AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Path to Elections: President Salva Kiir assented to the Transitional Constitution (Amendment No. 13) Act, delinking the permanent constitution-making process and the national census from the 22 December 2026 vote, clearing key legal hurdles for elections. Election Readiness: The National Elections Commission began training voter registration officials across the ten states and three administrative areas, urging inclusive registration and large turnout. Public Media Power Struggle: Kiir ordered urgent action on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation challenges as SSBC board moves to suspend MD John Madol Panther, who says the board lacks power to remove him. SPLM Mobilisation: Kiir endorsed SPLM Youth League’s grassroots reorganization drive to rebuild structures from national level down to bomas ahead of December elections. Security & Governance: Juba County suspended illegal boda-boda associations for operating without authorisation, while Central Equatoria approved a draft 108.2bn SSP budget for 2026-2027. Health & Regional Spillover: WHO says Ebola responders in eastern DRC are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict spread as cases pass 6,250; separate UN-backed Sudan probe warns foreign fighters and networks are fuelling the war. Community Life: Juba City Council and stakeholders agreed to regulate Buluk Playground activities during school hours to protect students’ learning and sanitation.

Elections & Constitutional Reform: President Salva Kiir assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, delinking December 2026 national elections from the permanent constitution process and the population census—clearing a key legal hurdle for the Dec. 22 vote. AU Peace & Dialogue: The AU Peace and Security Council urged South Sudan’s leaders to resume direct political dialogue without preconditions, fast-track the Hybrid Court and the Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Commission, and push security reforms to protect the ceasefire. Election Funding Crunch: The AU called on donors to close a major December elections funding gap, warning the NEC still faces large shortfalls despite limited government contributions. Public Service Tech: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny met Huawei’s VP in Hangzhou, signaling plans to modernise and connect public services and expand “smart city” and national data initiatives. Media Capacity: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and the African Editors’ Forum launched the first cohort of the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, including South Sudanese journalists. Governance & Regulation: Juba County suspended “illegal” boda-boda associations for operating without authorization, while Central Equatoria security organs were tasked to identify unauthorised revenue collectors. Humanitarian & Climate: UNICEF warned El Niño risks could affect 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa, with South Sudan facing drought, heat and flooding that could worsen malnutrition and disease outbreaks. Health Security: WHO-backed teams in eastern DRC are using anonymised mobile-phone data to map Ebola spread and anticipate where cases may emerge next. Diplomacy: South Sudan’s Embassy in Cairo apologized after the national flag was displayed upside down during a bilateral meeting. Regional Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Nadapal highway to improve trade links to Mombasa.

Constitutional & Elections: President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, clearing legal hurdles for South Sudan’s planned December 22, 2026 general elections, separating election conduct from the permanent constitution process and the national census. Elections Administration: The National Elections Commission says voter registration will be manual, rejecting biometrics due to low literacy, with records later transferred for computer use. Local Governance: Juba County has suspended illegal boda-boda associations that were allegedly collecting fees, registering riders, and issuing IDs without authorization. Public Health & Safety: The Drug and Food Control Authority has recalled Duphaston and Navidoxine over safety and quality concerns, warning they are not safe for pregnant women. Economy: The Economic Reform Committee is pushing for further fuel price reductions, while Western Equatoria’s governor urged traders to keep money circulating locally instead of flying cash to Juba. Regional Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Nadapal highway to link Juba to the Port of Mombasa. Trade & Integration: South Sudan was urged to speed up EAC commitments to become an investment and production hub. Humanitarian/Climate: UNICEF warns El Niño could put 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa at risk, including South Sudan. Youth & Sports: Bright Stars are set to be celebrated in Juba after sweeping Tunisia in FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Local Regulation Crackdown: Juba County has suspended all “illegal, unregistered and unauthorized” boda-boda associations under Local Order No. 07/2026, banning them from collecting fees, registering riders or issuing ID cards, after security concerns over public order and unauthorized activities. Elections & Voter Registration: The National Elections Commission rejected biometrics for voter registration, saying low literacy means the process will be manual, with records later transferred to computers. Public Health: South Sudan’s Food and Drug Authority recalled Duphaston and Navidoxine for quality and safety concerns, warning they are not safe for pregnant women. Trade & Regional Integration: An EAC-focused business roundtable in Juba urged faster implementation of EAC commitments to position South Sudan as an investment and manufacturing hub, citing progress like customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu one-stop border post. Infrastructure & Trade Route: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway to link to Kenya’s Lamu corridor. Humanitarian Risk: IOM warned nearly 187,000 people in Bentiu and Malakal face service disruption risk due to a funding gap threatening water, sanitation and flood protection. Governance & Democracy: Parliament barred journalists from constitutional amendment debate, drawing criticism that the move undermines transparency. Drug Abuse Focus: Police urged communities to help fight tramadol and other drug abuse among children through community policing and reporting.

Parliament & Democracy: South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly ordered journalists and the public out of the chamber as it considered the Transitional Constitution 2011 (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2026, approving it behind closed doors with no clear explanation. Opposition Power Struggle: SPLM-IO leadership crisis deepened after suspended Secretary-General Regina Joseph Kapa suspended Acting Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, triggering competing orders and confusion over command. Elections & Political Parties: The Political Parties Council (PPC) opened registration for parties seeking to form coalitions ahead of December 2026 elections, with a deadline of 22 October 2026. Security Watch: CTSAMVM warned of worsening violence, abductions and alleged forced recruitment in parts of Western Equatoria, Jonglei and Lakes, and said humanitarian access is still being undermined. Governance & Economy: The government dismissed circulating documents alleging a $15 million payment as “fake and malicious,” while the Economic Reform Committee ordered telecom operators (Zain, MTN, Digitel) to pay government revenue in cash. Infrastructure: Central Equatoria says the Lou–Referendum–Bilpam dual carriageway is progressing, with asphalt works on one side and plans to extend toward a ring road. Health & Services: Fashoda County received a new health facility and school under a World Bank-funded project, improving access to basic services. Regional Diplomacy: South Sudan’s senior envoy Adut Salva Kiir delivered President Kiir’s message to Angola’s leadership to deepen cooperation on peace and development.

Infrastructure & Urban Mobility: Central Equatoria says the Lou–Referendum–Bilpam dual carriageway (5.6 km, with plans to extend to 11.3 km and link to a wider ring road) is easing traffic in western Juba, though bitumen shipment delays from Iran are slowing work. Anti-Corruption & Due Process: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny says four alleged corruption detainees were released on “strong bail” for medical treatment abroad, stressing they remain under investigation. Governance & Media Access: Parliament ordered journalists out of the chamber as it approved a constitutional amendment bill behind closed doors, with no clear explanation for the secrecy. Economic Reform & Revenue: The Economic Reform Committee ordered telecom operators (Zain, MTN, Digitel) to pay government revenue in cash and moved to stop unlawful tax exemptions. Security Outlook: CTSAMVM warns violence, abductions and alleged forced recruitment are worsening in parts of Western Equatoria, Jonglei and Lakes, and says humanitarian access is still being constrained. Elections & Diplomacy: The US urged South Sudan to hold peaceful elections funded with domestic public resources, while rejecting any attempt to impose a model. Political Parties: The National Alliance of Political Parties split after leaders withdrew confidence in Kornelio Kon Ngu, days after he declared a presidential bid against Salva Kiir. Health & Policy: South Sudan is pushing to ratify WHO’s tobacco control treaty, convening stakeholders in Juba to build support. Regional Health Shock: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has passed 6,000 cases and 2,911 deaths, with WHO warning it remains out of control.

Abyei Tensions: President Salva Kiir dismissed Deputy Justice Minister Joseph Malek Arop after an Abyei map controversy, appointing William Othwon Awer in his place. Elections & Political Parties: Kornelio Kon Ngu formally declared his 2026 presidential bid against Kiir, but the National Alliance of Political Parties split as factions withdrew confidence in him. Armed Opposition Politics: SPLM/A-IO acting leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino suspended its interim secretary-general and seven senior officials, accusing rivals of trying to build parallel structures while Riek Machar remains detained. Security Watch: CTSAMVM warned that localized violence, abductions, forced recruitment and road ambushes continue to endanger civilians and humanitarian work despite fewer major clashes. Cash Crisis: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenged the High-Level Economic Reform Committee over missing SSP liquidity in banks despite claims of improved non-oil revenue collection. Governance & Accountability: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny rejected online documents alleging a $15m transfer and questioned ownership of firms tied to the claims, saying an investigation will follow. US Election Stance: The US urged South Sudan to hold peaceful elections and fund them with domestic public resources, while stressing it is not pushing any political model. Local Incident: In Mundri West, gunmen abducted two police officers and burned the commissioner’s vehicle. Humanitarian & Food: WFP welcomed Japan’s $2.2m boost for nutrition support amid severe hunger and malnutrition.

Presidential Politics: TNLA Third Deputy Speaker Kornelio Kon Ngu has officially launched his 2026 presidential bid under the NAOPP banner, positioning himself as a challenger to President Salva Kiir and arguing that development is overly concentrated in Juba. Peace & Security: VP Taban Deng Gai told MPs and communities in Twic and Abyei to drop war rhetoric and resolve disputes through courts and legal channels, warning that ultimatums could trigger violence. Election Readiness: South Sudan is training more than 5,000 police in Warrap ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, with drills and arms management followed by law and police science. Border & Maps: Taban also rejected Kenyan map claims over the Ilemi Triangle, saying the territory should be treated as a zone for discussion, not Kenya. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP welcomed Japan’s USD 2.2m boost for nutrition support as hunger and malnutrition remain severe, with millions facing acute food insecurity. Local Violence: Tonj North in Warrap recorded deadly communal clashes, with 49 killed and 33 wounded, while Bor County’s commissioner’s residence was set ablaze. Regional Diplomacy: President Kiir returned to Juba after talks in South Africa on the electoral roadmap and bilateral cooperation.

AU Peace Financing: Rwanda’s PM Justin Nsengiyumva told the AU in Luanda that Africa’s peace decisions won’t last without predictable African funding, not just external support. Diplomacy & Elections: President Salva Kiir returned to Juba after talks in South Africa with Ramaphosa on South Sudan’s electoral roadmap, peace implementation, and remaining legal and technical steps. Security Prep for Polls: South Sudan is training over 5,000 police in Warrap ahead of the December 22 elections, with drills, arms management, and later law and police science. Border Dispute: VP Taban Deng Gai rejected Kenya-linked map claims over the Ilemi Triangle, saying it should be treated as a zone for discussion, not Kenyan territory. Juba Governance & Land: Taban also pushed urgent Juba land reforms to unlock loans and investment, warning the current tenure system blocks collateral and slows development. Roads & Trade: Govt ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo entering via Nimule, citing damage to the Juba-Nimule highway. Health & Blood: NBTS urged South Sudanese to donate blood regularly as demand rises, especially for mothers in childbirth and accident victims. Regional Security: The AU condemned an attack on a UN convoy in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven.

Elections & Security: Warrap State is training over 5,000 police recruits across six counties ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, with drills and later arms management and law training. Peace & Accountability: The African Union condemned an attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven, urging Juba to investigate and prosecute. Inter-communal Violence: At least 49 people were killed and 33 wounded in a cattle camp raid in Tonj North, Warrap, renewing calls for restraint as the violence cycle over grazing land and water continues. Infrastructure & Governance: Authorities ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo entering via Nimule, saying overloaded trucks are worsening the Juba–Nimule highway. Border Dispute: VP Taban Deng Gai rejected maps annexing the Ilemi Triangle to Kenya, saying the area is for bilateral discussion. Land Reform: VP Taban urged urgent Juba land policy reforms to unlock loans and investment, warning the current tenure system blocks collateral use. Humanitarian & Health: NBTS urged regular blood donations as demand rises, especially for mothers facing childbirth complications. Education Systems: UNESCO-backed consultations aim to build South Sudan’s first education sector monitoring system to track progress under the GESP plan.

UN Peacekeeping Under Fire: The AU and UN again condemned a deadly attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven, urging Juba to investigate and prosecute the attackers. Election Security Push: In Warrap, over 5,000 police recruits are undergoing training ahead of South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 general elections, while similar preparations continue in other states. Juba Stability Measures: SSPDF says increased street patrols in Juba have “no bad intentions,” citing a security assessment and presidential authorization to counter rumors. Land Reform Pressure: VP Taban Deng called for urgent Juba land tenure reforms to unlock loans and investment, warning current rules block collateral use. Communal Violence Update: At least 49 people were killed and 33 wounded in a cattle camp raid in Tonj North, Warrap, renewing calls for restraint and cross-state action. Ebola Watch: With Ebola raging in eastern DRC, humanitarian groups warn of border spread risk into South Sudan, as Canada extends Ebola-related entry restrictions. Local Governance: Juba City Council warned residents against dumping rubbish on roads, threatening legal action. Regional Politics: Jubaland leaders in Mogadishu demanded inclusive governance and renewed efforts to liberate Middle Juba and parts of Lower Juba from Al-Shabaab control.

Election Security: Over 5,000 police personnel in Warrap State are undergoing intensive training ahead of South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 general elections, with drills and later “laws and police science” planned. Juba Stability: SSPDF says increased street patrols in Juba have “no bad intentions,” citing a security assessment and presidential authorization to counter rumors during President Salva Kiir’s travel. Land & Investment: VP Taban Deng urges urgent Juba land reforms, arguing the current tenure system blocks collateral for bank loans and slows urban development. Peace & Civic Messaging: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil launches civic and voter education, warning leaders against misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory language ahead of elections. Local Governance: Juba City Council warns residents that dumping rubbish on streets is a crime and threatens legal action. Violence on the Ground: Armed raiders killed at least 49 people and wounded 33 in a cattle camp attack in Tonj North, Warrap State, as clashes over grazing land and water continue. Ebola Watch: With eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak spreading to more health zones, humanitarian groups warn of cross-border risk into South Sudan and push for screening and public awareness. Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan travels to Luanda for an AU summit on conflict prevention and continental security. Legal Process: In Machar’s Nasir trial, prosecutors and defence clash over how he should present his defence statement.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: Humanitarian groups warn Ebola could spread from eastern DR Congo into South Sudan as the outbreak hits 60 health zones, with new health zones reported in North Kivu and WHO/UNMISS teams screening travellers at border crossings. Canada Travel Curbs: Canada extends Ebola-related entry bans for people from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for 30 more days, keeping thousands in visa limbo and maintaining 21-day quarantines. Cattle Raid Death Toll: In Warrap’s Tonj North, armed raiders killed at least 49 and wounded 33 in an attack on a cattle camp, with officials linking the violence to cross-border cattle raiding and scarce grazing and water. UN Peacekeeping Under Fire: The AU condemns the killing of two Ethiopian UNMISS peacekeepers in Jonglei and calls for an immediate investigation and prosecutions. Elections & Civic Peace: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil urges dialogue, peace messaging, and a crackdown on misinformation ahead of December elections. Courtroom Politics: Prosecutors and defence clash over how Riek Machar should present his defence in the Nasir incident trial, with procedure now at the centre of arguments. Local Governance: Juba City Council warns residents that dumping rubbish on streets is a crime and says waste collection is running across all quarter councils.

Machar Trial: Prosecutors at the Special Court in Juba say their counter-application is not meant to single out suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, but to clarify the correct procedure for all remaining defendants. Intercommunal Violence: In Warrap’s Tonj North, armed cattle raiders linked to Unity State killed at least 49 people and wounded 33 after attacking a herders’ cattle camp at dawn, with authorities calling for restraint and cross-state cooperation to arrest perpetrators. UN Peace & Accountability: The UN Security Council strongly condemned a Jonglei ambush that killed two UNMISS peacekeepers and injured seven, warning such attacks may amount to war crimes and demanding a full investigation. Diplomacy Ahead of Elections: South Sudan summoned ambassadors of Germany, Japan, Norway and the US over a joint statement urging renewed inter-party dialogue and an end to violence ahead of December 2026 elections. Humanitarian Governance: Northern Bahr el Ghazal banned the sale of humanitarian supplies in local markets and confiscated Plumpy’Nut and Corn-Soy Blend over alleged diversion. Infrastructure & Elections Politics: VP Taban Deng admitted government failures to build roads and energy infrastructure, urging regional support for key corridors like Juba–Nimule and Juba–Nadapal.

UN Security Council Condemnation: The UN Security Council strongly condemned a Jonglei ambush on a UNMISS force-protection convoy that killed two peacekeepers and wounded seven, warning attacks on peacekeepers may amount to war crimes and demanding a full investigation. Elections & Diplomacy: South Sudan summoned ambassadors from Germany, Japan, Norway and the United States over a “divisive” joint statement urging inter-party dialogue and an end to violence ahead of December elections, while the foreign ministry also urged regional and international partners to support peaceful polls. Security & Violence: Warrap reported a deadly Tonj North cattle raid killing 49 and injuring 33, blaming armed criminals from neighbouring Unity. Humanitarian Crackdown: Northern Bahr el Ghazal banned the sale of humanitarian supplies in markets and seized nutrition items, accusing diversion. Aid & Health: Japan pledged $2.2m to WFP for nutrition services for over 40,000 women and children, as funding gaps threaten continuity. Regional Engagement: President Salva Kiir met South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria as election and security pressures mount. Missing Persons: ICRC and South Sudan Red Cross reported 188 people clarified as missing since January–June, with 6,200 cases still active.

Oil & Industry: The Ministry of Petroleum says output is now about 175,000 barrels per day and targets at least 200,000 bpd by next year, citing technology upgrades as some fields age. It also plans two new refineries—Unity and Upper Nile—with a combined 60,000 bpd capacity to cut fuel imports and lower prices. Security & Violence: Duk County in Jonglei reports six deaths and 21 injuries after two days of inter-clan clashes, with dialogue now underway to contain the fighting. UN Protection Under Pressure: Juba condemned the killing of two UNMISS peacekeepers in Jonglei and called for a joint, thorough investigation; EU missions and Ethiopia also demanded accountability. Humanitarian Crisis: Japan and WFP signed a $2.2m deal for nutrition support for nearly 40,000 women and children as 7.8m face acute food insecurity. Refugee Tensions: At Uganda’s Imvepi settlement, riots tied to Refugee Welfare Council elections left two refugees dead and led to at least 41 arrests after UNHCR and OPM offices were torched. Politics & Dialogue: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged urgent inter-party dialogue and an end to violence after a public dispute involving VP Rebecca Nyandeng. Courts: In Dr. Riek Machar’s Nasir trial, defence lawyers opposed a prosecution bid to change how accused are questioned before submitting written defences. Governance: Lakes State swore in new cabinet, commissioners and commission heads, urging service delivery and security.