AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen joint disease surveillance, early warning and coordinated responses along their shared border. Economic Reform & Trade Facilitation: A ministerial economic reform team says it has removed illegal checkpoints on the Juba–Nimule Highway, leaving only five security checkpoints and banning customs-style charges on traders. Revenue Crackdown at Juba Airport: An economic reform committee plans to inspect revenue collection at Juba International Airport, with follow-up work also underway in Nimule. Drought Response: Relief authorities and WFP discussed drought measures and cash assistance to help vulnerable communities cope with worsening dry conditions. Elections Readiness Debate: South Sudanese citizens are split on whether December 2026 elections are feasible, citing end-of-rainy-season road problems and urging political will and funding. Security & Rights: Catholic nuns were attacked and robbed on the Torit–Juba highway, while UN rights chief Volker Türk urged stronger protections for migrants. Regional Politics & Tensions: Former Detainees rejected VP Rebecca Nyandeng’s remarks as incitement, warning against mobilising youth against the government. Court Update: Defence in Machar’s trial raised concerns about threats to the accused and asked for protective measures. Sudan Arms Pressure: A UN fact-finding mission demanded enforcement and extension of the Darfur arms embargo amid warnings of continued violations.

Road Reform in Juba–Nimule Corridor: South Sudan’s Economic Reform Committee says it has removed security and “illegal” checkpoints along the Juba–Nimule Highway, leaving only five for security checks and warning against any illegal charges on traders. Local Governance & Land Control: Juba County Commissioner Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia rejected claims of unauthorised plot allocations in Molobur to a group of comedians, warning chiefs and individuals against land grabbing and directing verification and action. Opposition Leadership Fight: SPLM-IO’s youth wing backed Oyet Nathaniel Pierino as acting chairman, rejecting Regina Kaba’s suspension move amid a widening internal dispute. Cross-Border Cattle Raid Response: Kajo-Keji (South Sudan) and Uganda’s Moyo District agreed to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute people behind a raid that stole over 300 cattle, with some recovery already reported. Energy Diplomacy: South Sudan seeks to reactivate its stalled energy cooperation with Russia, discussing expanded hydropower, oil and gas, renewables and technology transfer to tackle electricity shortages. Drought & Food Security Push: VP Taban Deng Gai urged citizens to end aid dependency and boost farming, while Aweil East officials appealed for urgent drought relief after crops failed and water sources dried up. UN Peace & Water Conflict Mitigation: UNMISS handed over a new reservoir in Terekeka aimed at reducing farmer–cattle keeper clashes by improving water access. Regional Security Context: Reports highlight Sudan’s worsening war dynamics and displacement pressures spilling into the Horn’s volatile borders.

Juba County Land Governance: Juba County Commissioner Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia has rejected claims that four plots in Molobur, Lado Payam were allocated to a group of comedians, warning anyone posing as chiefs against unauthorized land dealings that could fuel disputes and insecurity. SPLM-IO Leadership Fight: The SPLM-IO National Youth League has backed Oyet Nathaniel Pierino as acting chairman, rejecting Regina Joseph Kaba’s move to suspend him amid a widening internal leadership dispute. Border Security & Justice: Kajo-Keji (South Sudan) and Moyo (Uganda) agreed to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute suspects behind cross-border cattle raids and violence, after cattle were recovered and arrests began. Regional Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint probe into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to strengthen cross-border security. Power Shortages: South Sudan is seeking to revive a stalled Russia energy deal, discussing technical steps with the Russian ambassador to expand hydropower and related infrastructure. Security Crisis in Warrap: An attack on an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap, killed 16 soldiers, six police and four civilians, with a state of emergency declared and investigations launched. Wildlife & Land Policy: The Land Use Planning committee urged parliament to align the national land policy with wildlife and protected areas laws, pushing for faster wildlife legislation. Elections Pressure: A US lawmaker urged Washington to take a stronger role in ending South Sudan’s political and military crisis, citing billions in US aid and continued conflict.

Security & Elections Pressure: Armed youths attacked an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap State, killing at least 26 people (10 soldiers, 6 police, 4 civilians including an 11-year-old) and wounding eight; Warrap says investigations are underway and a state of emergency was declared. Constitutional & Vote Readiness: Youth leaders say South Sudan moved fast on constitutional changes for December elections, but now must match that speed with funding and security guarantees for election institutions. Diplomacy & Border Stability: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to curb cross-border criminal groups. Humanitarian & Returnees: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception and reintegration support. Energy Policy: South Sudan seeks to revive a stalled Russia energy deal to address electricity shortages, including hydropower and technology transfer. Local Governance & Conservation: Juba’s land policy talks urge lawmakers to integrate wildlife conservation laws into the national land policy ahead of protected-area demarcation.

Warrap Security Crisis: Armed youths attacked an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap, killing at least 26 (including 10 soldiers, six police and four civilians, among them an 11-year-old) and wounding eight; six attackers were also killed, and authorities launched investigations after declaring an emergency and calling for more national support. Elections Readiness Push: Youth leaders say the government moved fast on constitutional changes for December 2026 polls, but must now match that speed with funding and security guarantees for voters; meanwhile the AU Peace and Security Council reiterated the transitional period must end in February 2027 without extensions. Public Communication Under Scrutiny: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation ahead of elections, demanding stronger professionalism and effectiveness. Regional Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to a joint probe into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei and to strengthen cross-border security mechanisms. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warned of funding shortfalls that could cut food aid to 400,000 refugees and IDPs after September distributions, with rainy-season delivery risks making the situation worse. Money & State Capacity: Government signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve planning, quality control and circulation of the South Sudanese Pound. Wildlife & Land Policy: The Land Use Planning committee urged parliament to align the national land policy with conservation and protected areas laws, pushing for faster wildlife legislation.

Elections Readiness: South Sudan’s constitutional amendment for December 2026 polls was rushed through and assented to in 24 hours, but youth leaders warn the government must match that speed with real funding and security guarantees for voters. Public Broadcasting: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) to fix operational problems ahead of elections. Government Response to Stranded Nationals: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese in Egypt, with a delegation expected to coordinate with Egyptian authorities. Currency Management: Juba signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve planning, quality control, and circulation of the South Sudanese Pound. Local Security & Violence: Warrap State reported an attack on an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong that killed at least 26 people, including soldiers, police, and civilians. Border Tensions: Uganda and South Sudan agreed to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals behind recent Moyo border violence linked to a cattle dispute. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warned food cuts could hit 400,000 refugees and IDPs after September distributions due to funding shortfalls. Regional Conflict Watch: UN reporting says foreign networks are helping fuel Sudan’s war, including alleged Ethiopian links and foreign contractors tied to the RSF. Sudan Frontline Clashes: In South Kordofan, SPLM-N-aligned forces were blamed for attacks around Kauda that killed at least 21 people, including children, and violated a ceasefire initiative.

Security & Violence: Warrap State mourns 26 killed in an early-morning attack on an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, with authorities saying motives are still unclear and arrests are being pursued. Humanitarian Response: The Council of Ministers approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, while WFP warns funding gaps could cut food aid to 400,000 refugees and IDPs after September distributions. Elections & Rights Oversight: UN human rights experts led by Yasmin Sooka will visit South Sudan from Sept 7–10 to assess worsening rights, displacement, and the peace process as the country pushes toward its first national elections since 2011. Governance & Institutions: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent action to fix challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation as the SSBC managing director faces a board dispute over removal. Economy & Currency: Bank of South Sudan signs a deal with De La Rue to strengthen currency management and boost confidence in the South Sudanese Pound amid ongoing cash shortages. Justice & Social Protection: A Juba court convicted a father for gouging out his daughter’s eyes over an arranged marriage refusal, underscoring the push to tackle gender-based violence.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s election path got clearer as President Salva Kiir assented to constitutional amendments removing the permanent constitution-making process and the national census as pre-conditions for the 22 December 2026 polls, while the National Elections Commission began training voter registration officials across states and administrative areas. Media & State Capacity: Kiir also ordered urgent action to fix South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation challenges as the SSBC managing director and board clash over removal. UN Human Rights Watch: UN human rights experts will visit South Sudan from 7–10 September to assess worsening rights, humanitarian and security conditions amid renewed fighting and election pressure. Urban Management: Central Equatoria Governor Adil declared Saturdays city-wide cleaning days in Juba, pushing waste control, tree planting and stronger enforcement. Currency & Economy: The Bank of South Sudan signed a deal with De La Rue to strengthen currency management and technical support, as cash shortages continue. Party Politics: SPLM Youth League launched a grassroots mobilization drive ahead of elections. Public Safety: Juba County moved to suspend illegal boda-boda associations, and Buluk Playground activities are being regulated to protect school learning and sanitation. Regional/Conflict Context: UN reports foreign networks are fueling Sudan’s war, and separate reports describe deadly clashes in Sudan’s South Kordofan.

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.