Elections & Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir is in South Africa for talks with Cyril Ramaphosa on December 2026 polls and implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, with the presidency stressing peace and unity ahead of voting. Local Governance: Juba’s new mayor, Christopher Sarafino Wani, says the city council is rolling out reforms focused on resident consultations, tighter financial controls, and better core services. Urban Economy: A proposal would modernize part of Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market into a commercial hub with about 800 shopping spaces, aiming to tackle congestion, waste, drainage and fire risks. Rule of Law & Rights: The U.S. Embassy renewed its call for a credible investigation into the 2017 death of journalist Christopher Allen, while a separate U.S. court ruling struck down a Trump immigrant visa freeze affecting South Sudan and other African countries. Public Finance & Corruption Signals: The Ministry of Interior ordered police to stop illegal fees collected from EAC citizens at borders and the airport, warning of disciplinary action. Infrastructure & Economy: A policy analyst warns the Juba–Nimule road’s deterioration is turning a trade corridor into a costly bottleneck for food and goods. Peacebuilding: SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces visited thousands of former SPLM-IO fighters in Western Equatoria as registration and integration preparations continue. Civic Education: Religious leaders were urged to use churches and mosques to spread voter education and promote peaceful participation ahead of elections.