AGP Executive Report

Nile Dams Debate: South Sudan’s Energy and Dams Minister Agok Makur says the country will press ahead with Nile dam plans, insisting it has the right as a Nile Basin member despite Egypt’s opposition. Elections & Dialogue: Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro reaffirms December 2026 elections and says inter-party political dialogue is expected to start in Juba next week, with British support urging inclusivity. Parliament Health Law: The Transitional National Legislative Assembly opens a public hearing on the Midwives and Nurses Bill 2026, aiming to regulate the professions and strengthen health services. Humanitarian & Refugees: UNHCR says South Sudan hosts 661,529 refugees and asylum-seekers across 31 locations, mainly from Sudan. Women’s Football Boost: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu visits Juba to hand over a school block and launch South Sudan’s first women’s football league. Abyei Violence: UNISFA reports at least 26 killed and 82 injured in clashes at Amiet Common Market, urging dialogue and accountability. Regional Integration: South Sudan begins national consultations on an EAC political confederation, seeking citizens’ views on structure, decision-making and funding.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s government reaffirmed its commitment to holding free, fair and credible elections in December 2026, with inter-party political dialogue expected to begin in Juba next week with regional and international support. Parliament & Health Policy: The Transitional National Legislative Assembly opened a public hearing on the Midwives and Nurses Bill 2026, aiming to set a regulatory framework for the professions and strengthen health service delivery. Security & Civilian Protection: UNISFA reported 26 people killed and 82 injured in fresh violence at the Amiet Common Market in Abyei, after separate killings inflamed tensions; UNISFA says it has reinforced security and is pushing dialogue to prevent retaliation. Humanitarian & Refugees: UNHCR says South Sudan hosts 661,529 refugees and asylum-seekers across 31 locations, with Sudanese refugees making up 95 percent. Food Security & Climate: WFP warns “Super El Niño” is deepening hunger, with more than a million people at risk of losing food aid as drought and extreme weather strain livelihoods. Environment & Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks were designated UNESCO World Heritage, a boost hoped to protect migratory birds and biodiversity. Community Health Needs: Pochalla residents appealed for a modern health facility and better medical services, citing isolation and difficulty reaching care.

Abyei Market Violence: UNISFA says clashes at Amiet Common Market in the Abyei border area killed 26 people and injured 82 on 15 September, after separate killings of Ngok Dinka and Misseriya men heightened tensions; UNISFA reinforced security, urged dialogue, and called for swift investigations and accountability. EAC Political Confederation Consultations: South Sudan will hold national consultations starting 23 September in Juba on the proposed East African Community political confederation, focusing on structure, decision-making, governance, and funding. Hunger Alarm (El Niño): WFP warns “super El Niño” is already deepening food insecurity, with 7.8 million South Sudanese facing acute hunger and up to a million more at risk of losing food aid access by October as funding shortages bite. Election Stakes: Parliament is considering amendments to the National Elections Act that would keep President Salva Kiir in office with full powers during the election period while vice presidents step down three months before polling day on 22 December. Security-Media Training: The National Press Club-South Sudan trained 40 security personnel and journalists in Unity State on freedom of expression and protecting journalists. Diplomacy: The Netherlands reversed plans to close its embassy in Juba, citing South Sudan’s humanitarian situation.

Abyei Violence: UNISFA reports 26 people killed and 82 injured in fresh Ngok Dinka–Misseriya clashes at the Amiet market, after separate killings earlier in the week. UNISFA says it has reinforced security around the market, is working with local leaders on dialogue, and is urging authorities to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable. Food Crisis: The World Food Programme warns “Super El Niño” is deepening hunger in South Sudan, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and funding gaps putting another million at risk of losing aid by October. Elections Shake-up: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is expected to keep executive powers during the election period as the Transitional National Legislature considers amendments to the National Elections Act, including rules on removing vice presidents three months before voting. Election Commission Change: Former elections chief Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol urged his successor to keep preparations on track after Kiir removed him and appointed Gabriel Bol Deng Majok. Diplomacy: Britain appoints Rebecca Fabrizi as its next ambassador to South Sudan, succeeding David Ashley. Humanitarian Access: UN officials also stress accountability for states fueling Sudan’s war, as violence and drone attacks continue to harm civilians and infrastructure across the region.

Elections Watch: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired National Elections Commission chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol and appointed Gabriel Bol Deng Majok, raising fresh fears that voter registration and the Dec. 22 polls could slip. Transitional Governance: Parliament has tabled National Elections Act amendments that would keep the incumbent president in power during the election period while vice-presidents are to be relieved three months before voting. Inter-Party Dialogue: The inter-party political dialogue on elections, first set for Sept. 17, has been postponed to Sept. 24 in Juba. Civil Oversight: Upper Nile residents and civil society groups are calling for the reopening of the state legislative assembly, saying its long closure has weakened oversight. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns South Sudan’s hunger is worsening under a “Super El Niño,” with millions at risk as funding shrinks. Girls’ Education: Oxfam marks National Girls’ Education Day in Rumbek, pushing safer, more supportive schooling and menstrual hygiene support to keep girls learning.

Elections Watch: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, raising fresh concerns with voter registration still not started and polls set for Dec. 22. Political Dialogue: The inter-party political dialogue on peaceful and democratic elections, first due Sept. 17, has been postponed to Sept. 24 in Juba, with no reason given. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns “super El Niño” is deepening hunger in South Sudan, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and another million at risk of losing aid by October as funding shrinks. Food & Weather: South Sudan Meteorological Service forecasts moderate rains (100–200mm) in parts of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, with flooding and travel disruption risks. Security & Services: Northern Bahr el Ghazal launched training for 3,000 police personnel ahead of the elections. Local Development: Leer County in Unity State received new health and education facilities funded under the World Bank ECRP. Economy & Governance: South Sudan Revenue Authority says it collected over SSP 140 billion in August, citing improved taxpayer compliance. Regional Link: UK appoints Rebecca Fabrizi as its next ambassador to South Sudan.

Elections Watch: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired National Elections Commission chairperson Abednego Akok Kacuol and named Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, just three months before the Dec. 22 polls—raising fears the voter registration timetable could slip. Political Dialogue: The planned inter-party dialogue in Juba has been postponed to 24 September, with civil society warning it may not tackle the country’s wider security threats. Food Crisis: The World Food Programme says “super El Niño” and conflict are worsening hunger in South Sudan, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and over a million at risk of losing food aid by October as funding falls short. Connectivity & Services: MTN South Sudan says broadband coverage has risen to 85% after upgrading more than 500 network sites. Local Development: In Leer County, new health and education facilities were handed over to improve access to services, including hospital wards and classrooms.

Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns “super El Niño” is deepening South Sudan’s hunger, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and 2.2 million children plus 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women needing urgent nutrition support; without new funding, food aid could stop for about two million people in the coming weeks and more than a million by October. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir has fired the National Elections Commission chair, Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol, appointing Gabriel Bol Deng Majok three months before the December 22 polls, while a High Court order suspends UJOSS election activities over alleged constitutional breaches. Rights & Civic Space: A human rights group says civic and political space remains restricted ahead of elections, citing arrests and detention of activists and journalists and limits on media access. Health Preparedness: South Sudan formed a national Ebola task force to strengthen surveillance and border preparedness amid risks from outbreaks in Uganda and DR Congo. Regional Diplomacy: IGAD ministers met in Djibouti amid Horn of Africa crises, urging urgent action as conflicts and funding gaps worsen displacement and food insecurity. Security & Conflict Spillover: Sudan’s war continues to drive new displacement into South Sudan, while drone attacks and fighting in Blue Nile underline the wider regional instability.

Elections & Rights: A human rights group says South Sudan’s civic and political space is still restricted ahead of December polls, citing arrests and detention of activists and journalists, plus media curbs like phone and camera confiscations and blocked access to parliamentary proceedings. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns South Sudan faces its most dangerous food moment in years as “super El Niño” deepens hunger and funding collapses, saying food assistance could stop from October for about 650,000 refugees and nearly 200,000 internally displaced people. Elections Readiness Debate: UN experts say credible elections are no longer possible under current conditions, while the government pushes ahead with legal changes to the elections framework. Security & Integration: SPLA-IO officers in Western Bahr el Ghazal reject SSPDF-backed promotions and planned integration without consultation, as the army orders Agwelek forces in Juba and elsewhere to report for screening and integration. Digital & Connectivity: MTN South Sudan says it has raised broadband coverage to 85% after modernizing 500+ network sites, and opened an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people. Economy & Transport: South Sudan’s economic reform talks include cash tax policy implementation by mobile operators, while in Uganda, Zawadi Bus Services suspends operations after a Stanbic Bank loan directive—highlighting cross-border transport strain.

Security & Peace Integration: The SSPDF has ordered Agwelek forces in Juba to report to Terekeka County for screening and integration starting 15 September, with units in Warrap and Jonglei told to stay on standby for the screening committee. Humanitarian Preparedness: South Sudan’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs convened a three-day National Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action in Juba (14–16 September) to shift from disaster response to early action, including adopting a Juba Joint Communiqué for 2026–2029. Health & Aid in Jonglei: UNICEF and partners delivered lifesaving support to conflict-affected communities in Jonglei, including supplies via rapid response missions and malnutrition screening and treatment for children. Economy & Cash Policy: The Economic Reform Committee met with mobile network operators (MTN, Zain, Digitel) on implementing the cash payment policy for taxes, and also set up work on a South Sudan–Kenya government-to-government oil supply review to protect fuel affordability. Opposition Safety Concerns: SPLM-IO called on the international community to protect Riek Machar after alleging an active assassination plot. Civic Space & Democracy: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network urged leaders and electoral institutions to put rights, civic participation, and accountability at the center of the democratic transition, warning that elections alone cannot make democracy. Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people in digital skills and support local job seekers. Sports: Malawi named a 31-man squad for AFCON qualifiers including South Sudan’s opponents, with attention on players linked to the region.

Security & Disarmament: SSPDF ordered Agwellek Forces in Juba to report to Terekeka for screening and integration, with reporting starting September 15, while other Agwellek units in Greater Tonj, Nyakeen and elsewhere are told to stay on standby. Elections & Transition: A UN Commission warns renewed violence, political tension and impunity are endangering civilians and threatening South Sudan’s election and transition plans. Machar Under Threat Claims: SPLM-IO says it has “verified details” of an assassination plot against suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, while the government rejects the claim as baseless and says Machar is under maximum protection. Humanitarian Access in Jonglei: UNICEF delivered lifesaving aid to conflict-affected communities in Jonglei, including supplies via rapid response and malnutrition screening and treatment for children. Health & Community Support: A 78-year-old man in Juba appeals for help after his wife gave birth to triplets, asking for support for milk, diapers, clothing and medical care. Economy & Jobs: Oil workers have petitioned the Court of Appeal challenging Labour Ministry Public Circular No. 5, 2026, over how it is being applied. Environment: South Sudan’s forests are vanishing fast, with communities urged to lead conservation efforts to protect livelihoods and ecosystems.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers approved further amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the December 2026 polls, including restoring 102 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-member National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to completion of a population census. Justice & Rights: The UN Commission on Human Rights warned that renewed violence, political tensions and entrenched impunity are putting civilians at greater risk and threatening the country’s democratic transition. Security in the Regions: In Greater Pibor, five people were killed and six injured in two separate attacks, including an ambush involving Ethiopian traders and local soldiers. Political Rivalry in Court: The government rejected SPLM-IO claims that Riek Machar faces an assassination threat, saying he is under heavy security protection in Juba. Humanitarian & Development: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to support livelihoods and prevent gender-based violence, while Eastern Equatoria warned drought, insecurity and food shortages are driving people and livestock into new areas.

Elections & Transition: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warns that renewed violence, political tensions and persistent impunity are putting civilians at greater risk and threatening the country’s December 2026 election and transition. Government Response: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers approved further amendments to the National Elections Act, including restoring 102 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-member National Legislative Assembly, while also removing links to completion of a population census. Security in the East: Five people were killed and six injured in two attacks in Raat, a border town in Greater Pibor, as lawmakers accuse authorities of failing to protect residents. Violence & Accountability: OHCHR also stresses that impunity and weak justice institutions are driving ongoing abuses against civilians. Humanitarian & Livelihoods: Eastern Equatoria warns drought, insecurity and food shortages are pushing people and livestock into new areas, while IsraAid distributed food to over 900 households in Terekeka amid hunger fears. Women & Education: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to support livelihoods and prevent gender-based violence, and Plan International launched a $1.5m play-based learning project in Eastern Equatoria. Health & Agriculture: Kenya reports African Swine Fever has killed 1,470 pigs in Kiambu and spread to six counties, highlighting cross-border disease risks.

Elections & Rights: A UN human rights commission warns that renewed violence, impunity, and weak institutions are putting civilians at risk and threatening South Sudan’s December elections and transition. Machar Security Row: The government rejects SPLM-IO claims of an assassination plot against First Vice-President Riek Machar, saying he is under maximum protection in Juba and the allegations are meant to undermine his trial. Elections Law Update: Cabinet approves amendments to the National Elections Act, restoring 2010 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-seat National Legislative Assembly, with changes also removing links to the completion of a population census. Local Environment & Land: Evictions around Mt Kei Central Forest Reserve are suspended for two weeks to clarify boundaries amid a long-running dispute with thousands of residents. Women & Livelihoods: A new women’s centre opens in Aweil West to offer training, business support, and gender-based violence prevention. Eastern Equatoria Crisis: The state warns drought, insecurity, and food shortages are driving people and livestock to migrate, heightening tensions over scarce resources. Humanitarian Aid: IsraAid distributes food to over 900 households in Terekeka as hunger fears grow.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers has approved amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the December 2026 polls, restoring the 102 geographical constituencies used in 2010 and setting a 332-member National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to the completion of a population census. UN Accountability: The UN Commission on Human Rights warns that violence, impunity, and weak justice systems are endangering civilians and undermining the democratic transition, urging credible accountability and a properly funded electoral process. Rights and Security: The government rejects the UN’s election-risk claims, saying the country will follow the 2018 peace agreement and an inter-party dialogue process. Court Update: Riek Machar’s trial was adjourned to Sept. 23 after his defence raised security threats to lawyers and defendants, including alleged plots to cause an accident. Humanitarian Relief: Plan International launched a $1.5m “Play Matters” learning project in Eastern Equatoria to support about 26,000 learners, while IsraAid distributed food to over 900 households in Terekeka amid drought-linked hunger. Livelihoods: Displaced women in Tambura are using vocational skills and small businesses to rebuild after conflict.

Elections Under Scrutiny: South Sudan’s government rejected a UN Human Rights Commission warning that December polls could spark violence, saying the country remains committed to the 2018 peace deal and plans inter-party dialogue to manage political issues. Civil War Risks: UNMISS said there has been “no real change” in the civil war, citing renewed violence, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption, and persistent impunity as civilians remain at risk. Court Security for Machar Trial: Riek Machar’s defence team raised alleged threats to lawyers and accused persons, including claims of a planned road accident and possible poisoning in court; proceedings were adjourned to Sept. 23 for further security checks. Drought and Food Pressure: Aid groups and officials highlighted worsening drought impacts, with calls for stronger early warning, water access, and climate-resilient farming to prevent hunger from deepening. Humanitarian Aid in Terekeka: IsraAid distributed food to over 900 households in Terekeka, targeting displaced people and vulnerable host communities facing poor rainfall and extreme weather. Wildlife Governance: The wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in defining protected-area boundaries, aiming to set national procedures and reduce land-use conflicts. Ebola Spillover Alarm: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, raising fears for neighboring regions as the rare Bundibugyo strain is detected in Sud-Ubangi.