seven, urging Juba to investigate and prosecute those behind it. Elections & Security: In Warrap, more than 5,000 police recruits across six counties are undergoing election-focused training ahead of the Dec. 22, 2026 general vote, with applied drills and arms management planned. Land & Investment: VP Taban Deng Gai called for urgent Juba land reforms, saying the current tenure system blocks investors and limits access to bank loans by preventing land titles from being used as collateral. Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan traveled to Luanda for an AU summit on conflict prevention and continental security, while the government also summoned several ambassadors over a divisive joint statement ahead of elections. Health & Aid: WHO says South Sudan is still struggling to end reliance on family blood donors, with voluntary donations far below safe levels. Violence: At least 49 people were killed and 33 wounded in a cattle-raid attack in Warrap’s Tonj North county, blamed on armed raiders linked to Unity State.

Ebola Response: Uganda’s Ebola outbreak has been declared over, but the DRC crisis is still accelerating, with the virus spreading to 60 health zones and UN chief António Guterres urging an extra $1.1bn as funding falls short. Canada Travel Measures: Canada extended Ebola-related entry bans for people from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan for another 30 days, keeping many visa decisions on hold until Sept. 28. UN Peacekeeping Security: The AU condemned a deadly attack on UNMISS peacekeepers in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian soldiers and injured seven, calling for investigations and prosecutions. Health & Blood Supply: WHO says South Sudan still relies too much on family and replacement blood donors, while the NBTS says mosques are the main source for voluntary donations. Local Development: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated sports ground in Terekeka, betting on sport to build community ties ahead of elections. Roads & Infrastructure: VP Taban Deng admitted severe road and energy gaps and pushed for investment in the Juba-Nimule and Juba-Nadapal corridors. Cattle Raids: At least 49 people were killed in Warrap after armed raiders attacked a cattle herders’ camp, with officials pointing to Unity State links. Sports: South Sudan beat Nigeria 82-79 in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, but the “job not done” message came as qualification pressure stays high.

Blood Supply & Maternal Health: WHO says voluntary non-remunerated blood donations in South Sudan remain very low, forcing hospitals to rely on families for urgent transfusions—raising risks for childbirth hemorrhage, severe anemia, trauma and surgery. Ebola Rules & Travel: Canada extended Ebola-related entry bans for people from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan for 30 more days, keeping many visa decisions on hold and maintaining a 21-day quarantine for returnees. Elections & Diplomacy: South Sudan summoned ambassadors of Germany, Japan, Norway and the U.S. over a joint statement urging dialogue and accountability ahead of December elections, calling it divisive. Peace Agreement Debate: An opinion piece argues the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCISS) is effectively inoperative amid continued violations and detention of key figures. Security & UN Protection: UN Security Council condemned an ambush on UNMISS peacekeepers in Jonglei that killed two and injured seven, warning that attacks may amount to war crimes. Intercommunal Violence: At least 49 were killed and 33 wounded in Warrap after cattle raiders from Unity attacked herders in Tonj North, with authorities calling for restraint and cooperation between states. Nutrition: UNICEF-linked data says only about 71% of mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months. Infrastructure & Trade: VP Taban Deng admitted major gaps in roads and energy, backing development of the Juba-Nimule and Juba-Nadapal corridors and inviting investors under PPPs. Sports: South Sudan’s Bright Stars beat Guinea 81-71 in World Cup qualifiers, while Nigeria’s D’Tigers lost 78-62 to Cameroon and face South Sudan next.

UN Security Council: The UN Security Council condemned an ambush on UNMISS peacekeepers in Jonglei that killed two and injured seven, calling attacks on peacekeepers potential war crimes and demanding a full investigation. Elections & diplomacy: South Sudan summoned ambassadors from Germany, Japan, Norway and the United States over a joint statement urging immediate inter-party dialogue ahead of December elections. Political party prep: SPLM announced a Resource Mobilisation Committee to raise funds and support for election readiness. Oil & fuel: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum says two new refineries are planned in Unity and Upper Nile to cut fuel imports, with a combined capacity of 60,000 barrels per day. Food security: Japan pledged over $2.2m to WFP for nutrition services in high-need states, warning funding gaps could disrupt support for children and pregnant women. Local violence: Duk County in Jonglei reported six deaths and 21 injuries in two days of inter-clan fighting, with dialogue underway to contain further clashes. Sports (youth focus): Bright Stars beat Guinea 81-71 in FIBA qualifiers, while D’Tigers lost 78-62 to Cameroon.

UN Food Security: Japan signed a $2.2m deal with WFP to fund lifesaving nutrition support for nearly 40,000 women and children as 7.8m people face acute food insecurity and funding gaps threaten services from October. Oil & Energy: South Sudan says two new refineries—60,000 bpd total—in Unity and Upper Nile are planned to cut fuel imports and lower prices, while Dar Blend crude continues returning to marine fuel blending pools as China’s demand eases. Peace & Politics: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged “authentic inter-party dialogue” and an end to violence after a meeting with VP Rebecca Nyandeng amid public tensions ahead of December elections. Security: Two UN peacekeepers were killed in a Jonglei patrol attack, and EU partners called for a full investigation; in Duk County, inter-clan fighting left six dead and 21 injured. Humanitarian Access: Northern Bahr el Ghazal RRC warned against selling aid like Plumpy’Nut, saying offenders will be held accountable. Refugees: Violence at Imvepi settlement over Refugee Welfare Council elections left two refugees dead and offices torched. Governance: Lakes State swore in new cabinet and commissioners, pushing service delivery and security.

Diplomacy and Dialogue: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged South Sudan to restart “authentic” inter-party dialogue and end violence after meeting VP Rebecca Nyandeng, linking peace to accountability and better use of public revenue. Elections and Security: Political parties at CTSAMVM warned delays in deploying unified forces could hurt security and December election preparations. UN Peacekeeping Under Fire: South Sudan promised to investigate an ambush on a UNMISS convoy in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven, while the EU and European embassies condemned the attack and called for accountability. Humanitarian Crisis and Funding: Japan and WFP signed a $2.2m deal to support nutrition for nearly 40,000 women and children amid acute food insecurity affecting 7.8m people. Aid Misuse Warning: Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s RRC acting chair warned against selling humanitarian supplies like Plumpy’Nut, saying buyers and sellers could face legal action. Infrastructure and Trade: Transport and Roads ministers pushed plans to turn South Sudan into a regional logistics hub, citing the Juba–Nimule road’s damage from overloaded trucks and calling for investor support. Politics in Court: Riek Machar’s lawyers asked the Special Court to dismiss the prosecution’s counter-application, arguing it could limit how the accused present their case. Regional Health Cooperation: CAR, DRC, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan agreed to strengthen cross-border preparedness to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread.

Inter-Party Dialogue Push: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged South Sudan to start “authentic” inter-party dialogue and stop using violence for politics, also calling for better security, accountability and rule of law to unlock investment. UN Security Shock in Jonglei: South Sudan promised to investigate and prosecute attackers behind an ambush on a UNMISS convoy that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven others, as diplomats and UN officials warn the violence could worsen ahead of December elections. Unified Forces Deployment: Party representatives at CTSAMVM urged faster deployment of unified forces, warning delays in transitional security arrangements could undermine election preparations and public safety. Roads and Economy: Transport and Roads ministers renewed calls for major investment to fix key corridors, including the Juba–Nimule road, blaming overloaded trucks for rapid damage and pointing to weighbridge controls. Women’s Leadership and Civic Space: An outgoing EU official said women’s political participation must translate into results, stressing protected civic space for women-led groups ahead of December polls. Food Support: Japan pledged $2.2m to WFP for nutrition help to nearly 40,000 vulnerable women and children amid acute food insecurity. Banking and Payments: The Bank of South Sudan met the UK ambassador on monetary policy and expanding digital payments to strengthen the financial system. Regional Trade Links: Somalia and the EAC move to deepen trade and investment, while East Africa’s oil refinery rivalry keeps heating up around Dangote’s Lamu project.

UN Security & Peacekeeping: South Sudan’s government condemned an ambush on a UNMISS patrol convoy in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and wounded seven, calling for a joint investigation and warning that those responsible will be held accountable. Public Finance & Jobs: The government has started paying salaries for public sector workers, beginning with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, as the economic reform committee also pushes stronger domestic revenue collection. Monetary Policy & Digital Payments: The Bank of South Sudan met the UK ambassador to discuss stabilizing the currency and expanding digital payments, including work toward a national payment system and IFMIS rollout. Roads & Trade Costs: Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam Both blamed overloaded East African trucks for damage to the Juba–Nimule corridor, saying a weighbridge in Nimule will help control axle loads during reconstruction. Politics & Dialogue: A government editorial urges faster inter-party dialogue ahead of elections, warning delays could deepen mistrust. Health Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up Ebola readiness due to risk of spread from the DRC, with more surveillance, screening, and health facility preparation. Women & Peacebuilding: Women in Lakes State concluded a peace conference focused on conflict prevention, youth violence, and women’s role in community resilience. Regional Elections Context: Kenya’s IEBC expanded diaspora voter registration from 12 to 26 countries for the 2027 polls. Crime & Violence: A Warrap woman survived an alleged throat-slitting attack that led to miscarriage, according to local officials.

UN Security & Violence: Armed men ambushed a UNMISS patrol heading to Pajut in Jonglei, killing two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injuring seven others; UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force and warned attacks on UN personnel may amount to war crimes. Politics & Elections: The African Union’s pre-election and needs assessment mission arrived in Juba to review South Sudan’s readiness for December 2026 polls, meeting the foreign affairs minister and discussing how to create conditions for credible voting. Government Pay & Reform: A ministerial economic reform committee says salary payments to public sector workers have started, beginning with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, alongside efforts to strengthen cash tax collection at border areas. Health Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up Ebola readiness as the virus spreads in eastern DRC, with added surveillance, screening, facility prep, and training—while UN partners stress protection for humanitarian workers in border areas. Women & Peacebuilding: More than 60 women in Lakes State concluded a two-day peace conference in Rumbek focused on conflict prevention, youth violence, and women’s participation in community resilience. Regional/Travel Dispute: Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior’s office denied she was blocked from traveling to Kenya, saying the trip was cancelled due to missing presidential authorization. Child Protection: The Ministry of Labour, with partners, began validating South Sudan’s National Child Labour Policy to curb hazardous work and expand education access. Economy Snapshot: A new global ranking places South Sudan among the world’s poorest by GDP-PPP per capita, with Nigeria also featuring in the bottom tier.

UN Security Update: Armed men ambushed a UNMISS patrol heading to Pajut in Jonglei, killing two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injuring seven others, with UN officials warning the attack may amount to war crimes and calling for prompt investigations. Elections & Politics: South Sudan’s President’s office and spokesperson Arek Aldo Ajou urged citizens not to fear the December 2026 elections, saying democracy means campaigning and letting voters decide. AU Election Prep: An African Union pre-election and needs assessment mission led by Geoffrey Onyeama arrived to review election readiness and challenges with the foreign ministry. Local Governance: Juba’s city council mayor announced reforms aimed at better service delivery, tighter financial controls, and more resident consultations. Infrastructure & Trade: Analysts warn the poor Nimule–Juba road is choking commerce and may cost the state up to SSP 220 billion monthly in lost revenue. Regional Development: Northern Corridor Integration Projects face financing and implementation hurdles despite efforts to deepen trade links across the region. Water & Health Access: Egypt-backed solar groundwater stations highlight a key issue: nearby water isn’t always safe or affordable when roads and supply fail. Education & Institutions: Catholic University of South Sudan campuses in Yambio and related programs continue graduating students, pushing for more research and innovation capacity. Women in Leadership: Bishop Santo Laku Pio urged voters to elect women, arguing male leadership has failed to deliver peace.

Rebel Integration: About 300 NAS fighters have abandoned the armed struggle and returned to government in Juba, citing President Salva Kiir’s amnesty and a push for peace through dialogue. Elections and Politics: Kiir’s office says “December elections should not be feared,” urging parties and citizens to campaign peacefully and let voters decide. Regional Diplomacy: Kiir is in South Africa for talks with Cyril Ramaphosa on the electoral map and progress on the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Justice Access: A Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison helped juveniles and gender-based violence survivors get their stalled cases heard after years of delays. Local Governance: The new Juba City Council mayor announced reforms focused on resident consultations, tighter financial controls, and better public services. Economy and Trade: Analysts warn the Nimule–Juba road’s collapse is costing the country up to SSP 220B monthly by slowing goods movement and raising business costs. Infrastructure Plans: Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market could be modernized with about 800 shopping spaces, offices, and improved drainage and hygiene. Legal Ruling: A Juba court dismissed a criminal case against six Moru Congregation leaders over church administration and property disputes. Telecom Costs: The information minister defended telecom tariff increases, saying operators need foreign currency to avoid service shutdowns. Humanitarian Reality: Flooding in Unity oil areas is pushing families like Anna’s into repeated displacement, with toxic floodplains and old oil installations adding new risks.

Elections and stability: South Sudan’s private sector is warning that rising political tension could hit tourism, transport, services and trade as businesses adopt a wait-and-see approach ahead of the December 22, 2026 polls. Peace and integration: Upper Nile State is preparing a peace and reconciliation conference for communities in Baliet, Ulang and Nasir counties (Aug. 24–30) to restore ties and reopen key waterway links. Security sector: In Western Equatoria, the SSPDF chief visited more than 3,000 former SPLM-IO fighters as the government moves to register, verify and integrate them, promising uniforms and salaries. Politics and dialogue: President Salva Kiir has directed the elections commission to speed up preparations, while civil society groups and church leaders are pushing for reforms and even a change to the election date due to Christmas timing. Governance dispute: The Office of the President rejected attempts to rewrite liberation history, and a family says a detained former first lady adviser, Achan Agoth Akiec, has not been released. Health support: A new medical store in Gombo was inaugurated as the HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief urged partners to keep backing the health sector.

Elections & Sovereignty: President Salva Kiir has left Juba for Pretoria for talks with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, with the agenda centered on December 22, 2026 election preparations, peace implementation, and regional support—while the People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) rejects “sovereignty” claims that it says are meant to shield the government from accountability. Parliament & Diplomacy: South Sudan’s parliament approved a cooperation accord with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for institutional and economic links in areas like agriculture, education, mining, and infrastructure. Election Readiness: Kiir has ordered the National Elections Commission to speed up preparations, including voter registration and civic education. Legal/Detention Update: Ex-first lady adviser Achan Agoth Akiec was released after about three months in National Security Service detention over alleged forgery of Kiir’s signature, though two MPs remain held. Health & Safety: UN and partners warn South Sudan’s election climate could worsen violence, as the wider region battles Ebola in DR Congo and new cross-border response measures target trade and migration routes.

Election Timing Debate: A senior Juba bishop urged the government to move the planned Dec. 22, 2026 general election, saying it falls inside the Christmas worship period and lacks enough public discussion. Elections Prep Push: President Salva Kiir ordered the National Elections Commission to speed up preparations, with voter registration expected soon after a civic education campaign in Juba. Sovereignty vs Pressure: SPLM leaders and a political scientist backed Juba’s stance that South Sudan should not be dictated to by foreign partners, arguing national ownership must guide the political process. Opposition Pushback: SPLM-IO rejected the December election plan, warning constitutional changes and missing peace-agreement safeguards could deepen instability. Health Supply Boost: The HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief called on partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health after UNDP/UNICEF/Global Fund-backed upgrades to the Gombo Central Medical Store. Ebola Risk at Borders: ECSA-HC launched a six-month cross-border Ebola response along DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, including South Sudan, to strengthen detection and isolation at points of entry. Mourners for Kosti Manibe: Kiir eulogised former finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit after his death in Juba.

Elections Countdown: President Salva Kiir has ordered the National Elections Commission to speed up preparations for the December 22 polls, with voter registration expected to begin soon, as the commission rolls out civic education across states. Political Tensions: The SPLM says South Sudan should not be dictated to by foreign partners over its political future, while SPLM-IO rejects the election plan, warning constitutional changes could deepen the crisis. Health & Aid: South Sudan’s HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief urged international partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health, as a new Gombo medical store facility was inaugurated. Ebola Preparedness: UN and humanitarian officials assessed Ebola readiness in Yei, including inspection of a preparedness centre in Lasu Payam, noting Ebola has not been reported in South Sudan. Security & Economy: The armed forces released Ugandan drivers and trucks seized in Bor after diplomatic pressure, while South Sudan also continues to face wider regional instability as Ebola spreads in the DRC. Public Life: Kiir eulogised former finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as a dedicated public servant, and VP Rebecca Nyandeng decried the country’s direction during Kosti Manibe’s funeral.