AGP Executive Report

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Justice Minister Wek Mamer Kuol tabled amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the Dec. 22 polls, including rules on the president’s powers during the election period and removal of vice presidents three months before voting. Electoral Administration: Former NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol urged the newly appointed NEC boss Gabriel Bol Deng Majok to keep preparations on track after Kiir removed him. Security & Power: Reuters reports President Salva Kiir is expected to retain executive powers as the transitional unity government moves toward dissolution, while his son Atem Salva Kiir was promoted to command the Tiger Division—sparking debate over political influence in the army. Intercommunal Violence: UNISFA says at least 26 people were killed and 82 injured in Abyei after clashes between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities at Amiet Common Market, with UN security reinforced. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns “super El Niño” and Sudan’s war are pushing South Sudan’s hunger crisis further—7.8 million people face acute food insecurity, and a million more could lose aid access by October. Local Government: Juba City Council intensified night waste collection along major roads, warning traders and residents against dumping in public places.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan President Salva Kiir is expected to keep executive powers as the transitional unity government heads toward dissolution, with MPs debating National Elections Act amendments that also set rules for removing vice presidents ahead of the December 22 vote. Electoral Administration: Kiir has fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, raising fresh fears about whether voter registration and the electoral timetable can stay on track. Parliament & Lawmaking: The elections law amendment bill was tabled in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, with lawmakers outlining how the executive and parliament will function during and after elections. Inter-Party Dialogue: The inter-party political dialogue on peaceful elections was postponed from September 17 to September 24 in Juba, as parties and stakeholders prepare to discuss outstanding election issues. Security & Factional Politics: Rival SPLA-IO factions clashed in Central Equatoria around the Magoya barracks, deepening an internal leadership fight that is spilling onto the ground. Military & Succession Politics: Kiir’s son, Major General Atem Salva Kiir, has taken command of the Tiger Division, with the army saying the appointment follows command structures and is not about presidential family ties. Justice & Gender-Based Violence: A two-week expedited court session in Juba will hear 81 pending criminal cases, including 66 rape cases, supported by UNMISS and funded by Norway. Local Governance: Upper Nile residents and civil society are calling for the reopening of the state legislative assembly after long inactivity that they say has weakened oversight. Oil & Accountability: A Unity State MP issued a 30-day ultimatum to GPOC to fence and mark oil waste sites and set up community safety and early-warning mechanisms. International Diplomacy: Britain appointed Rebecca Fabrizi as its next ambassador to South Sudan, succeeding David Ashley. Regional Context: IGAD confirmed its 2023 treaty has entered into force, replacing the 1996 framework and updating the bloc’s legal basis for peace, integration, climate resilience, health, trade and infrastructure.

Elections Shake-Up: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired National Elections Commission chair Abednego Akok Kacuol and named Gabriel Bol Deng Majok as replacement, raising fresh doubts with December 22 polls looming and voter registration still not started. Political Dialogue Delayed: The inter-party political dialogue on peaceful and democratic elections was pushed from September 17 to September 24 in Juba, with no reason given, as some major opposition groups continue to reject the process. Security Prep: Northern Bahr el Ghazal launched training for 3,000 police recruits, with Governor Charles Madut Akol warning against drugs and misconduct and stressing election security. Accountability Pressure: A Unity State lawmaker issued a 30-day ultimatum to GPOC to fence and mark oil waste sites and set up community safety and early-warning mechanisms. Regional Flashpoint: Clashes at the Abyei market between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities left at least nine dead and dozens injured. Health Watch: Ebola screening rules in Bermuda were narrowed, while WHO says DRC’s Ebola response is improving but the epidemic is still killing people. Humanitarian Risk: WFP warns over one million people in South Sudan face losing food aid amid worsening needs.

Elections Shake-Up: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has fired the chair of the National Elections Commission, Abednego Akok Kacuol, just three months before the country’s first election since independence, with Gabriel Bol Deng Majok named to replace him—raising fresh concerns about voter confidence and election readiness ahead of the Dec. 22 polls. Humanitarian Alarm: The World Food Programme warns that more than one million vulnerable people in South Sudan could lose life-saving food and nutrition assistance by October as hunger worsens, aid funding gaps deepen, and a “super El Niño” threatens rainfall. Food Security Pressure: WFP says 7.8 million people struggle to find food daily, including 2.2 million children and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women needing urgent nutrition support. Local Governance & Service Delivery: In Leer County, Unity State, new World Bank-funded health and education facilities were handed over, including hospital wards and classrooms. Security on Key Road: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil and Eastern Equatoria’s Louis Lobong agree to strengthen security along the Juba–Torit Highway and curb unauthorized checkpoint money-taking. Institutional Capacity: The Transitional National Legislative Assembly signs an MoU with the Max Planck Foundation to strengthen lawmakers’ legal and legislative drafting capacity. Public Administration Incident: A fire gutted parts of Juba’s Ministry of Roads and Bridges, destroying offices and documents, with officials citing an electrical socket linked to an air conditioner as the cause.

Regional Diplomacy: IGAD ministers meet in Djibouti for the 74th Extraordinary Session, with Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu warning of financial and institutional strain that could weaken the bloc’s response to crises across the Horn. Elections & Institutions: President Salva Kiir sacks NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol and appoints Gabriel Bol Deng Majok just three months before the 22 December 2026 polls, while a Central Equatoria High Court injunction halts UJOSS journalists’ union elections over alleged constitutional breaches. Human Rights & Civic Space: A rights group says South Sudan’s civic and political space remains restricted ahead of elections, citing arrests, detention, and media restrictions. Health Security: South Sudan forms a national Ebola task force to boost preparedness amid outbreak fears from neighboring DRC and Uganda. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns South Sudan’s food pipeline could run out by October without new funding, as 7.8 million people face acute hunger and El Niño-linked shocks worsen crop failures. Conflict Spillover: Sudan’s war continues to drive displacement and insecurity, while drone and air attacks reported in Blue Nile underline the wider regional instability. Digital & Governance: South Sudan commits to ethical AI development at UNESCO’s global forum, as regional connectivity projects expand.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s cabinet has approved legal amendments ahead of December 2026 polls, but UN human rights experts say the country still lacks safeguards for credible elections—while the government rejects the warning. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP warns food assistance could run out by October unless new funding is secured, threatening support for about 650,000 refugees and nearly 200,000 internally displaced people. Security & Military Integration: Opposition SPLA-IO officers in Western Bahr el Ghazal reject SSPDF-backed promotions and say integration plans were done without their leadership’s consent. Disarmament & Mobilisation: SSPDF orders Agwelek forces in Juba to report for screening and integration in Terekeka, with other units told to stay on standby. Regional Diplomacy: IGAD ministers reviewed peace and security challenges across the region, including developments in Sudan, Somalia and South Sudan, and discussed how to strengthen IGAD’s capacity and funding. Civic Space: A South Sudan human rights defenders group says democracy must go beyond voting, calling for free speech, assembly, media access and accountability ahead of elections. Economy & Tax Policy: The Economic Reform Committee met with mobile network operators on cash tax payment implementation and also discussed a draft approach to a South Sudan–Kenya oil supply agreement.

Opposition Security & Elections: SPLM-IO says it has “verified details” of an assassination plot against suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and calls for international protection, as South Sudan’s election transition faces fresh scrutiny. Military Integration: SSPDF orders Agwelek forces in Juba to report to Terekeka for screening and integration, with other units told to stay on standby—another step in implementing the 2022 peace deal. Economic Reform & Oil: The Economic Reform Committee met with mobile network operators on the cash tax policy and also set up a subcommittee to review the South Sudan–Kenya government-to-government oil supply agreement. Humanitarian Preparedness: The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs convened a national dialogue platform on anticipatory action, aiming to shift from reacting to disasters to acting early on predictable droughts and floods. UNICEF in Jonglei: UNICEF reports aid delivery to conflict-affected communities in Jonglei, including malnutrition screening and emergency supplies where access has shut down services. Civic Space for Democracy: A human rights defenders network warns that democracy can’t be reduced to voting, urging protection of free speech, assembly, media access and accountability ahead of elections. Regional Spillovers: Ebola developments in DR Congo continue to raise cross-border health fears, while a separate report highlights displacement pressures in Sudan’s Blue Nile.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Unity State election committee in Juba delivered 1,300 voter registration books and election materials to Rubkonta, as preparations build for December polls. The Council of Ministers also approved amendments to the National Elections Act to restore 2010 geographical constituencies and expand the National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to completion of a population census. Political Security: The UN Commission on Human Rights warned that renewed violence, political tensions and impunity are threatening civilians and the country’s election transition. SPLM Mobilisation: SPLM secretary general Akol Paul Kordit urged Lakes State voters to support President Salva Kiir ahead of elections, promising accountability through primaries. Oil & Courts: South Sudan oil workers petitioned the Court of Appeal challenging the Labour Ministry’s Public Circular No. 5, 2026, arguing it should be consistent with the Constitution and existing laws. Local Service Delivery: Lakes education advocates called for more funding and accountability after reports of unpaid teachers, inadequate classrooms and shortages of learning materials. Humanitarian & Environment: Eastern Equatoria warned drought, insecurity and food shortages are driving people and livestock into new areas, raising tensions over scarce resources. Women’s Support: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West with EU and Germany support to train women, support livelihoods and prevent gender-based violence.

Presidential Power Shuffle: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has appointed his son, Major General Atem Salva Kiir, as commander of the Presidential Guard/Tiger Division, after placing another son inside the presidency years earlier—sparking fresh criticism that family control is tightening ahead of December elections. Election Law Update: Cabinet approved amendments to the National Elections Act to restore the 2010 geographical constituencies and set a 332-seat National Legislative Assembly, with changes also removing the election timetable link to a population census. Human Rights Warning: A UN human rights commission warned that renewed violence, impunity and weak justice are endangering civilians and the democratic transition, citing ongoing killings, sexual violence and displacement. Security in GPAA: Five people were killed and six injured in attacks in Raat, Greater Pibor, including an ambush involving Ethiopian traders and local soldiers. Women’s Support in Aweil West: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to provide training, business support and gender-based violence prevention. Eastern Equatoria Hardship: The state warned drought, insecurity and food shortages are driving people and livestock into new areas, raising tensions over scarce resources. Livelihoods and Health: Plan International launched a $1.5m play-based learning project in Eastern Equatoria to reach about 26,000 learners over four years.

Elections & Transition: The UN Commission on Human Rights warned that renewed violence, political tensions and entrenched impunity are putting civilians at growing risk and threatening South Sudan’s December elections and transition, urging credible accountability and a safer political space. Government Response: South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry rejected the UN warning as unfounded, saying the country remains committed to the 2018 peace agreement and is moving through nationally owned political processes, including an inter-party dialogue. Security & Courts: The government also dismissed SPLM-IO claims that First Vice-President Riek Machar faces an assassination threat, saying he is under maximum security protection at his Juba residence while his trial continues. Local Governance & Rights: Eviction of encroachers from Mount Kei Central Forest Reserve was suspended for two weeks in Yumbe and Koboko to allow boundary clarification. Humanitarian Pressure: Eastern Equatoria warned drought, insecurity and food shortages are driving people and livestock to migrate, heightening tensions over scarce water and pasture. Women & Community Support: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to provide training, business support and gender-based violence prevention. Regional Spillover: Five people were killed and six injured in attacks in Raat, Greater Pibor, as lawmakers blamed authorities for failing to protect residents.

Elections & Lawmaking: South Sudan’s Cabinet has approved changes to the National Elections Act ahead of the December 2026 polls, including restoring the 2010 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-seat National Legislative Assembly, while also removing links to the completion of a population census. Human Rights & Security: The UN Commission on Human Rights warns that renewed violence, political tensions and impunity are putting civilians at growing risk and threatening the democratic transition, urging credible accountability and stronger civilian protection. Opposition Court Tensions: Juba has rejected claims by SPLM-IO that Riek Machar faces an assassination plot, saying the allegations are false and meant to undermine his ongoing trial, while Machar’s defence says security threats include plans for a road accident and alleged poisoning in court. Local Governance: Evictions around Mt Kei Central Forest Reserve have been suspended for two weeks to allow boundary clarification after years of disputes with thousands of residents accused of encroachment. Civil Society & Women: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to offer training, business support and gender-based violence prevention, backed by EU and Germany through ResPEct/GIZ. Humanitarian Pressure: Eastern Equatoria warns drought, insecurity and food shortages are driving people and livestock to move, increasing tensions over scarce water and pasture. Regional Security: South Korea says four military units are deployed overseas, including its Hanbit unit in South Sudan.

Elections & Law: South Sudan’s Cabinet has approved amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the December 2026 polls, including restoring the 102 geographical constituencies used in 2010 and setting a 332-seat National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to completion of a population census; the changes now go to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly before presidential assent. UN Accountability & Rights: A UN Commission on Human Rights warned that worsening violence, impunity, shrinking civic space and weak institutions are endangering civilians and the democratic transition, urging credible accountability and inclusive dialogue. Machar Trial Security: Riek Machar’s defence team says alleged threats against Machar, co-accused and lawyers include plans for a road accident and possible poisoning in court; the Special Court adjourned proceedings to Sept. 23 for further investigations. Corruption & Poll Readiness: The UN also said there is “no real change” on corruption and political stability, with safeguards for peaceful elections still missing. Civic Protection: Government officials pledged stronger protection for girls from forced marriage and gender-based violence, calling for community reporting and tougher enforcement. Wildlife Governance: The wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in drafting a national framework for protected-area boundary demarcation to address land-use concerns and lost records from past conflicts.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s government rejected UN Human Rights Commission claims that December elections could spark confrontation and violence, pointing to the 2018 peace deal and an inter-party dialogue, while the UN warned renewed fighting, shrinking civic space, corruption and weak safeguards still endanger civilians and the political transition. Court & Security: Riek Machar’s trial at the Special Court was adjourned to Sept. 23 after his defence raised alleged threats, including a planned road accident and possible poisoning of courtroom seats, with authorities escorting lawyers in a security convoy. Political Leadership: Major General Atem Salva Kiir, President Salva Kiir’s son, formally assumed command of the presidential guard “Tiger Division,” pledging improved welfare and discipline—amid public comparisons to Uganda’s succession-style military rise. Human Rights & Protection: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said there has been “no real change” in the civil war, citing displacement, insecurity, sexual violence and arbitrary detention, and urged genuine dialogue and civilian protection. Gender-Based Violence: A girls’ rights conference in Juba saw the Interior Ministry’s Special Protection Unit promise stronger action against forced marriage and gender-based violence, urging community reporting and cooperation with law enforcement. Regional Spillover: Congo’s Ebola outbreak spread to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, with reports of a fatal case and lab confirmation of the Bundibugyo virus, raising cross-border health alarm for the region.

Machar Court Adjournment: Riek Machar’s trial in South Sudan was pushed to Wednesday, 23 September after his defence raised security threats to lawyers and defendants, with the judge ordering details kept out of open court. Elections Under Pressure: A UN human rights commission warned that corruption, violence, shrinking civic space and stalled safeguards are putting December polls at risk, urging protection of civilians and inclusive political dialogue. UN Election Conditions: UN experts also said conditions for peaceful, credible elections remain unfavorable, citing renewed violence, political tensions and persistent impunity. SPLM-FD Leadership Fight: SPLM-FD chief whip Isaiah Hakim Garang called Madut Biar and Dr. Majak “dark forces” amid an escalating internal dispute after his removal and revocation of his membership. Cross-Border Migration Data: An IGAD report says Uganda is emerging as a major migration destination and transit hub, but warns the region lacks consistent migration data to manage risks. Regional Security & Rights: The UN commission reiterated that repeated visits keep finding the same patterns of displacement, sexual violence and arbitrary detention, with little meaningful progress on earlier corruption recommendations. ICT for Youth: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people in digital skills and innovation.

Elections Under Threat: UN human rights experts warn South Sudan’s December 22 polls face renewed violence, shrinking civic space, stalled Revitalized Peace Agreement safeguards, and entrenched corruption/impunity. Civilian Protection Alarm: The same UN Commission says women and girls are among the worst affected, with displacement and protection failures continuing across states. SPLM-FD Power Struggle: In Juba, SPLM-FD chief whip Isaiah Hakim Garang calls rivals Madut Biar and Dr. Majak “dark forces,” after internal moves revoking his membership and escalating leadership accusations. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Uganda’s URA busts a cigarette smuggling ring using modified Fuso trucks with welded concealment compartments, allegedly moving contraband from DRC via South Sudan routes. Regional Health Pressure: UN warns Ebola in DR Congo has hit a “tipping point,” with thousands dead and no licensed treatment for the Bundibugyo strain—raising spillover fears for neighbors. Diplomacy & Health Support: South Sudan and China honor outgoing Chinese medical teams and welcome the next batch, citing training and services for remote communities. ICE Detention Case: A South Sudanese SCSU student, Deng Deng, is arrested by ICE at Tweed New Haven Airport for overstaying, with the university saying it’s focused on his safety.

Elections & Political Settlement: President Salva Kiir has kicked off preparations for an inter-party dialogue on September 17, bringing parties to align on the electoral pathway ahead of December 2026 polls, including boundaries, independent candidacy, election sequencing, financing, security for candidates, campaign freedoms, voter registration, results transmission, observer access, and dispute mechanisms. Budget & Economic Governance: Finance Minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo tabled the SSP 11.34 trillion 2026/27 budget in Parliament, with oil revenue projected at 79.5% of total revenue and debt servicing/loan repayments at SSP 2.16 trillion, while committees are set to scrutinize spending plans. Statistics Oversight: Kiir appointed a new National Bureau of Statistics board chaired by former finance minister Dr. Dier Tong Ngor, aiming to strengthen integrity and oversight of official data. Border Trade & Regional Integration: The Economic Cluster approved a Nimule one-stop border post to speed up South Sudan–Uganda trade, funded by the EU and implemented by UNOPS, pending Council of Ministers approval. Humanitarian & Health Security: Western Equatoria officials report Congolese nationals and South Sudanese refugees crossing into Ibba County over Ebola fears, prompting screening centres and surveillance teams. Digital Jobs: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek to train youth in digital skills and support innovation and entrepreneurship. Diplomacy: South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya, Simon Juach Deng, received accreditation in Nairobi, with focus on challenges facing South Sudanese nationals in Kenya. Public Finance Compliance: Revenue Authority set a September 15 deadline for August tax filing and payments, as reforms push tighter cash collection.