AGP Executive Report

Elections & Peace: South Sudan’s political parties and civil society signed a declaration backing peaceful competition and rejecting violence ahead of the Dec. 22 general elections, as peace monitors warn institutions remain weak and insecurity could deepen divisions. Roads & Trade: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan and Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba corridor, promising shorter delivery times and lower costs for goods moving through Mombasa. Youth & Jobs: Central Equatoria plans vocational training, agriculture projects, and the rehabilitation of recreational spaces to help young people who missed formal schooling find skills and employment. Wildlife Protection: Forty-six newly trained wildlife rangers graduated at Lantoto National Park to strengthen law enforcement and anti-poaching, with a push to work closely with surrounding communities. Veterans’ Healthcare: Wounded veterans in Juba say about 300 colleagues died in the past year due to lack of medical treatment and are urging the government to fund care. Public Health Watch: WHO says Ebola in DR Congo is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths, and the outbreak centered in Ituri bordering South Sudan. Health & Safety: Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials warned teachers against extorting money from learners, and a returnee child in Aweil North died after a suspected rabid dog bite.

Elections & Peace: South Sudan’s National Alliance of Political Parties signed a declaration backing peaceful political competition, rule of law and rejection of violence ahead of the Dec. 22 polls, as peace monitors warn that isolating key partners could deepen divisions. Ebola Watch: The WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest recorded in the country, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30—while insecurity and cross-border movement keep response efforts under pressure. Regional Trade & Roads: Juba and Nairobi renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba corridor to cut cargo transit times from Mombasa and boost trade. Economy & Banking: President Kiir warned that failures in the financial sector won’t be tolerated after swearing in the new Bank of South Sudan governor, citing liquidity problems, cash shortages and a weakening SSP. Humanitarian/Health Support: A community cost-sharing model in Lakes State is helping keep Matangai Primary Health Care Centre running when funding delays hit. Global Legal Pressure: A US court move could expose South Sudan to international enforcement over a $1.02bn QNB arbitration award. US Immigration Cases: US authorities arrested a South Sudanese refugee in connection with child sexual assault and domestic abuse allegations.

Ebola Update: The WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the deadliest in the country’s history, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, driven by the Bundibugyo strain in Ituri and worsened by insecurity and displacement. Cross-Border Health Watch: India reports screening 10,974 passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries including South Sudan since May 23, with no cases detected so far. Election Trust Under Strain: CEPO warns South Sudanese confidence in the December 2026 elections is falling due to delayed voter education funding and worsening insecurity, with the National Elections Commission citing financial constraints. Roadside Revenue Crackdown: A ministerial committee orders security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks to collect taxes or fees, directing revenue collection to authorized points in Nimule. Banking Reform Push: President Salva Kiir warns that failures in the financial sector won’t be tolerated as the new Bank of South Sudan governor takes office, amid liquidity and currency pressure. Local Health Support: In Lakes State, Matangai Primary Health Care Centre stays open through a community-approved SSP 1,000 cost-sharing contribution when government support lags. UN/Peacekeeping Link: Zambia’s Maj. Gen. Laston Ngosa is set to become Deputy Force Commander of UNMISS, a role confirmed by the UN Secretariat. Business & Law: A US court recognized a $1.02 billion QNB arbitration award against South Sudan, raising the risk of international enforcement if payment or settlement doesn’t happen.

Primary Health Care Support: In Lakes State’s Matangai, patients at Matangai Primary Health Care Centre contribute SSP 1,000 through a community-approved cost-sharing plan to keep services running when government funding or partner support delays. Ebola Watch: South Sudan remains Ebola-free so far, with health authorities strengthening screening at points of entry as regional outbreaks intensify. Election Trust Under Strain: CEPO says citizens are losing confidence in December 2026 election preparations due to delayed voter education funding and worsening insecurity. Trade & Revenue Enforcement: A ministerial committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks to collect unofficial taxes, directing revenue collection to authorized points like Nimule. Central Bank Reforms: President Kiir warned that failures in the financial sector won’t be tolerated as Dr. Addis Ababa Othow was sworn in as Bank of South Sudan governor, tasked with reforms to restore confidence and ease liquidity pressure. UNESCO Peacebuilding: UNESCO and IOM launched projects to support 6,000 young people and 2,100 women and girls across Jonglei, GPAA, Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal with psychosocial support, livelihoods and peacebuilding. Sports for Inclusion: Light for the World convened a Juba workshop to expand para-sports for visually impaired athletes, highlighting blind football progress.

Elections & Civic Space: CEPO says South Sudanese are losing confidence in December 2026 election preparations, blaming delayed voter education and insecurity as funding delays stall the National Elections Commission and Political Parties Council. Economic Governance: A ministerial committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks to collect unofficial taxes, and also ordered the release of over 4,000 unlawfully held trucks at Nesitu checkpoint to ease trade. Central Banking: President Salva Kiir warned that failures in the financial sector will no longer be tolerated, directing new Bank of South Sudan governor Dr. Addis Ababa Othow to tackle liquidity problems and restore public confidence. Martyrs’ Day Politics: Kiir urged peace during Martyrs’ Day commemorations, while Gen. Thomas Cirillo accused Kiir and SPLM of betraying martyrs’ sacrifices. Health Watch (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,500 cases with 1,556 deaths, with officials warning response gaps and cross-border risk. UNESCO & Youth Peace: UNESCO and IOM launched projects to empower thousands of women and youth for peacebuilding, including support for young people in Jonglei, GPAA and Western Equatoria.

Martyrs’ Day in Juba: President Salva Kiir marked July 30 with a national commemoration at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, honoring civilians and fallen heroes of the liberation struggle and calling for peace. Roadside revenue crackdown: A ministerial economic reforms committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks to collect taxes or fees, saying revenue must be handled only at authorized points like Nimule. Central bank shake-up: Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and appointed Addis Ababa Othow in a fresh reshuffle amid economic strain from weak oil income, inflation and currency pressure. Elections debate: Commentaries and political voices continue to argue over whether December 2026 polls can end the long transition or risk deeper instability. Livelihoods for women: In Jebel Yesua, Juba, women were trained in liquid soap making to boost household incomes and strengthen savings groups. Disability sports push: A Juba workshop backed expanded inclusive para-sports, highlighting progress in blind football. Ebola watch regionally: India reported screening of thousands of passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, while DR Congo’s outbreak keeps worsening, raising concerns for preparedness across the region. Local crime and justice: Police in Aweil investigated a fatal payment dispute over ox-ploughing services, and another case involved detention of a man over alleged counterfeit U.S. dollars.

Martyrs’ Day in Juba: President Salva Kiir honoured millions of civilians and fallen heroes of the liberation struggle at the 21st Martyrs’ Day commemoration at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, urging unity and peace as the country heads toward December elections. Central Bank Shake-up: Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and appointed Addis Ababa Othow as replacement, amid mounting economic pressure from declining oil revenues, cash shortages, inflation and currency depreciation. Peace Implementation Watch: CTSAMVM’s outgoing chair urged all signatories to recommit to the permanent ceasefire, warning that localised insecurity, armed violence and restrictions on CTSAMVM movement are still undermining the revitalised peace deal. Elections and Governance: Government moves to strengthen the legal framework for national and religious public holidays, while officials push voter education and preparations for the first-ever general election. Border and Trade Measures: Nimule border reforms target tax evasion and smuggling, including tighter rules on exemptions, cash tax payments, and removal of illegal roadblocks. Humanitarian and Returns: South Sudan plans voluntary repatriation of 20,000 vulnerable citizens from Egypt, starting with those willing to return, with transport and reintegration support. Security in Abyei: UNISFA concluded a five-day weapons-free operation in Abyei to reduce visible weapons and restrict unauthorised armed movement. Local Economy: An industrial chemical supplier, Tello General Trading, launched operations in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil, mining, water treatment and pest control.

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.