AGP Executive Report

Central Bank Shake-up: President Salva Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and named Addis Ababa Othow as replacement, as South Sudan battles cash shortages, inflation, and insecurity ahead of the December 22, 2026 elections. Elections Debate: Lawmakers discussed a draft National Holidays Bill, while a Catholic bishop warned the country is not ready for the first-ever general election, citing weak civic education and unclear registration plans. Border Revenue Push: Government reforms at the Nimule border aim to curb tax evasion and smuggling, tighten cash payment rules, remove illegal roadblocks, and stop security agencies from collecting money from truck drivers. Security and Infrastructure: The Interior Minister urged police professionalism at Nimule, and Roads authorities opened a diversion road around Kapuri Bridge as rehabilitation begins. Humanitarian Returns: South Sudan plans to facilitate voluntary repatriation of 20,000 vulnerable citizens from Egypt, covering transport and reintegration support. Martyrs’ Day in Torit: SPLM leaders marked July 30 with calls for peace, unity, and rejecting violence. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan met an IGAD envoy on cooperation and December election preparations, while Nigeria urged Juba to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Accord. Business and Jobs: Tello General Trading launched operations in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil, mining, water treatment, and pest control. Sports: Kenya Police Bullets drew Simba Queens for CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers in Kigali, with South Sudan’s Yei Joint Star FC in the same host group.

Elections Watch: The UN has praised South Sudan’s National Elections Commission for launching a nationwide civic and voter education campaign, while political parties also urged transparency ahead of December polls. Peace & Security: RJMEC warned that incomplete transitional security arrangements, insecurity, and unresolved legal issues could undermine the credibility and inclusivity of the December 2026 elections. Church & Politics: A Catholic bishop cautioned that South Sudan is not yet ready for its first-ever general election, citing weak civic education and registration preparations. Health: WHO says South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness has risen to 65% in July, up from 29% in May, as DRC cases surge. Economy & Governance: Government and Lobong administration harmonised tax collection at the Nimule border to plug revenue leakages. Infrastructure: Civil society urged urgent rehabilitation of the Wau–Baziya–Raja Road after rainy-season damage is isolating communities and delaying healthcare. Youth & Society: Youth groups called for expanded mobile network coverage in Maiwut and urged parties to reserve at least 20% leadership roles for young people. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape, marking the country’s first World Heritage listing, with the site also placed on the Danger List.

Elections & Civic Education: Senior Presidential Advisor Kuol Manyang Juk says South Sudan must hold general elections in December 2026 despite insecurity, as the National Elections Commission steps up civic and voter education in Juba; youth groups also demand at least a 20% leadership quota and women’s groups push intensified grassroots voter education. Peace Process Watch: RJMEC warns peace implementation under the R-ARCSS remains strained as political and security impasses weaken trust, and it flags concerns over amendments submitted without required consent. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan’s Ebola readiness capacity has risen to 65% in July, with the Ministry of Health reiterating the country remains Ebola-free after 13 suspected samples tested negative. Health & Displacement: Central Equatoria health officials call for support to Kajo-keji IDPs amid fears of disease outbreaks following clashes near the border. Telecoms & Daily Life: Maiwut youth urge government and telecom firms to expand network coverage, saying poor connectivity is disrupting business, emergencies, and humanitarian work. Climate & Food: Yei farmers report a sharp drop in maize harvests due to prolonged dry spells and delayed rains. UNESCO Heritage: South Sudan celebrates its first UNESCO World Heritage inscription—Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape—while UNESCO’s Busan session adds 25 new sites worldwide and places some threatened locations on the danger list. Security Court Case (Diaspora): A South Sudanese asylum seeker in the UK, Both Douk Deng, was sentenced to two years after being arrested with a knife and hammer on school grounds.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan has won its first-ever UNESCO World Heritage listing, with the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape added to the World Heritage in Danger list, fast-tracked due to threats from conflict, climate change, poaching, trafficking and infrastructure pressure—an achievement officials say could unlock conservation support and tourism. Elections & Civic Education: The National Elections Commission has launched a nationwide, non-partisan voter education and registration drive ahead of December 2026 polls, with civil society and the Women’s Union urging political consensus and warning that hate speech and intimidation could fuel election violence. Justice System: South Sudan’s Supreme Court adjourned the Ajing Deng Ajing constitutional petition again after a quorum failure, pushing the hearing to August 13 over his detention without formal charges. Security & Governance: A government committee has arrived in Nimule to assess border operations to curb revenue leakages and improve coordination at the country’s main trade gateway. Health & Safety: UNMAS and JICA handed over mine-action vehicles and equipment to strengthen South Sudan’s mine clearance capacity, supporting surveys and explosive risk education in multiple states.

Elections & Civic Education: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has launched a nationwide civic and voter education drive ahead of the December 2026 general elections, urging political parties, civil society, traditional leaders and partners to support a neutral, non-partisan process and to reach women, youth, displaced communities and people with disabilities. Political Consensus: Civil society groups and the Women’s Union are calling on leaders to build political consensus and reject hate speech and intimidation to reduce the risk of election-related violence. Border Revenue Push: A government economic reform committee has arrived in Nimule to assess operations at the country’s busiest border crossing, aiming to curb revenue leakages and improve coordination to strengthen national income. Mine Action Support: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and equipment to South Sudan’s mine action authority under a $2.2m project to boost surveys, explosive risk education and safer access in affected states. Heritage & Conservation: UNESCO has placed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage in Danger list, citing insecurity, poaching and trafficking, while also marking the site as the country’s first World Heritage designation. Civil Registration Reform: The government is preparing a digital civil registry system to centralize birth, death, marriage and divorce registration and introduce national identity cards for adults. Ebola Media Guidance: Health experts in Juba urged journalists to rely on verified information from authorities when reporting Ebola risks linked to cross-border movement. Energy Talks: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable energy, power generation and dam projects to expand electricity access.

UNESCO Milestone for South Sudan: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing the vast migration of millions of antelopes and gazelles across grasslands and woodlands. Heritage Under Threat: In the same UNESCO decision, the site was also placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, with risks flagged including armed conflict, commercial poaching and wildlife trafficking, infrastructure development, and weak protection arrangements. Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has launched a nationwide voter and civic education campaign ahead of the December 22 general elections, promising a strictly non-partisan drive focused on registration, voting procedures, and civic rights—especially for women, youth, people with disabilities, and internally displaced persons. Border Peace Efforts: Governor Emmanuel Adil returned to Juba after leading cross-border peace and security talks with Uganda, including measures to protect civilians, improve trade cooperation, and reactivate joint border security committees. Ebola Alert Regionally: DR Congo reported 3,200 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,405 deaths, with health authorities warning of sustained transmission and pressure on treatment capacity—an issue that also raises concern for cross-border movement involving South Sudan. Court Ruling: A US court has ordered South Sudan and its central bank to pay Qatar National Bank more than $1.02 billion in a dispute tied to a 2018 credit arrangement.

UNESCO Milestone: South Sudan has secured its first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site after the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape was inscribed in Busan, with Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong calling it a historic victory for the country and Africa. Border Security & Displacement: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil returned to Juba after leading cross-border peace talks in Kajo-Keji and Uganda’s Arua, urging calm for families displaced by recent clashes and warning that overcrowding can raise disease risks. Elections Prep: Western Bahr el Ghazal launched training for 1,011 police recruits ahead of the 22 December elections, stressing professionalism and election security. Public Health & Ebola: Health experts urged journalists to rely on verified information when reporting Ebola Bundibugyo in the region, warning against misinformation and stressing early reporting and safe hygiene. Humanitarian & Community Voices: A voter education campaign under “Your Vote is Your Future” was launched in Juba, with civil society urging political consensus and peaceful conditions for credible December polls. Regional Shock: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with sustained transmission and strain on treatment capacity.

UNESCO Heritage in Peril: UNESCO added six sites to its World Heritage in Danger, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on an emergency basis, citing conflict, climate pressures, and poaching/wildlife trafficking. Border Tensions in Kajo-Keji: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil visited families displaced by clashes along the South Sudan–Uganda border, distributing food and urging support for renewed joint security mechanisms. Ebola Alarm in the Region: DRC’s Ebola outbreak continues to surge amid contact-tracing and lab kit shortages, while WHO and Africa CDC warn containment is being undermined by insecurity and community skepticism. Elections and Media Access: The Presidency’s press secretary says journalists are not blocked from interviewing President Salva Kiir due to “lack of trust,” but because national media must follow proper procedures. Economy and Tax Moves: South Sudan Revenue Authority orders SSP tax payments through designated banks to improve transparency and tackle liquidity challenges. Fuel Market Update: Petroleum Ministry lifts limits on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing other licensed importers to supply pending review. Sports Spotlight: 18-year-old Peter Lazarus George Laku signs a five-year deal with Swedish top-flight IFK Göteborg. Wildlife Under Pressure: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warn poaching and habitat loss remain major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement.

Elections & Civic Education: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has started a Juba roadshow to kick off civic and voter education ahead of the planned 22 December 2026 polls, with the campaign set to launch officially on Monday. Passports & Identity: The Directorate of Civil Registry and Immigration says new passports will come in August 2027 with 10-year validity and EAC passport features, after fresh passport booklets arrived to ease earlier shortages. Border Revenue Drive: A high-level economic reform committee has arrived in Nimule to review operations at the main border crossing and push better revenue collection, tackling malpractice linked to cancelled non-statutory tax exemptions. 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. UNESCO Win for Conservation: UNESCO has inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as the country’s first World Heritage site, boosting global recognition for wildlife protection. Wildlife Under Pressure: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warn poaching and habitat loss remain major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers approved a framework to manage deportees and returnees through official entry points and transit centres, and endorsed a National Labour Migration Policy to protect migrant workers and improve labour mobility. Tax & Economy: South Sudan Revenue Authority introduced temporary rules requiring taxpayers to pay assessed SSP tax liabilities through designated revenue collection banks, with bank slips presented for receipts, aiming to boost transparency and ease liquidity pressures. Oil & Fuel Supply: The Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions limiting fuel imports to the G2G arrangement, allowing all qualified licensed importers to resume supplying petroleum products pending review. Security & Polls: A new report warns illicit arms smuggling remains a major threat to South Sudan’s December 2026 elections. Wildlife & Community Conservation: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities say poaching and habitat destruction are still major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community participation to protect key migration landscapes. Health Watch: CDC renewed U.S. Ebola travel restrictions tied to the DRC outbreak, with no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Sports: South Sudanese winger Peter Lazarus George Laku signed a five-year deal with Swedish top-flight IFK Göteborg. Youth Skills: Over 600 women and youth graduated from vocational training in Abyei, including tailoring, handicrafts, mechanical engineering and vehicle repair.

Tax Reform: South Sudan Revenue Authority says all tax payments in South Sudanese Pounds must now go through designated revenue collection banks, with a bank deposit slip presented for a tax receipt, while cash payments to officers are barred; digital payments via Capital Pay continue. Cabinet Decisions: President Salva Kiir’s Council of Ministers approved a framework to receive deportees and returnees through official entry points and transit centres, alongside a National Labour Migration Policy to protect migrant workers and improve labour mobility. Fuel Market Update: The Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions limiting fuel imports to the G2G arrangement, allowing all qualified licensed importers to resume supply pending a government review. Elections & Security: A new warning highlights illicit arms smuggling as a major threat to South Sudan’s December 2026 elections, as militarisation and political tensions persist. Abyei Skills Drive: Over 600 women and youth graduated from vocational training in Abyei, including tailoring/handicrafts and mechanical engineering/vehicle repair, aimed at jobs and self-reliance. UNESCO Bid: South Sudan is awaiting a UNESCO World Heritage Committee decision on inscribing the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, potentially its first World Heritage Site. Border Talks: Uganda and South Sudan agreed to strengthen border security, resume joint technical work to re-mark their shared boundary by 2027, and reactivate cross-border security committees. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports say DRC’s Ebola crisis is worsening amid conflict, with containment hampered by insecurity and cross-border spread into Uganda.

Border Security & Trade: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to strengthen border security, reactivate cross-border security management committees, and resume joint technical work to re-mark their shared 470-kilometre boundary by 2027 after the 6th Joint Border Meeting in Arua, with talks also covering trade, customs, migration, health and refugees. Elections & Politics: President Salva Kiir said citizens want elections to end the transition, while the government also approved a framework for receiving deported and returning citizens and endorsed a national labour migration policy. Courtroom Tensions: Suspended First Vice President Riek Machar told the special court over the Nasir incident that prosecutors have denied him access to lawyers and newspapers, calling it intimidation. Security Watch: CTSAMVM warned South Sudan’s security remains volatile, citing armed violence, ambushes and intercommunal conflict affecting the peace deal’s implementation. Local Governance & Investment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong urged protection of lawful investments in Kapoeta and called for dialogue over attacks on mining companies and property. Humanitarian & Health: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with cases spreading into Uganda as containment struggles continue. UNESCO Milestone: South Sudan is awaiting a UNESCO decision on whether to inscribe the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as the country’s first World Heritage Site.

Elections Push: President Salva Kiir says South Sudanese want elections to end “tough” transitional arrangements, arguing the five-vice-president structure helped reach the current stage. Peacebuilding Role: A call is growing for government to strengthen bishops and faith leaders to spearhead dialogue and reconciliation in conflict areas. Civil Records Upgrade: The government plans a digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system to standardize birth, death and marriage records nationwide. U.S.-South Sudan Talks: Foreign Affairs officials met the U.S. ambassador to discuss bilateral cooperation, UN engagement and Ebola response. Border Cooperation: South Sudan and Uganda resumed border talks in Arua, with plans for joint working committees after clashes displaced thousands; similar security talks also took place in Kajo-Keji. Electricity for Aweil: Northern Bahr el Ghazal signed an MoU with Sun Gate Company to supply power to Aweil town within three months. UNESCO World Heritage Bid: Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong is in Busan for UNESCO’s decision on inscribing the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as the country’s first World Heritage Site. Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 deaths and 2,500 cases, with Uganda also affected as containment strains under conflict. Trade Corridor Security: Kenya says it and South Sudan agreed a framework to curb harassment and extortion of truck drivers along key highways.

Elections Update: President Salva Kiir signed amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, clearing the legal path for December 2026 general elections by delinking the permanent constitution and national census from the poll timeline. Political Tensions: SPLM-IO accuses Kiir of planning to rig the December 2026 election, while youth leaders and NAS leader Gen. Thomas Cirillo push for inclusive transition steps and full implementation of the peace deal. Abyei Security & Polls: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan met UN envoy Guang Cong on Abyei’s security and participation in the elections, after Sudan protested the inclusion. Higher Education Policy: The Higher Education Minister vowed to ease high taxation and accreditation hurdles facing private universities. Food & Funding: The African Development Fund approved a $9.3m grant for climate resilience, water security and food production in Ethiopia and South Sudan, and global reports flag South Sudan among the world’s hunger hotspots. Health Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 deaths with 2,536 confirmed cases, as response capacity strains. Local Incidents: A school bus crash victim’s body was received in Yambio, and Twic County officials report 24 cattle raided as they hunt suspects.

Elections & Peace Process: President Salva Kiir signed an amendment that clears the legal path for December polls, removing links to the permanent constitution process and the national census, and urged South Sudanese to register in big numbers while keeping the 2018 peace agreement intact. Youth & Governance: A national youth forum in Juba called for full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, inclusive elections, youth representation in governance, and economic reforms including the Youth Enterprise Development Fund. Political Transition Debate: NAS leader Gen. Thomas Cirillo told an online forum that the current transition is “aborted,” alleging government restrictions on civic space and reiterating NAS’s position against the 2018 peace process. Security & Borders: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil held cross-border talks in Arua with Ugandan authorities after clashes in Kajo-Keji displaced civilians; meanwhile, a reported boat ambush in Lakes State killed 32 passengers with only five survivors. Health & Ebola: Ebola in the DRC and Uganda has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with officials warning the outbreak is still spreading fast and that South Sudan faces heightened screening and preparedness concerns. Economy & Planning: The Finance Ministry began consultations for the 10-year South Sudan Development Plan (2026–2036), while the government also launched consultations on a 10-year development framework and continued efforts to stabilize costs amid currency and fuel pressures. Foreign Affairs & Travel: South Sudan’s foreign ministry denied claims of new visa-free entry for Egypt and Tanzania, and the US issued fresh global travel warnings, including Ebola-related screening reminders for eligible arrivals.

Elections & Peace Deal: President Kiir has signed an amendment that clears the legal path for South Sudan’s December 2026 polls, removing earlier links to the permanent constitution and a national census. Security & Justice: A detained deputy chief of defense forces told court the arrest and trial of senior SPLM-IO leaders is a “coup against the peace agreement,” arguing it undermines the 2018 deal. Violence on the Roads & Rivers: At least 32 passengers were reportedly killed in a Lakes State boat ambush on the River Nile, while a separate Juba–Bor highway bus attack left the driver dead and the fate of passengers unclear. Ebola Alert: Foreign embassies urged South Sudan to pay public health workers on time as DR Congo’s Ebola death toll surpassed 1,000, with officials warning the crisis could worsen without urgent action. Economy & Cash Crunch: South Sudan ordered businesses to pay taxes and customs charges in cash to ease liquidity problems, while saying Capital Pay will keep recording digital transactions. Food Security: IFAD and the government launched a $41.8m programme to boost climate-resilient farming and fisheries, as drought in parts of Eastern Equatoria pushed families toward food shortages and displacement. Local Governance & Youth: Western Equatoria’s governor warned against tribal politics ahead of elections, while Central Equatoria’s governor urged youth to lead peacebuilding and civic participation.