AGP Executive Report

Media & Elections Oversight: President Salva Kiir swore in a new South Sudan Media Authority board, urging professionalism, responsible journalism, and a crackdown on hate speech and misinformation as the country heads toward December 2026 polls; the ceremony also included swearing in Gen. Ruben Loro Karlo as Civil Defence chief and Francis Luigi Adwok to the National Elections Commission. Security Institutions: Interior Minister Aleu Ayieny Aleu told the new Civil Defence boss to strengthen teamwork, staff welfare, and operational systems ahead of elections. Public Finance: Cabinet approved an SSP 11.3 trillion 2026/27 resource envelope and expenditure framework, sending it to parliament, while reaffirming tighter tax rules for imports of alcohol, cigarettes, vehicles and other non-exempt goods. Political Process Under Strain: U.S. and Troika partners said South Sudan cannot claim genuine interparty dialogue while Riek Machar remains under house arrest and on trial, warning that exclusion undermines the peace process. Elections Readiness & Funding: Peace monitors warned that funding shortages and insecurity could delay key election milestones, even as the Political Parties Council reported 39 legally registered parties. Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warned hunger is worsening as funding gaps force rationing, with millions pushed toward “catastrophe” levels in parts of the country. Civil Service Pay: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years, but workers say it won’t fix arrears before elections. Regional Health Watch: Yei River County renewed Ebola preparedness amid cross-border risk from DR Congo and Uganda.

Sudan Border War: Sudan’s army launched a major offensive to retake Kurmuk, a strategic Blue Nile border city, battling RSF and SPLM-N units as the wider war keeps driving mass displacement. Hunger Watch: UN agencies warn South Sudan is nearing a hunger tipping point as conflict, climate shocks and a funding shortfall force aid rationing, leaving millions in Crisis levels or worse. Ebola Preparedness: Yei River County renewed Ebola readiness amid fears of cross-border spread, citing rising DRC cases and urging tighter surveillance and community engagement. Elections & Parties: The Political Parties Council says 39 parties are now legally registered as December polls approach, while monitors warn funding and insecurity could still derail key election and constitutional steps. Dialogue Pressure: Troika diplomats say political dialogue can’t be genuine without Riek Machar’s participation, pointing to his trial/house arrest. Salaries: Jonglei civil servants begin receiving delayed pay after nearly two years, but public calls grow for clearing bigger arrears. Trade Deal: South Sudan and Tanzania sign a customs cooperation pact to speed cargo movement via Dar es Salaam and boost the trade corridor. Local Reintegration: Torit Municipality enrolls 36 former teenage gang members back into school after they pledged to abandon violence. Child Protection: A national conference calls for a child protection desk in the President’s office and stronger action to prevent abuse and underage recruitment.

Election Roadmap & Peace Agreement: Troika diplomats (US, UK, Norway) warned that South Sudan’s political dialogue is “farcical” without Riek Machar, stressing the 2018 peace deal remains the legal basis for the transitional government and any changes must involve all signatories. Parliamentary Moves: South Sudan’s parliament has ratified controversial amendments to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, removing the census and permanent constitution deadlines to keep elections on track for December 2026, while President Salva Kiir says the census and constitution-making have been de-linked from the electoral roadmap. Security Monitoring: CTSAMVM told RJMEC that ceasefire violations and delays in security reforms persist, with recurring breaches and funding gaps threatening preparations for the transition. Political Party Reshuffle: The SPLM leadership summit in Juba saw Kiir order SPLM reorganization ahead of 2026 elections, while the NCP announced changes at the top secretariat, including a new secretary general. Humanitarian & Health: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 400 deaths and is spreading toward Kisangani, with the virus crossing borders and raising regional alarm, including cases reported near South Sudan and Uganda. Child Protection: DDR Commission says 49 children have been released from military training centers and armed forces. Public Finance for Elections: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council warned of a major funding shortfall—about 60%—that is slowing key election-related activities.

Elections & Peace Deal: South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislature approved amendments to the 2018 revitalised peace agreement, de-linking the census and permanent constitution-making from the electoral roadmap and clearing the way for December 2026 polls. Presidential Politics: President Salva Kiir said the same de-linking is meant to “clear the path” for elections, while the NCP confirmed it will back Kiir for president and focus on parliamentary seats. Party Realignment: The NCP also reshuffled its top secretariat, dismissing Secretary General Kur Bangaang Jur and appointing Mohammed Almak Ayang. Security & Elections Prep: CTSAMVM warned that delays in unifying forces and ongoing violations in parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile and Equatoria could derail election preparations. Child Protection & Defence: DDR Commission said 49 children have been released from military training centres, and Defence Minister Chol Thon reiterated “zero tolerance” for child rights violations. Information Control: The National Security Service warned it is using digital forensics to arrest people behind misinformation and defamatory posts under the cybercrime law. Church Dispute: The Presbyterian Church of South Sudan declared a rival 35th General Assembly illegal, saying the 34th mandate runs until December 2028. Regional Health Shock: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 400 and is spreading toward provinces near South Sudan, raising cross-border alarm. Humanitarian & Services: South Sudan’s embassy in Egypt and IOM agreed to speed up voluntary returns, while Al Sabah Children’s Hospital is set to get its first dedicated paediatric operating theatre.

Elections Roadmap: South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislature has approved controversial amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, deferring the national population and housing census and the permanent constitution-making process until after the December 2026 elections—clearing legal hurdles for the National Elections Commission and political parties to speed up preparations. Security & Speech: The National Security Service says it is using digital forensic tools to identify people behind false information and conspiracy theories online, warning arrests and prosecution under the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act. Civil Service Pay: Government says civil servants and organized forces’ salaries are being processed and paid in phases, with some ministries and states already receiving at least one month. Political Parties: South Sudan’s National Congress Party (NCP) says it will back President Salva Kiir for the December 2026 presidential election, choosing not to field its own presidential candidate while contesting parliamentary seats. Children & DDR: The DDR Commission says 49 children have been released from military training centers across Upper Nile, Ruweng and Western Equatoria, as Defense Minister Chol Thon reiterates zero tolerance for violations against children. Public Health: WHO reports Sudan’s cholera outbreak has killed 120 people and recorded 1,102 suspected cases since May, with outbreaks linked to conflict and weak access to clean water.

Elections Roadmap: South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislature ratified amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, clearing the way for December 2026 elections by deferring the permanent constitution and national census to the next elected government. Party Politics: The Political Parties Council registered five parties, including the IO Party (formerly SPLM-IO), as preparations for the vote gather pace. Security & Humanitarian Access: Western embassies in Juba condemned the Duk County ambush on a humanitarian convoy that killed at least 17, urging accountability and respect for aid workers. Children & DDR: The DDR Commission said 49 children were released from military training centers, while the Defense Minister warned of “zero tolerance” for violations against children. Public Health: UNDP warned the DRC Ebola outbreak could push nearly a million more people into poverty and cost Africa up to $3.6bn, as Congo traced possible spread toward a province bordering South Sudan. Health Services: ASK Foundation and German partners launched a free cleft surgery campaign in Juba for 20 children. Local Governance: Torit Mayor raised alarm over low marriage rates among youth, while UNMISS closed its temporary operating base in Akobo after months of security stabilization efforts.

Humanitarian Security: Five humanitarian workers were killed and four others wounded after a John Dau Foundation convoy was ambushed in Duk County, Jonglei, as UN officials condemned attacks on aid teams and called for investigations and accountability. Ebola Watch: The UN says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs, with experts warning of possible spread to neighbours including South Sudan. Political Parties: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council registered the SPLM-IO breakaway as the “IO Party,” a move that could spark backlash ahead of the country’s first national election since independence. Health System Push: The Ministry of Health dispatched nationwide supportive supervision teams to assess health service delivery and track reforms under the Health Sector Transformation Project. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan told Eye Radio that South Sudan-U.S. diplomatic relations remain intact despite differences, pointing to the continued presence of the U.S. embassy in Juba. Regional Cybersecurity: IGAD’s Regional Cyber Drill 2026 ended in Addis Ababa with calls for stronger cooperation, including plans for a regional information-sharing and analysis center.

Elections & Parties: The Political Parties Council has officially registered SPLM-IO’s breakaway as the “IO Party,” a move that could inflame divisions ahead of South Sudan’s first national vote since independence. Humanitarian Security: The UN condemned a convoy ambush in Duk County, Jonglei, where five humanitarian workers were killed and four others wounded, calling for a prompt investigation and stressing attacks on aid teams violate international humanitarian law. Health & Regional Risk: The UN warned the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs if it spreads further, with experts flagging risks for neighbours including South Sudan. Protection of Civilians: UNMISS reported 767 civilian deaths between January and March 2026, with killings and conflict-related sexual violence rising sharply despite a slight drop in violent incidents. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan said South Sudan-U.S. diplomatic relations remain intact despite policy differences, pointing to the continued presence of the U.S. embassy in Juba. Governance & Service Delivery: The Ministry of Health deployed supportive supervision teams nationwide to assess health service delivery and track reforms under the Health Sector Transformation Project. Local Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Adil directed Juba’s new deputy mayor to improve urban services, including road opening and better market planning.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: DR Congo says confirmed Ebola cases have hit 1,307 with 377 deaths, and the outbreak has spread to a 4th province, Haut-Uele, raising fears for areas bordering South Sudan. Regional Preparedness: Uganda is boosting Ebola logistics by operationalising a Continental Incident Management Support Team and improving warehouse and customs clearance for rapid medical supply movement. South Sudan Health Deal: The U.S. and South Sudan signed a $166m health cooperation MoU under the America First Global Health Strategy, with Washington pledging over $146m and Juba committing nearly $20m, including paying health workers and maintaining vaccine cold chains. Security & Accountability: South Sudan’s NSS dismissed claims linking Adut Salva Kiir and ISB boss Gen. Akec Tong Aleu to alleged mining deals in Warrap as false and politically motivated. Elections Administration: The Political Parties Council says it has inducted new registration coordinators and inspectors to strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the December 22, 2026 polls. Police Leadership: Inspector General of Police Gen. Saeed Chawul Lom Ayuel hailed the promotion of Lt. Gen. Achol Cyer Rehan as a historic milestone for women in South Sudan’s police. Telecom Costs: NCA-approved telecom tariff adjustments are drawing backlash as consumers brace for higher phone and internet charges.

Health Partnership: The U.S. and South Sudan’s RTGoNU signed a three-year health cooperation MoU under the “America First Global Health Strategy,” targeting HIV/AIDS and emerging threats with over $166m total support—$146m from the U.S. (subject to Congress) and nearly $20m from South Sudan, including salary support, vaccine cold-chain upkeep, and transparent reporting. Security & Justice: In Riek Machar’s related trial, a co-accused told the special court that NSS officers allegedly inserted WhatsApp/digital messages into his phone while it was in their custody, challenging the authenticity of prosecution claims; the court is set to rule on whether remaining accused must file written defence submissions ahead of the July 3 resumption. Elections Readiness: The Political Parties Council says it has completed induction training for newly recruited registration coordinators and inspectors to strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the Dec. 22, 2026 polls. Internal Politics: Aweil East Commissioner suspended the SPLM Youth League interim chairperson over alleged constitutional breaches, while SPLM-IO figures also question the election timetable, citing unmet peace-deal prerequisites. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Morgan Pitia highlights South Sudan’s gains through UN, AU and IGAD membership and greater global participation. Regional Shock: UN peacekeepers withdrew from Akobo base in Jonglei after months of civilian protection, citing worsening insecurity and UN budget constraints. Public Health Threat: Ebola in DR Congo has spread to a fourth province, with the outbreak now affecting the northeast and raising cross-border alarm for Uganda and areas bordering South Sudan.

Education & Skills: A public clash in Juba between University of Juba Vice Chancellor Prof. John Akec and National Bureau of Statistics DG Dr. Ting Mayai reignited debate over whether graduates leave with “degrees without skills,” with critics pointing to weak practical training. Health Diplomacy: The U.S. and South Sudan finalized a $166m, three-year health cooperation deal under a mutual-accountability framework, including outbreak detection and salary payment benchmarks. Ebola Watch: South Sudan says seven suspected Ebola cases tested negative, stressing surveillance is precautionary as regional outbreaks continue. Elections & Governance: Opposition leaders reject December elections, arguing polls can’t be legitimate amid war and “state capture,” calling instead for an inclusive dialogue and a neutral caretaker transition. Constitutional Tension: An opinion piece warns the Transitional Constitution’s Articles 100(r) and (s) could threaten elected state officials after the 2026 elections. Local Security Crackdowns: Yei authorities ban illicit drugs and unlicensed alcohol, while Central Equatoria also reports destruction of seized illegal substances. Party Politics: In Aweil East, a county commissioner suspends the SPLM Youth chairperson, citing constitutional breach, sparking internal dispute. Foreign Relations: FM James Pitia Morgan travels to Tel Aviv for bilateral talks with Israel. Women’s Leadership: WAASS sets July 11 for elections of its new president.

Elections & Governance: Opposition UPA leaders reject South Sudan’s December polls, saying elections can’t be legitimate “under conditions of war, insecurity, and state capture,” and push for an inclusive national dialogue and a neutral caretaker transition. Constitutional Politics: An opinion piece warns the Transitional Constitution may still let the President remove elected state governors and dissolve assemblies after the 2026 elections, raising risks for elected officials. Security & Dialogue: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani urges inclusive dialogue before voting, warning unresolved grievances could fuel confrontation. Local Crackdown: Yei bans illicit drugs and unlicensed alcohol in an anti-crime drive, with confiscations and penalties for sellers. Courtroom Fight: In Riek Machar’s trial, a co-accused denies authoring WhatsApp messages prosecutors present as digital evidence. Health & Diplomacy: South Sudan and the US sign a $146m health cooperation deal, including support for HIV programs, as Ebola fears continue regionally. Economy: The Economic Cluster lifts the 10m SSP cash withdrawal limit amid a liquidity crisis and banking confidence concerns. Regional Peacebuilding: Equatoria traditional leaders renew calls for federalism, security reforms, and credible elections. Ebola Watch: CDC raises its DRC Ebola response to its highest emergency level as cases surge.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s opposition UPA says December polls can’t be legitimate “under conditions of war” and is pushing an inclusive national dialogue for a neutral transitional arrangement, as the NEC keeps 22 December 2026 in view. Mining Governance: South Sudan backs a new Africa-wide minerals strategy after Nigeria’s Abuja ratification ceremony, while Nigeria’s mining cadastre office also pledges technical support to strengthen South Sudan’s mining title systems. Ebola & Travel: Saudi Arabia tightens travel and visa rules for DRC, Uganda and South Sudan over Ebola fears, even as South Sudan insists it is Ebola-free and WHO says surveillance is working. Health Partnership: Juba and Washington sign a $146m health cooperation deal to bolster health systems and HIV support (PEPFAR), amid regional Ebola concerns. Local Security & Economy: Yei authorities destroy illegal drugs and unlicensed alcohol in a crackdown, and Abyei expands subsidised maize sales to Alal and Mijak to ease rising food prices. Politics on the Ground: Over 120 SPLM-IO members defect to SPLM-IG in Koch County, citing “positive leadership” and improved services. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan travels to Israel for bilateral talks, following President Kiir’s honorary rank for an Israeli veteran.

Ebola Emergency: The US CDC has raised its Ebola response to the highest level as the DRC outbreak tops 1,200 cases and 300+ deaths, with Africa CDC warning that weak contact tracing could make it the largest on record. Elections & Dialogue: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani is urging an inclusive national dialogue ahead of South Sudan’s end-of-year elections, warning that unresolved grievances could derail a peaceful vote. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan travels to Israel for bilateral talks, days after President Kiir honoured an Israeli veteran with an honorary SSPDF rank. Health Deal: Juba and Washington sign a $146m health cooperation agreement to strengthen systems and support HIV programs under PEPFAR. Food Prices: Abyei expands subsidised maize sales to Alal and Mijak counties to cushion households from rising costs. Governance & Security: Yei authorities destroy illegal drugs and unlicensed alcohol in a crackdown, while a Kapoeta governor suspends mining operations in Nakere after community unrest. Sports Funding: Cabinet approves $3.09m for South Sudan’s national basketball and football teams ahead of major qualifiers. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s regulator approves phased telecom tariff adjustments, raising the cost of calls. Regional Risk: Saudi Arabia suspends travel and visas for citizens from/through DRC, Uganda and South Sudan over Ebola concerns.

Ebola & Borders: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health says it has no confirmed Ebola cases after testing seven suspected samples, urging countries to lift travel and visa restrictions that are hurting patients and students abroad. Saudi Travel Curbs: Saudi Arabia has suspended travel and visa issuance for DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and bars entry for anyone who transited or visited those countries in the last 21 days. Risk Forecast: WHO warns a rare Ebola strain detected in Uganda could reach South Sudan with a 70% chance in coming weeks, as CDC raises its Ebola response to the highest level amid rising cases in Congo and Uganda. Humanitarian Access: Leer County in Unity State received its first concrete airstrip, built by WFP with UK support, to speed up movement of people and aid. Mining Governance: Nigeria’s Mining Cadastre Office pledges technical support to South Sudan to strengthen its mining cadastre system, while Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspends mining operations in Nakere after community grievances. Elections & Services: South Sudan’s government says it will not extend the transitional period, with preparations for December 2026 elections and plans for inter-party dialogue, alongside moves to improve health and education funding. Civil-Military Trust: In Nimule, SSPDF apologized to civilians and adopted a roadmap to rebuild trust and strengthen rule of law.

Ebola Preparedness and Travel Rules: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health says all seven tested suspected Ebola samples are negative, while urging countries to lift travel restrictions as surveillance and rapid response teams stay on standby. Public Health at Borders: India launched the AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 health self-declaration portal for international travellers amid the DRC/ Uganda Ebola emergency, with contactless submissions and data sharing for faster screening. Regional Cybersecurity: IGAD is running a regional cyber drill in Addis Ababa to strengthen cross-border defenses and coordination against cyber threats. Economy and Cash Access: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster lifted cash withdrawal limits imposed on commercial banks, aiming to ease the liquidity squeeze and restore confidence. Elections and Dialogue: The government reaffirmed December 2026 elections preparations and plans for an inter-party dialogue, while the UPA rejected the timetable and called for a neutral transitional government. Justice and Accountability: Prosecutors in Riek Machar’s trial asked the court to allow written defence statements to speed up proceedings. Civilian Protection and Reconciliation: SSPDF apologized to civilians during a Nimule civil-military dialogue and adopted a roadmap to rebuild trust and reinforce rule of law. Humanitarian and Community Updates: Unity State took over health services at Bentiu IDP camp after an IOM handover; Akobo confirmed the last two POWs are set to return home; Twic County police detained a mentally distressed suspect over the killing of a two-year-old boy.