AGP Executive Report

Ebola Border Shock: South Sudan is among countries flagged as high-risk as Trinidad and Tobago tightens entry screening and urges citizens to avoid travel to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan amid the Bundibugyo outbreak. US-EU Travel Clash: Washington presses Europe to adopt tougher Ebola travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup, arguing WHO guidance is too soft while the EU says risk to Europe is very low. Regional Funding Push: The US announces an extra Ksh2.59bn for Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting surveillance, border screening and medical supplies. Elections Watch: President Salva Kiir tells supporters South Sudan will hold general elections in December 2026, with campaigns starting in July. Juba Economy: The Juba Special Economic Zone steps up talks with US investors to speed up investment and operational readiness. Security/Justice: UNMISS-backed mobile courts in Greater Pibor handled 16 criminal cases and resolved 10 civil disputes, including land tensions. Rebel Labels Clarified: UPDF says repatriated Ugandan returnees were SPLM-IO mercenaries, not LRA defectors. Human Rights Alarm: Amnesty International Kenya demands disclosure of a Kenyan–South Sudanese businessman abducted in Nairobi, warning of deportation risks.

Ebola Diplomacy vs EU Pushback: The Trump administration has urged European governments to tighten travel restrictions on people coming from Ebola-affected Central Africa ahead of the FIFA World Cup, arguing the WHO’s stance against blanket bans is too lax; the EU says risk to Europe is “very low” and prefers enhanced monitoring over broad entry curbs. South Sudan Justice at Local Level: A mobile court in Greater Pibor, supported by UNMISS and the reconciliation trust fund, handled 16 criminal cases with convictions in five and resolved 10 civil land disputes, aiming to break cycles of impunity. Security and Identity Claims: UPDF says Ugandan returnees repatriated from Juba were SPLM-IO mercenaries, not LRA defectors, after earlier reports linked them to Joseph Kony’s group. Political Parties Transparency: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani urges the Political Parties Council to publish proof of compliance, including the $75,000 registration fee and checks against parties linked to armed forces. Cross-Border Telecoms: South Sudan’s NCA hosted a Zambian presidential envoy to boost telecommunications cooperation and prepare for ATU elections. Graft Whistleblower Alarm: A South Sudanese graft whistleblower was abducted in Nairobi, with activists warning he may face forced return and harm. Regional Development: Finance officials in Juba met AfDB on new regional projects in electricity, agriculture, climate resilience and economic diversification.

Humanitarian Crisis: The World Food Programme warns that Iran-war ripple effects—especially the Strait of Hormuz closure—are driving up fuel and food prices and blocking fertilizer supplies, pushing millions toward acute hunger, with the U.S. cutting WFP funding sharply. Food Security in South Sudan: Save the Children reports families in Jonglei are surviving on leaves and water lilies as violence and displacement disrupt aid and farming, with parts of the country nearing famine. Ebola & Regional Politics: As Ebola spreads in DR Congo (550 cases, 101 deaths reported), the U.S. urges Europe to tighten travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup, while CDC expands enhanced screening at major airports like Atlanta. South Sudan Water & Services: South Sudan’s water ministry says it plans to build 500 “water yards” across the country to improve access to clean water and reduce flood impacts. Local Governance: Warrap Governor Bol Wek Agoth urges President Kiir to tackle insecurity and delays in disarmament and emergency force deployment. Youth & Climate Advocacy: A Climate Youth Ecumenical Summit launches in Juba to push climate justice and community resilience. Election Readiness: Political parties are reminded to submit audit reports ahead of December 2026 elections.

Elections & Governance: The UK ambassador in Juba, David Ashley, urged parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to keep dialogue going to end the transition consensually and hold credible December 2026 elections, stressing the need to maintain the ceasefire in Jonglei and beyond. Political Parties Compliance: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council warned registered parties to submit audited financial reports by the first week of July or face administrative penalties, including possible disqualification. Security Sector Regulation: The National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau issued a strict warning against unauthorized manufacture, sale, possession, or wearing of NSS uniforms and insignia, threatening arrest and prosecution. Local Administration & Youth: Central Equatoria began reclaiming illegally occupied public playgrounds in Juba, starting with the Hai Malakal site, through mapping and coordination with Juba City authorities. Humanitarian Crisis: In Jonglei, Save the Children says families are increasingly surviving on leaves and water lilies as conflict and hunger push parts of the state toward famine. Public Health Pressure: Ebola fears continue to shape regional movement, with WHO and partners highlighting the widening DRC outbreak and cross-border risk into Uganda and the wider region.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is rapidly widening, with confirmed deaths rising to 101 and new cases reported amid armed-group interference in Ituri, while Uganda records 19 cases linked to cross-border spread. Regional Health Measures: Uganda’s response is praised by WHO chief Tedros, but he urges easing border restrictions; meanwhile, Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of Ebola medical aid to support frontline centres in DR Congo. Travel and Legal Crackdowns: Emirates updated its Ebola travel advisory, and India’s Telangana plans prosecutions under the Epidemic Diseases Act for travellers giving fake addresses, including 24/7 language support at airports. South Sudan Politics & Governance: Analysts read President Salva Kiir’s Bahr el Ghazal tour as early election positioning for December 2026; the Political Parties Council also launched election preparedness training for registered parties with a new digital registration system. Juba Rule of Law: A lawyer urged police and Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners over reports of minors entering entertainment venues, citing a decree banning under-18 entry. Local Economy & Security: Central Equatoria Governor Adil approved draft mining regulations for artisanal operations, while Western Equatoria police leadership is set to change with a new commissioner arriving soon.

Ebola Cross-Border Response: WHO chief Tedros praised Uganda’s “prompt and capable” Ebola measures while urging it to ease border restrictions with DR Congo as the outbreak grows. Ebola Numbers & Spread: The DRC outbreak is now over 500 confirmed cases with 91 deaths, with fears of wider spread and vaccine gaps for the Bundibugyo strain. South Sudan Politics & Elections: Analysts say President Salva Kiir’s Bahr el Ghazal tour looks like early election positioning ahead of December 2026. Election Readiness: The Political Parties Council launched a five-day training in Juba to boost party systems, civic space, and digital registration ahead of polls. Justice & Accountability: A Juba court adjourned the first hearing in a CID officer assault case after key parties failed to appear. Local Governance & Youth Protection: A lawyer urged police and Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners over reports of minors entering venues. Security & Ceasefire: SSPDF chief Gen. Santino Deng Wol told Jonglei troops to stop attacking SPLA-IO and fight only in self-defense. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan met Canada’s ambassador to discuss ties and election-related dialogue. Economy & Regulation: Central Equatoria Governor Adil approved new mining rules to regulate artisanal mining and improve oversight. Humanitarian Pressure: An aid group warned Iran-linked conflict is worsening displacement and food insecurity, straining aid operations.

Ebola Update: Uganda confirmed three new Ebola infections, bringing its total to 19, with most cases linked to cross-border transmission from DRC and one additional death reported. Public Health & Travel: The UAE imposed a travel ban on arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while Mauritius announced 21-day quarantine rules for people who recently visited those countries—moves that are also shaping screening plans for World Cup travel. Juba Governance: Juba City Council advanced a Property Tax Bill at second reading, arguing it will unlock funds for roads, sanitation and security in residential areas. Security for Elections: Central Equatoria recruited 2,500 police for 2026 election security training, with a focus on crowd control and protecting civilians. Oil Transparency Push: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urged the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose oil revenue figures, not just production. Detention Concerns: Aweil East youth petitioned President Kiir to release three detained former officials held for months without charge. Regional Energy: Japan received its first crude shipments from Alaska and South Sudan as Strait of Hormuz disruption drives diversification.

Elections & Civic Inclusion: The NEC, UN and JICA ran a Juba civic engagement drive for persons with disabilities, pushing the message that disability is not inability ahead of South Sudan’s 2026 polls. Local Governance & Revenue: Juba City Council moved to enact a Property Tax Bill, saying a legal framework for collections is needed to fund road maintenance, sanitation and security in residential areas. Oil Transparency & Accountability: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urged the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose not just oil output but also how much revenue is earned from crude sales, calling for full transparency and reinvestment in productive sectors. Public Health & Borders (Ebola): The UAE imposed travel bans on arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan over Ebola risk, while CDC alerts in the US expanded enhanced Ebola screening at major airports, raising regional and global travel pressure. Aviation Upgrade: Government launched a major upgrade of Wau airport, including a new control tower and passenger terminals expected within 7–8 months. Detention & Due Process: Aweil East youth petitioned President Kiir to release three detained former senior officials, alleging months in custody without charge or court process. Labour & Social Insurance: Oil workers’ unions asked the government to suspend a directive on NSIF contributions, arguing key legal steps under the NSIF Act 2023 were not followed.

Ebola Watch (South Asia): A Ugandan tourist isolated in Jaipur after Ebola-like symptoms tested negative, with samples sent to a lab in Pune; a separate Sudanese passenger was also isolated in Hyderabad after fever screening, with tests pending. Ebola Travel Curbs (UAE/Region): The UAE suspended new visas and tightened entry rules for travellers from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, citing Ebola preparedness; Mauritius also moved to ban entry for travellers from those countries (with a 21-day quarantine for returning residents). Ebola Response Funding (US): The US announced nearly $38m more for Ebola response, bringing direct support to over $200m, while urging vigilance and border screening. Elections & Inclusion (Juba): NEC, UN partners and JICA ran civic education for persons with disabilities in Juba ahead of 2026 polls, stressing “disability is not inability.” Oil Sector Labour (NSIF): Oil workers’ unions asked government to pause a directive on National Social Insurance Fund contributions, arguing legal steps under the NSIF Act 2023 were not followed. Wildlife (Juba): Authorities declined to name a “well-known” hyena keeper; the animal is set for relocation to Bandingilo after delays. Digital Finance (Juba/Bor): DigiCash and Inkomoko launched a partnership to expand mobile finance and lending access for small businesses amid cash shortages.

Ebola Response Funding: The U.S. announced nearly $38m more for Ebola efforts in the DRC and Uganda, bringing direct U.S. support to over $200m, as CDC modeling warns the outbreak could reach 20,000 cases without strong public health action. Border & Travel Curbs: Uganda’s Ebola-driven border closure has left traders with rotting goods and mounting losses, while the UAE has tightened entry rules—denying entry to travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan unless they’ve been outside for 21 days. South Sudan Preparedness: South Sudan says it has no Ebola cases, but health monitoring at border areas and points of entry has been intensified. Elections Inclusion: NEC, UN partners and JICA trained persons with disabilities in Juba on inclusive electoral participation ahead of the 2026 general elections. Oil Workers vs NSIF: Oil-sector unions in South Sudan are pushing back on a directive requiring NSIF contributions, arguing key legal steps under the 2023 NSIF Act were not followed. Wildlife in Juba: Authorities say a hyena spotted in Juba will be relocated to Bandingilo National Park after delays, with a temporary controlled holding plan near a military camp. Digital Finance Push: DigiCash and Inkomoko launched a partnership to expand mobile financial services for small businesses amid cash shortages.

Ebola Response Escalates: The U.S. announced an extra $38m for Ebola work in the DRC and Uganda, bringing direct funding to over $200m, as CDC modelling warns Central Africa’s outbreak could reach 20,000 cases without strong public health action. Regional Border Pressure: Uganda tightened the Congo border over Ebola fears, leaving traders reporting rotting cargo and long queues at Mpondwe. Travel Curbs Spread: The UAE barred entry for travellers from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and suspended new visas, while Mauritius imposed a 21-day quarantine for arrivals linked to the same countries. South Sudan Governance & Peace: President Salva Kiir urged mass voter registration ahead of December 2026 elections, saying elections are the only path to a peaceful transition. Finance & Co-ops: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosted a forum for 41 co-operative societies to boost governance and access to affordable financing. Child Protection: UNICEF-supported demobilisation reunited six children with families in Warrap after they were reportedly linked to armed forces. UN Peacekeeping Honours: Two Indian peacekeepers—one from UNMISS in South Sudan—received UN Dag Hammarskjold medals posthumously on International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Elections & Security: Over 3,000 South Sudan National Police Service recruits started intensive election-security training in Juba ahead of the December 2026 polls, with a focus on crowd control, crime prevention and rapid response. Opposition Politics: The SPLM-IO alleges a plot to assassinate detained leader Riek Machar while President Kiir is away, while a separate court case in the Nasir incident continues as Mam Pal Dhour denies financing armed youth. Party Power Struggle: The PDM is rocked by an internal fight after members removed former VP Josephine Joseph Lagu as chairperson, naming Mathew John Barnaba as interim leader—another faction calls it unconstitutional. Child Protection: In Warrap, six former child soldiers were reunited with families after demobilisation supported by UNICEF; in Western Equatoria, officials urged barracks to stop child recruitment after five children were released from SSPDF. Governance & Economy: Western Equatoria pushes audit and transparency reforms after engagement with the National Audit Chamber, while UNDP and AfDB handed ICT equipment to strengthen economic governance. Food & Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Clement Juma and Gov. Emmanuel Adil renewed commitments to boost food security through commercial farming and private investment. Ebola Watch: UAE announced new visa suspensions and entry restrictions for arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan; meanwhile, suspected Ebola cases in India (Jaipur) and Hyderabad (Sudanese travellers) are under testing. Regional Politics: President Kiir begins a Greater Bahr el Ghazal tour aimed at security and economic recovery, drawing huge crowds in Wau.

Ebola Preparedness & Regional Health: South Sudan’s Adut Kiir donated 10 vehicles to boost Ebola readiness, as officials warn surveillance at border entry points is still weak. EAC Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders, setting up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response. Ebola Numbers in Focus: DRC confirmed Ebola cases rising to 363 with 62 deaths, while Uganda reported recoveries—showing the outbreak is still moving faster than containment. Elections & Political Parties: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council set June 30, 2026 as the final deadline for parties to register to contest the December elections, warning late applicants risk disqualification. Oil & Economy: Petroleum officials say GPOC oil production has climbed to about 60,158 bpd, and President Kiir urged stakeholders to keep oil fields stable and push output higher. Governance & Service Delivery: Juba International Airport introduced shuttle buses to ease passenger movement inside the airport. Security & Conservation: SSPDF soldiers were arrested over alleged bushmeat smuggling in a military ambulance, with wildlife authorities reviewing conservation strategy.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases rose to 363 (62 deaths) as Uganda reported four recoveries, with WHO briefing DRC, Uganda and South Sudan on the fast-moving Bundibugyo outbreak. Regional Health Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protection at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate response. South Sudan in the Mix: South Sudan-linked travel screening and quarantine rules tightened as US and Canada imposed new restrictions on visitors from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Juba Local Governance & Services: Juba International Airport introduced shuttle buses to ease passenger movement, while the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development announced a nationwide urban modernization push starting in Juba on June 9. Security & Accountability: Wildlife authorities arrested SSPDF soldiers over nearly a tonne of bushmeat hidden in a military ambulance, warning of a shift toward stronger conservation strategy. Politics: Opposition NRP urged extension of the political party registration deadline for the December 2026 elections.

Elections Watch: The Political Parties Council set June 30, 2026 as the hard registration deadline for parties seeking to contest South Sudan’s historic 2026 general elections, warning late applicants will be excluded. Central Equatoria Security: President Salva Kiir directed Central Equatoria State to tighten security and maintain peace as election preparations continue, urging unity and civic participation. Displacement & Durable Solutions: The government and UN will meet in Juba on June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for the displaced, with a target of helping 60,000 people by Dec 31, 2026. Health & Diagnostics: MTN South Sudan pledged to fund repairs of the CT scanner at Juba Teaching Hospital after months of downtime affecting patient access to affordable diagnosis. Justice in Nasir: In the Nasir incident trial, suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol told the Special Court he could not recall vehicle registration numbers tied to his arrest, while also describing efforts to prevent clashes with the SSPDF garrison. Violence on the Ground: At least 14 people were killed and 23 injured in a cattle camp raid in Unity State’s Rubkona County, with attackers stealing over 200 cattle. Ebola Cross-Border Pressure: A U.S.-backed regional Ebola response will expand border screening and surveillance support in South Sudan, as countries tighten and coordinate measures amid the outbreak.

Ebola Policy Clash: WHO urged countries to lift recent travel restrictions tied to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, days after Canada paused visa approvals and imposed 21-day self-isolation for arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan—while Ottawa said it will adapt measures but insists on protecting Canadians. US Visa Pressure on South Sudan: The US temporarily halted visa services at its embassies in South Sudan, DRC and Uganda, citing Ebola-related public health safety; existing visas remain valid but new appointments are suspended. Elections & Security: President Salva Kiir directed Central Equatoria to tighten security and maintain peace as national elections near, calling for unity and civic readiness while awaiting the official electoral timetable. IDPs in Juba: Government and UN partners will meet in Juba on June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for displaced people, with a UN team assessing projects in Malakal ahead of the talks. Health Workers’ Strain: Lakes State nurses and midwives renewed calls for better working conditions, citing delayed salaries, shortages of supplies and limited facility resources. Courtroom Update (Nasir): In the Nasir incident trial, suspended minister Puot Kang Chol said he cannot recall vehicle registration numbers allegedly taken during his arrest, as judges pressed on details. Urban Planning for Juba: A Chinese delegation arrived for a 20-day technical assessment for the Juba Smart City project, including security and urban management upgrades ahead of December elections.