AGP Executive Report

Elections & Peacebuilding: South Sudan’s peace sponsors are “jittery” as Juba kicks off the voter drive for the Dec. 22 polls, with critics warning institutions are still weak and civic education is lacking after amendments to the 2018 peace deal. Youth & Governance: A veterans official urged young people to reject “destructive politics” and choose education, skills, and nation-building. Education Accountability: In Aweil, the state education director warned teachers against extorting unauthorized fees from learners ahead of the elections, saying violators could face legal action. Local Health Support: In Lakes State, a community cost-sharing scheme (SSP 1,000) is helping keep Matangai Primary Health Care Centre running when funding delays hit. Economy & Finance: A legal expert says South Sudan could face international enforcement after a US court recognized a $1.02 billion Qatar National Bank arbitration award. Trade & Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor to cut transit times and costs. Youth Empowerment: Central Equatoria plans vocational training and agriculture projects to create jobs for young people. Public Safety: Aweil North County mourns a five-year-old returnee child who died after a suspected rabid stray dog bite.

Elections & Peace Readiness: South Sudan’s peace sponsors are “jittery” as Juba kicks off voter drive for the Dec. 22 polls, after amendments to the 2018 peace deal cleared the way for voting but critics warn institutions are weak and insecurity persists. Political Space: A political alliance of parties signed a declaration backing peaceful elections, rule of law, and rejecting violence and hate speech. Central Equatoria Politics: The governor’s office in Central Equatoria denies blocking an NPM rally in Lainya, calling the claims misleading and unsubstantiated. Economy & Banking: President Salva Kiir warned that failures in the financial sector won’t be tolerated, as new Bank of South Sudan governor Addis Ababa Othow pledged staff welfare and reforms amid cash shortages and SSP depreciation. Trade & Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor to cut transit times and boost trade. Digital Finance: A new look at South Sudan’s fintech push highlights how digital money is growing in a pro-cash economy where formal banking is limited. Health & Community Solutions: In Lakes State, a health centre stays open through community cost-sharing of SSP 1,000 per patient. Regional Health Threat: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps surging, now the second-largest ever, with insecurity and response gaps raising fears for cross-border spread. International Legal Pressure: A U.S. court recognized a $1.02 billion Qatar National Bank arbitration award against South Sudan, raising the risk of enforcement abroad if payment isn’t made. UNESCO & Youth Peacebuilding: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Bandiglo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, while UNESCO and IOM launched programs to support thousands of young people and women in peacebuilding across states. Security Incident Abroad: A South Sudanese man was arrested in the U.S. after an alleged killing of his wife in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Elections & Civic Space: CEPO says South Sudanese are losing confidence in December 2026 polls as voter education stalls over delayed funding and insecurity rises. Central Banking & Reform: President Salva Kiir warns financial-sector failures won’t be tolerated as Dr. Addis Ababa Othow takes over the Bank of South Sudan, pledging staff welfare and monetary reforms. Opposition Rally Dispute: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony’s office rejects claims by the NPM that it blocked a rally in Lainya, calling the allegations politically motivated. Trade & Revenue: Authorities order security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks for unofficial taxes, directing revenue collection to authorized points at Nimule. Health & Community Resilience: In Lakes State, a Matangai health centre stays open through a community-approved cost-sharing scheme (SSP 1,000). Global Risk Watch: A US court recognized Qatar National Bank’s $1.02bn award against South Sudan, raising the prospect of international enforcement if payment isn’t made. Regional Health Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the second-largest on record, with insecurity and cross-border movement hampering response—South Sudan’s border links make the risk a shared concern. Heritage & Peacebuilding: UNESCO inscribes South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as World Heritage, while UN partners launch projects to support youth and women in peacebuilding across multiple states.

Central Banking & Economy: President Salva Kiir warned that failures in South Sudan’s financial sector will no longer be tolerated as Dr. Addis Ababa Othow took office again as Bank of South Sudan governor, pledging reforms to restore confidence amid liquidity stress and a weakening South Sudan Pound. Elections & Civic Space: A domestic observer group says citizens are losing confidence in December 2026 election preparations due to delayed funding for voter education and worsening insecurity. Political Tensions in Central Equatoria: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony denied blocking an NPM rally in Lainya, calling the claims misleading and politically motivated. Health & Community Resilience: In Lakes State, a Matangai health centre stays open through a community-approved cost-sharing scheme where patients contribute SSP 1,000 to cover daily operations when support is delayed. Ebola Watch (Regional): Africa CDC warned that operational constraints are hampering DRC’s Ebola response even as Uganda shows progress; the Bundibugyo outbreak has surged to become the world’s second-largest on record. UNESCO & Conservation: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage Site, spotlighting major wildlife corridors and the Great Nile migration system.

Central Bank Shake-up: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow for a second term as Bank of South Sudan governor, warning that failures in the financial sector will no longer be tolerated as the country battles cash shortages, inflation, and a weaker South Sudan Pound. Election Pressure: CEPO says citizens are losing confidence in December 2026 election preparations due to delayed funding for voter education and growing insecurity, while the National Elections Commission pledges neutrality and civic outreach. Trade and Taxes: A government economic reforms committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule highway to stop intercepting trucks for unofficial charges, and ordered the release of over 4,000 trucks unlawfully held at Nesitu checkpoint to cut costs and speed goods movement. Political Space: The National Patriotic Movement accuses Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil of blocking an approved rally in Lainya, as opposition groups warn civic space is shrinking. Women and Youth Peacebuilding: UNESCO and partners launched projects in Jonglei, GPAA, and Western Equatoria to support 6,000 young people and 2,100 women and girls through psychosocial support, livelihoods, and peacebuilding. UNESCO Heritage Win: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, spotlighting the country’s major wildlife corridors.

Martyrs’ Day & Political Tensions: South Sudan marked July 30 Martyrs’ Day with SPLM officials in Torit urging unity and rejection of violence, while National Salvation Front leader Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka accused President Salva Kiir and the SPLM of betraying the martyrs’ sacrifices. Elections & Transition Debate: Commentaries and political reporting renewed the fight over whether December 2026 elections should proceed now or only after key peace and civic conditions are met. Economic Shock & Governance Moves: President Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and named Addis Ababa Othow, as analysts link reshuffles to power consolidation amid oil revenue decline, inflation, and cash shortages. Trade Corridor Crackdown: A ministerial economic reforms committee ordered security agencies to stop intercepting trucks on the Juba–Nimule Highway for unofficial taxes, and also ordered release of over 4,000 trucks held at Nesitu checkpoint. Public Life & Community Support: Juba women were trained to make liquid soap to boost household incomes, and parliament debated a National Holidays Bill to clarify national and religious public observances. Security & Peace Implementation: CTSAMVM warned insecurity and restrictions on its movement are still undermining parts of the revitalised peace agreement as elections approach.

Central Banking Shake-Up: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa Damian and reappointed his predecessor, Addis Ababa Othow, as governor, in a move analysts link to mounting economic pressure and political consolidation. Elections & Peace Process: The CTSAMVM outgoing chair urged signatories to recommit to the permanent ceasefire, warning that localised insecurity and armed violence continue to undermine the revitalised peace agreement ahead of December 2026 elections. Border Security & Revenue: The Interior Minister called for professionalism at the Nimule border, while a government reform committee announced new measures to boost revenue collection, tighten tax compliance, and remove illegal roadblocks. Repatriation Plan: South Sudan says it will facilitate the voluntary return of 20,000 vulnerable citizens from Egypt, including refugees registered with UNHCR. Martyrs’ Day in Torit: SPLM leaders marked July 30 Martyrs’ Day, urging unity and rejection of violence as the country heads toward its first general election. Crime Watch: Police in Aweil detained a man over alleged counterfeiting of U.S. dollars, with investigations ongoing.

Central Banking Shake-up: President Salva Kiir dismissed economist Johnny Ohisa as governor of the Bank of South Sudan and immediately reappointed his predecessor, Addis Ababa Othow, as the economy faces cash shortages, inflation, and currency pressure ahead of December elections. Elections Watch: The National Elections Commission launched nationwide civic and voter education in Juba, while political parties urged transparency; RJMEC warned that unresolved security and political issues could still threaten a peaceful, credible vote on 22 December 2026. Border Revenue Reforms: At Nimule, the government announced new measures to curb tax evasion and smuggling, tighten payment rules for suppliers, remove illegal roadblocks, and stop security agencies from collecting money from truck drivers. Regional Diplomacy: South Sudan’s foreign minister met IGAD’s envoy on cooperation and election preparations, while Nigeria urged Juba to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Accord to end conflict and hold credible polls. Martyrs’ Day in Torit: SPLM leaders marked 30 July with calls for peace and unity, honoring the liberation struggle and Dr. John Garang’s legacy. Humanitarian Returns: Government plans to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese from Egypt, including transport and reintegration support.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has launched a nationwide civic and voter education drive in Juba, with the UN calling it a key step toward credible December 22 polls; political parties also urged transparency and dialogue as RJMEC warned that unresolved legal and security issues, weak transitional arrangements, and displacement could still undermine a peaceful, inclusive vote. Youth & Women in Politics: The South Sudan National Youth Union is pushing parties to reserve at least 20% leadership roles for young people, while the Women Union calls for intensified grassroots voter education and greater women’s participation in party structures and elective seats. Peace Implementation Pressure: RJMEC says the Revitalised Peace Agreement is at a critical stage and urges stronger international political, diplomatic, humanitarian, and technical support, including backing for the AU C5 Plus dialogue. Health & Ebola Readiness: WHO reports South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness has risen to 65% in July, up from 29% in May, as border risk from DRC remains high. Economy & Growth: The AfDB projects South Sudan’s economy will grow 22% in 2026, tied to improving oil exports and macro conditions, while warning that heavy oil dependence makes diversification urgent. Governance & Revenue: Government and state officials at Nimule are harmonising tax collection to reduce revenue leakages, clarifying what belongs to national vs state authorities. Local Voices: Maiwut youth in Upper Nile demand expanded mobile network coverage, saying poor connectivity is hurting business, emergency response, and communication. Sports & Education: Catholic University of South Sudan (Yambio campus) announced scholarships for outstanding, disciplined athletes for 2026/27 admissions.

Elections & Civic Education: Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang urged South Sudan to hold December 2026 general elections despite insecurity, as the National Elections Commission rolls out civic and voter education in Juba; political leaders also welcomed the campaign, while youth groups pushed for a 20% leadership quota and the Women Union called for intensified grassroots voter education. Peace Process Watch: The RJMEC warned peace implementation is under strain as elections approach, citing a legal procedure breach over proposed R-ARCSS amendments. Health & Ebola Readiness: WHO said South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness rose to 65% in July, up from 29% in May, with no confirmed cases reported. Local Impacts: Yei farmers reported major crop losses from prolonged dry spells, and Maiwut youth demanded expanded mobile network coverage after weeks of outages. Justice & Accountability: Human Rights Watch alleged abuses by all sides in Nagero County in 2025, and a legal explainer said reconciliation doesn’t always stop prosecution. World Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, its first World Heritage listing, and placed some conflict-hit sites on the Danger list. Economy & Courts: A US court ordered South Sudan to pay Qatar National Bank $1 billion in a dispute tied to wartime loans.

Elections & Civic Education: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission launched a nationwide civic and voter education drive ahead of the December 2026 general elections, promising a neutral, non-partisan process and urging citizens—especially women, youth, people with disabilities, and displaced communities—to register and vote peacefully. Security & Rule of Law: An editorial stresses that voter education will only work if the government provides real security and prevents intimidation, while a legal report explains why reconciliation in a criminal case may not stop prosecution when public interest is involved. Border & Revenue: A government reform committee has arrived in Nimule to assess operations at the main border crossing, aiming to plug revenue leakages and improve coordination to boost national income. Health Systems: WHO installed solar-powered blood bank refrigerators across South Sudan to improve access to safe blood. International Watch: The U.S. will stop routine visa processing at Juba and 24 other African posts from August 1, redirecting applicants to regional hubs. Regional Health: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free as the outbreak surges in DR Congo.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has launched a nationwide civic and voter education campaign ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, promising a strictly non-partisan process and urging citizens to register and vote peacefully, with special focus on women, youth, people with disabilities, and internally displaced communities. Civil Society & Women’s Union: Rights groups and the Women’s Union are calling for political consensus to reduce the risk of election-related violence, urging parties to reject hate speech and intimidation. Border & Revenue: A government economic reform committee has arrived in Nimule to assess operations at the country’s main border crossing, aiming to curb revenue leakages and improve coordination among customs, immigration, and security agencies. Civil Registry Digital Push: The government says it will digitize civil registration, shifting birth certificate issuance from hospitals to a centralized directorate and introducing digital national identity cards for adults. Mine Action Support: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and equipment to strengthen South Sudan’s national mine action capacity. Energy Diplomacy: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable energy, power generation, and dam projects. Health Alert: Ebola continues to surge in the region, with cases crossing 3,200 in the DRC and spreading into Uganda. Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to its World Heritage in Danger list amid poaching, trafficking, infrastructure pressure, and insecurity. Court Ruling: A US court has ordered South Sudan to pay Qatar National Bank more than $1.02 billion in a dispute enforced through an international arbitration award.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has kicked off a nationwide voter and civic education drive ahead of the December 22 general elections, promising a strictly non-partisan campaign and targeting women, youth, people with disabilities and internally displaced people. Legal & Finance: A U.S. court has ruled in favor of Qatar National Bank in a $1.02 billion dispute involving South Sudan and the Bank of South Sudan, enforcing an ICSID award. Telecom Costs: MTN, Zain and Digitel say a second phase of tariff increases takes effect, with prices for calls and data expected to rise after an NCA-approved exchange-rate adjustment. UNESCO & Conservation: UNESCO has placed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on its World Heritage in Danger list, citing poaching, trafficking, infrastructure pressure and insecurity. Regional Peace: South Sudan and Uganda leaders are pushing implementation of joint border resolutions, including community-level engagement with Kuku and Aringa groups. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10–$20 billion and trigger mass migration.

Elections & Civic Space: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission says it will stay neutral and non-partisan during the 2026 election campaign, launching a civic and voter education drive in Juba and releasing a seven-step voting guide. Rights & Voter Education: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network warns voter education “cannot flourish where fear prevails,” urging authorities and political actors to protect civic freedoms and prevent intimidation. Security Prep: Western Bahr el Ghazal begins training 1,011 police recruits ahead of the 22 December elections, with officials stressing professionalism and election protection. Party Mobilization: SPLM Eastern Equatoria holds a four-day leadership meeting in Torit to strengthen structures, push peace and grassroots mobilization, and prepare for the December polls. Health Crisis (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps surging, reaching about 3,200 confirmed cases and over 1,400 deaths, with strikes by unpaid health workers disrupting response efforts. Environment & Heritage: UNESCO adds South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List in Danger, citing poaching, development pressure, and limited capacity. Sports: Malawi’s Flames open 2027 AFCON qualifiers against South Sudan at home in September.

UNESCO Heritage in Danger: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to its World Heritage in Danger list on an emergency basis, citing threats including insecurity, poaching, and limited conservation capacity. Climate Shock: The African Development Bank warned a potential “Super El Niño” could cut GDP growth across Africa by 1%–2% and cost the continent $10–$20 billion, worsening droughts and floods. Ebola Response Strain: DRC and Africa CDC officials say they’re struggling to track new Ebola cases as contact tracing drops and labs run out of testing kits, with the outbreak spreading regionally. South Sudan Elections Prep: The National Elections Commission is set to launch a civic and voter education campaign ahead of December polls, following the signing of amended peace agreement provisions. Revenue & Fuel Policy: South Sudan Revenue Authority says taxpayers must pay assessed taxes in SSP through designated banks (not cash at offices), while the Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on fuel imports beyond the G2G arrangement for licensed importers. Wildlife Under Pressure: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warned poaching and habitat loss remain major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement.

Border Revenue Push: A high-level economic reform committee has arrived in Nimule to review operations at South Sudan’s main Uganda trade gateway and propose ways to boost revenue collection and curb malpractice. Telecom Costs: Mobile operators MTN, Zain and Digitel say calls and data tariffs will rise again tonight under the second Tariff Exchange Rate Adjustment, citing higher operating costs and limited foreign currency. Elections Watch: The National Elections Commission has started a Juba civic and voter education roadshow ahead of the official December 2026 polls. Passports Update: South Sudan says passport shortages are easing after new booklet arrivals, and it plans a new 10-year passport generation with EAC passports in 2027. Politics in the States: Three ministers and an SPLM-IO deputy chairperson have defected to the SPLM Party in Wau, accusing their former party of tribalism and nepotism. World Heritage: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List, alongside Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day beaches. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cut GDP across affected African countries by 1–2% and trigger mass migration, with South Sudan listed among high-risk states.