AGP Executive Report

Election Readiness: The NEC has delivered the first voter-registration materials to Central Equatoria ahead of the planned December 22 elections. But University of Juba experts say legal, security and logistical hurdles could make the vote unfeasible, while the ANC warns that sham elections may be more dangerous than an extension. Russia Partnership: After returning from the Russia-Africa summit, President Salva Kiir convened cabinet, which endorsed cooperation with Moscow in sectors including agriculture and education. Party Politics: The SPLM says its committee has completed congresses and primary elections in Upper Nile. Separately, detained SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar named Regina Joseph Kaba as acting chair, amid an ongoing dispute over the movement’s leadership. Security: Eastern Equatoria authorities say they are working to restore calm after deadly clashes around a gold-mining area in Kapoeta South. Juba Governance: City officials say 32 revenue collectors have been arrested over alleged financial misconduct, as the council shifts to digital revenue collection.

Juba Governance: Thirty-two Juba City Council revenue collectors have been arrested after an investigation found alleged misconduct costing the council about half its resources. The council says it has shifted all revenue collection to a digital system. Election Credibility: ANC leader George Kongor Arop warned that sham elections could deepen South Sudan’s crisis, arguing credibility must come before holding the December vote. Party Oversight: The Political Parties Council faces scrutiny over allegations it interfered in party leadership disputes, raising questions about its neutrality and accountability. Peace and Diplomacy: Civil society leaders are urging stronger action on peace and development, while Russia has signed an agreement with South Sudan to establish a joint commission on trade and economic cooperation. Juba has also asked Türkiye to extend visa exemptions to ordinary passport holders.

Party Oversight: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council is under scrutiny over alleged leadership changes involving several parties, raising concerns about its neutrality and the credibility of political institutions. Peace and Elections: Civil society leaders are urging international support for peacebuilding as the country prepares for its first election since independence, planned for December. The UN Commission has warned that President Salva Kiir’s election plans could amount to a constitutional breach, while monitors cite insecurity and political divisions as risks. Juba Governance: Juba City Council says it has digitised revenue collection after alleging that malpractice cost it half its resources; 32 collectors have been arrested and face disciplinary action. Foreign Ties: Kiir returned from Moscow after meeting Vladimir Putin, who pledged 40 scholarships for South Sudanese students and discussed trade cooperation. Security: Deadly violence, including clashes near the Ugandan border and communal attacks, adds to concerns ahead of the vote.

Kiir’s Moscow Visit: President Salva Kiir has returned to Juba after the Russia-Africa Summit, where talks with Vladimir Putin focused on trade and economic ties. Russia also announced 40 scholarships for South Sudanese students, and the two countries signed a military cooperation agreement. Election Pressure: December’s planned elections face mounting concerns: reports cite unfinished peace tasks, pending voter registration and security risks, while the UN Commission has warned Kiir’s election plans could amount to a “constitutional coup.” Juba Governance: Juba City Council says it has shifted revenue collection to a digital system after uncovering alleged malpractice that cost it half its resources; 32 collectors have been arrested and face disciplinary action. Security and Health: Communal violence and cattle raids have killed dozens in recent weeks, adding to fears about election security. South Sudan is also among eight countries listed as high-risk for Ebola in an updated St. Kitts and Nevis travel advisory.

Kiir Back in Juba: President Salva Kiir returned from the Russia-Africa Summit after talks with Vladimir Putin on trade, education and security. Russia announced 40 scholarships for South Sudanese students and signed a military cooperation agreement with Juba. Election Countdown: South Sudan plans to hold its first post-independence elections on December 22, but voter registration is only due to begin in November and the country lacks a national voter roll. UN and regional monitors have warned that political divisions, insecurity and delays threaten the poll’s credibility. Security Concerns: Reports say violence in South Sudan has killed 84 people, adding to concerns that insecurity could disrupt the December vote. Juba Revenue Reforms: Juba City Council says it has moved revenue collection online after uncovering malpractice that it claims cost the council half its resources; 32 collectors have been arrested or face disciplinary action.

Election Countdown: South Sudan says its first post-independence elections will go ahead on December 22, but voter registration is due to start only in early November, leaving little time to prepare ballots, verify voters and organize polling. Russia Ties: President Salva Kiir met Vladimir Putin in Moscow as the two countries signed a trade and economic cooperation agreement. An opposition leader separately condemned a proposed transfer of oil interests to Russian firm Zarubezhneft, calling the deal illegal and criticizing the lack of disclosed terms. Peace and Security: A UN Commission warned that Kiir’s election plans risk a “constitutional coup,” while regional monitors and civil society groups say insecurity and unfinished peace commitments could undermine the vote. Deadly Violence: South Sudan reported 84 deaths in communal violence in Tonj North, adding to concerns that renewed conflict could further threaten the December elections.

Russia Ties: President Salva Kiir met Vladimir Putin in Moscow as the two governments signed a trade and cooperation agreement. An opposition leader condemned a proposed transfer of oil interests to Russia, calling it illegal; financial details have not been disclosed. December Elections: The NEC says it has recruited 22,137 election workers, but voter registration is only due to begin in early November, less than two months before the planned December 22 vote. No national voter register exists, while UN and civil society voices warn that unfinished peace tasks and political divisions threaten the poll’s credibility. Rule of Law: The South Sudan Bar Association called for investigations into the shooting of a Juba advocate and threats against lawyers, including attorneys representing Riek Machar. Security: Deadly violence remains a concern, with reports of 84 deaths in communal violence and a separate clash near the Ugandan border that killed one person and injured three.

Oil Deal Dispute: Opposition SSPLM leader Deng Bol has condemned a proposed transfer of former Petronas interests in South Sudan’s oil fields to Russia’s Zarubezhneft, calling it illegal. The deal was announced during President Salva Kiir’s Moscow visit, but financial details remain undisclosed. Election Preparations: The National Elections Commission says it has recruited 22,137 workers for the December vote. RJMEC warns that key peace-agreement and election tasks remain unfinished, while ongoing clashes threaten voter safety and confidence in the result. Security: Communal violence in Tonj North has killed 84 people, according to a Warrap official; a separate clash near the Uganda border left one person dead and three injured. National Mourning: Kiir has declared mourning for liberation leader Joseph Lagu, who died in Juba at 94.

Russia–Africa Summit: President Salva Kiir called in Moscow for stronger economic ties with Russia and more investment in South Sudan’s agriculture, oil, mining and tourism sectors. Election Readiness: With the December 22 vote approaching, RJMEC says key peace and election tasks remain unfinished, while civil society leaders warn the country is not prepared for credible, inclusive polls. The UN has also raised concerns about political changes and the risk of renewed conflict. Communal Violence: The death toll in attacks in Tonj North has risen to 84, according to a Warrap State official; security forces are being deployed as tensions threaten election preparations. National Mourning: Kiir declared mourning for liberation leader Joseph Lagu, who died at 94. Lagu helped lead the Anyanya movement and negotiated the 1972 peace deal that ended Sudan’s first civil war.

Communal Violence: The death toll in Tonj North has risen to 84 after a second attack killed 12 people in Bundir village. Warrap officials say security forces are being deployed as the killings add to concerns over December’s elections. Election Readiness: South Sudan’s Civil Society Forum says the country lacks the preparations needed for credible, peaceful elections, citing outstanding voter registration, funding and logistical plans, as well as insecurity and restrictions on political and civic space. Peace Process: The UN Commission on Human Rights warns that tensions could widen into war. Its chair called the government’s constitutional changes and shift to a caretaker administration a “constitutional coup through legislative means.” Nasir Trial: Riek Machar denied playing a role in escalating the 2025 Nasir conflict, disputing former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel’s account in court. National Mourning: President Salva Kiir has declared mourning until the funeral of liberation leader Joseph Lagu, who died aged 94.

Peace and Elections: Central Equatoria Governor Augustino Jadalla and Cardinal Stephen Ameyu called for unity and peaceful elections. Election preparations remain under scrutiny: RJMEC warns that delays, insecurity and unfinished reforms threaten the December vote’s credibility, while the AU plans to send election experts. Legal Dispute: The South Sudan Bar Association gave the Interior Ministry three days to cancel forced vehicle-plate changes, release seized vehicles and refund fees, arguing the measures lack legal basis. National Mourning: Joseph Lagu, a leading independence figure who helped negotiate the 1972 peace agreement, has died at 94; President Salva Kiir declared mourning until his burial. Machar Trial: Riek Machar told a special court that military action against the White Army risks targeting whole communities, while denying he commanded the group. Security: More than 72 people were reported killed in an attack in Tonj North, prompting calls for an investigation into arms supplies.

Peace and Politics: The UN Commission on Human Rights warned that South Sudan’s 2018 peace settlement is being dismantled and urged urgent action to prevent renewed conflict, saying elections must not weaken power-sharing or political safeguards. Election Preparations: The National Elections Commission says voter registration for December’s planned polls will begin next week, despite funding and logistical gaps. The African Union plans to send election experts and help set up a monitoring centre in Juba. Security: At least 72 people were killed in a cattle raid in Warrap State’s Tonj North County. An activist called for an investigation into how weapons reached the communities involved. Party Politics: SPLM primaries in Unity State face a reported deadlock over the governor’s election bid, adding to tensions ahead of the polls. National Mourning: President Salva Kiir declared mourning after liberation leader and retired General Joseph Lagu died in Juba at 94. Court Ruling: A Juba court ordered the Defence Ministry to pay more than $1.4 million to two people injured in a 2024 shooting near former security chief Akol Koor’s residence.

Election Concerns: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan urged urgent action to prevent renewed conflict, warning that the 2018 peace deal is being dismantled and power concentrated in the presidency. It said December elections must not override political safeguards or citizens’ right to vote without fear. Deadly Violence: At least 72 people were killed in a coordinated cattle raid in Tonj North, Warrap State, where homes were also burned and cattle stolen. Regional Ties: President Salva Kiir is in Moscow for the Russia-Africa summit, with talks expected on cooperation and investment. Party Politics: A faction of SPLM-IO and the ruling SPLM discussed election rules, political freedoms and a proposed pledge to accept the results. Meanwhile, reports that Unity State caretaker governor Joseph Nguen Monytuil may seek the SPLM nomination have stalled party primaries, despite a directive barring caretaker officials from contesting. National Legacy: Veteran liberation leader Joseph Lagu has reportedly died at 94; confirmation was still pending in the report.

Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir arrived in Moscow ahead of the Russia–Africa Summit, where he is expected to meet Vladimir Putin and discuss cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors. Machar Trial: Riek Machar denied commanding or forming the White Army, telling the court it lacks the structure of a standing military force. Education: Central Equatoria ordered schools to charge fees in South Sudanese pounds from 2027, warning that violators could lose their licenses or be closed. Security: Warrap officials say at least 72 people were killed and 38 wounded in an attack in Tonj North; the figures and allegations have not been independently verified. Public Accountability: A Juba court awarded more than $1.45 million to two people injured in a 2024 shooting outside former security chief Akol Koor’s home, ordering the Defence Ministry to pay. Separately, Juba County has launched legal action after inspectors found food allegedly repackaged with altered expiry dates.

Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir has travelled to Moscow for the Russia–Africa Summit, where he is expected to meet Vladimir Putin and discuss cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors. Warrap Violence: State officials report 72 people killed and 38 wounded in an attack in Tonj North, amid a cycle of revenge killings and cattle raids. The government has blamed armed groups from neighbouring Unity State, but those allegations have not been independently verified. Election Information: Iyete FM in Morobo County has been off air for more than a month after lightning damaged its power system, leaving residents reliant on stations from outside the area as December elections approach. Machar Trial: Riek Machar has denied commanding the White Army, telling the court that the group lacks the formal structure needed for him to control it. He and seven others face charges linked to the 2025 attack on an SSPDF base in Nasir. Public Accountability: Central Equatoria Governor Augustino Jadalla has ordered a legal probe into claims that a Juba company repackaged expired food with altered dates. Central Bank: The Bank of South Sudan has launched a communications strategy aimed at explaining monetary policy and improving transparency and public trust.

Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir has travelled to Moscow for the Russia–Africa Summit, where he is expected to meet Vladimir Putin and discuss cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education and technology. Public Safety: Central Equatoria Governor Augustino Jadalla has ordered a probe into allegations that a Juba company repackaged expired food with altered dates. Authorities say they found expired flour, biscuits, cooking oil and other goods; legal action may follow if the allegations are confirmed. Election Watch: With December elections approaching, four political coalitions have been cleared, while ceasefire monitors warn of violations and rising insecurity. Kiir has reaffirmed the need for election security and promised peaceful polls; he also removed long-serving minister Elia Lomuro and appointed Bol Wek as caretaker Cabinet Affairs Minister. Accountability: Two people injured in a 2024 shooting outside Gen. Akol Koor’s home are seeking $341,150 in compensation from the Defence Ministry, with a court judgment expected Tuesday. Regional Ties: South Sudan has urged stronger EAC cooperation to manage shared Lake Victoria Basin water resources and climate pressures.