AGP Executive Report

Economic Strain: IMF figures put South Sudan’s projected output at just $642 per person in 2026, as poverty, inflation and reduced aid deepen hardship. Public Safety: Juba County arrested eight people accused of repackaging expired maize flour for sale and shut the business. Election Watch: With the December 22 vote approaching, church leaders are urging international support for peace, while ceasefire monitors warn of election-security risks. President Salva Kiir has also removed long-serving minister Elia Lomuro and appointed Bol Wek as caretaker Cabinet Affairs Minister. Abyei Attack: The UN Security Council has called for an investigation into drone strikes that local officials say killed at least 150 people near Amiet market. South Sudan blamed Sudan’s army; Sudan denied responsibility.

Abyei Attack: The UN Security Council called for an investigation into drone strikes near Amiet market, where local officials say more than 150 people were killed. South Sudan blamed Sudan’s army; Khartoum denies responsibility. Election Watch: With December 22 polls approaching, South Sudan’s church leaders appealed for international support, while four political coalitions have registered for the vote. A former detainees’ representative warned that movement restrictions could prevent campaigning and undermine confidence in the elections. Security: Ceasefire monitors urged signatories to avoid offensive actions and protect civilians, citing ongoing concerns about insecurity as the vote nears. Government: President Salva Kiir removed long-serving Cabinet Affairs Minister Elia Lomuro and appointed Bol Wek as caretaker minister.

Abyei Attack: The UN Security Council has called for an investigation into drone strikes near Amiet market that killed at least 80 people, according to the UN; local officials report more than 150 dead. The council warned that deliberate attacks on civilians could constitute war crimes and said Abyei must remain demilitarized. Sudan denies its army carried out the strike, though earlier reports quoted military sources saying it targeted fuel supplies. Election Preparations: South Sudan has shortened the school year to finish exams before the planned December 22 vote. Ceasefire monitors have meanwhile warned that renewed clashes and insecurity threaten the elections, as police train recruits to protect voters and public order. Political Tensions: SPLM primary loser Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth alleged intimidation of his supporters, while the Special Court rejected Riek Machar’s request to present video footage, ruling it premature. Church Appeal: South Sudanese church leaders urged international support for peacebuilding as elections approach, telling UK faith and government representatives that voting alone will not secure peace.

Machar Trial: South Sudan’s Special Court rejected Riek Machar’s request to present video footage, saying it was premature because the hearing has not reached the stage of framing charges. The judge warned against turning proceedings into a political rally. SPLM Primaries: Former minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth conceded defeat in Longochuk but alleged supporters were intimidated and new party members misinformed about him. Veteran politician Rebecca Joshua also lost her Panyikang primary, as the ruling party selects candidates for December’s elections. Election Security: Ceasefire monitors warned that armed recruitment, troop movements and intimidation threaten the December 22 vote, urging stronger monitoring and coordination. In Morobo, community leaders called for peace talks with armed groups, and a regional army commander said the military was ready for dialogue. Abyei Attack: Sudan denied responsibility for the drone strike on Amiet Market, where Abyei authorities report 220 deaths. The denial follows reports quoting a Sudanese military officer as saying the army carried out the strike, which has prompted South Sudanese calls for an investigation.

Election Security: South Sudan’s ceasefire monitors warned that armed recruitment, troop movements and intimidation threaten the December 22 elections. They urged stronger patrols in flashpoints such as Jonglei and better coordination among security agencies, the elections commission and UNMISS. SPLM Primaries: Veteran politician Rebecca Joshua lost her Panyikang primary to Yoanes Abon, while former finance minister Stephen Dhieu Dau secured a delegate place in Melut as he seeks the party’s Upper Nile governorship nomination. Party Alliances: The Political Parties Council registered four pre-election coalitions comprising 25 parties, including the National Agenda Coalition and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance. Abyei Attack: South Sudan condemned a deadly drone strike on Amiet Market, which killed more than 150 people, and called for an investigation and accountability. Juba has also summoned Sudan’s ambassador over the attack. Cabinet Change: President Salva Kiir removed long-serving Cabinet Affairs Minister Elia Lomuro and appointed Bol Wek as caretaker minister.

Election Countdown: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council registered four pre-election coalitions representing 25 parties ahead of the Dec. 22 vote, with remaining paperwork due Oct. 22. More than 1,000 SPLM-IO and SSOA members have also rejoined the ruling SPLM, while a party registration exercise in Twic turned violent, injuring three people. Cabinet Changes: President Salva Kiir removed long-serving Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro and appointed Bol Wek Agoth to replace him; former Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi was named presidential adviser on foreign affairs. Abyei Attack: The death toll from a drone strike on Amiet Market has risen to at least 153. Juba summoned Sudan’s ambassador, condemned the attack and called for an investigation and protection for civilians. Regional Ties: AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene is set to address South Sudan Oil & Power in Juba in November as the country looks to deepen trade and energy links.

Abyei Crisis: South Sudan condemned the drone strike on Amiet Market, where the death toll has reached at least 153, and called for an investigation. Abyei officials blamed Sudan’s military; Sudanese military sources said the attack targeted fuel supplies allegedly bound for the RSF. Cabinet Shake-up: President Salva Kiir removed long-serving Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro and appointed Bol Wek Agoth as caretaker minister. He also named former vice-president Hussein Abdelbagi presidential adviser on foreign affairs. Election Tensions: Kiir assured eight newly accredited ambassadors that December’s elections would be peaceful and fair. But three people were injured during SPLM registration in Twic County amid a dispute over a suspended local chief. Food-Security Warning: The UN says an exceptionally powerful El Niño could intensify droughts and floods. South Sudan is among four places where famine risk has been identified, adding urgency to preparations.

Caretaker Government: South Sudan has assigned serving ministers to oversee vacant portfolios after President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional government. The caretaker administration says the arrangements will keep ministries operating as the country prepares for December 22 elections. Abyei Crisis: Juba condemned a drone strike on Amiet market and summoned Sudan’s ambassador after local officials reported 153 deaths. Sudan’s army said it targeted fuel tankers allegedly bound for the RSF; that account and the strike’s targets have not been independently verified. Election Readiness: Media stakeholders in Juba urged practical support for independent outlets, citing licensing costs, weak finances and the need to cover election rallies. They called for more local investment and advertising to strengthen the sector. Local Governance: Kajo-Keji’s caretaker commissioner called for transparent, coordinated revenue collection at the Jale border checkpoint, urging officials to avoid duplicated duties and treat traders fairly.

Abyei Attack: The death toll from Monday’s drone strike on Amiet Market has risen to 220, with 19 injured, according to local authorities. South Sudan has summoned Sudan’s ambassador and called for an investigation; Abyei officials blame Sudan’s military, which has not confirmed responsibility. The attack raises tensions over the disputed border region. Election Preparations: South Sudan and IGAD have reaffirmed cooperation on peace efforts and preparations for December’s elections after talks between officials. Police Promotions: President Kiir’s recent promotions have sparked online allegations of ethnic imbalance, but the partial decree circulating publicly is insufficient to verify the claims. Machar Trial: A court adjourned the trial of opposition leader Riek Machar after a generator ran out of fuel, another disruption in the politically sensitive case.

Caretaker Government: South Sudan has assigned acting ministers to vacant ministries, directing under-secretaries to keep daily operations running as the caretaker administration oversees preparations for the December 22 elections. Abyei Attack: Abyei officials say a drone strike on Amiet Market killed at least 73 people and wounded 19; they blame Sudan’s army, but the allegation has not been independently verified. Juba summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest, while residents demonstrated against the attack. Election Readiness: The National Elections Commission is assessing preparations in Western Equatoria, including staffing and facilities in Yambio. Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has urged leaders to resolve political divisions and agree on conditions for peaceful polls. Security and Justice: At least five people were killed in attacks near Bor over the weekend, prompting warnings of worsening insecurity. Separately, the special court hearing Riek Machar’s case postponed proceedings until Friday after its generator ran out of fuel.

Abyei Crisis: Juba summoned Sudan’s ambassador after a drone strike on Amiet Market killed at least 73 people and wounded 19, according to Abyei officials. South Sudan blamed Sudan’s armed forces; Sudan had not publicly responded. Election Preparations: The SPLM has begun Jonglei primaries, warning candidates against violence, and held talks with EU and German envoys on electoral readiness. But with 64 days until the December 22 polls, no voters have been registered, according to a recent report. Local Security: At least nine people were killed and six wounded in attacks in Ruweng, where local authorities blamed armed youth from neighbouring Unity State. Machar Trial: Proceedings against former First Vice President Riek Machar were adjourned until October 23 after a generator ran out of fuel, delaying a court ruling on his application to present video footage.

Election Countdown: South Sudan is 64 days from the December 22 vote, but the National Elections Commission says not a single voter has been registered and it has yet to announce when registration begins. The SPLM collected SSP 2.54 billion from 848 aspirants and says members who lose its primaries cannot run as independents. Security and Politics: Lakes State caretaker governor Rin Tueny urged armed opposition groups to stop fighting and take part in the elections, amid recent deadly clashes. Aid Crisis: Bentiu camp residents protested after nearly two months without food aid, saying families are going hungry. Regional Trade: South Sudan and Djibouti discussed putting their 2025 trade agreement into action, including plans for a dry port in Yei. A separate deal with Uganda aims to address border delays, repeated cargo checks and unofficial charges that are holding back trade.

Election Politics: The ruling SPLM collected SSP 2.54 billion in nomination fees from 848 aspirants for December’s elections and says members who lose party primaries cannot run as independents. The rule raises questions about competition as the party advances its candidate selection. Election Security: About 500 newly trained National Security Service officers are to guard Paloch’s oil fields and help maintain order ahead of the polls. Unity State Violence: Clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions in Leer reportedly killed 29 fighters, deepening a split within the opposition movement. Juba Crime: The army says it arrested eight suspects, including three serving soldiers, over an alleged child-trafficking ring; the claims are based on suspects’ statements and have not been independently verified. Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts 10.5% growth for South Sudan in 2026, a rebound after a 7.7% contraction last year. Inflation is still projected at 33.3%, and heavy reliance on oil leaves the recovery exposed to disruptions.

Economic Diplomacy: South Sudan is seeking Saudi investment and stronger World Bank support after Finance Minister Athian Ding Athian’s meetings in Bangkok, which focused on investment opportunities and private-sector development. Growth Forecast: The IMF projects the country’s economy will grow 10.5% in 2026, the fastest rate in sub-Saharan Africa, but the rebound follows a 7.7% contraction in 2025 and does not guarantee better living conditions. Election Security: With December polls approaching, Morobo’s caretaker commissioner urged holdout groups to join the government, while authorities say isolated incidents still threaten civilians. Party Infighting: Clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions in Unity State left at least 29 fighters dead, according to an official from one faction, raising fresh concerns about security ahead of the elections.

Election Preparations: With December polls approaching, the SPLM has ordered nomination exercises to proceed, while Central Equatoria’s elections official urged unity for credible voting. Reports that security officers blocked an opposition presidential candidate from travelling to Wau add to concerns over political space and fair competition. Security: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions in Unity State left 29 dead, according to reports; Oyet Nathaniel Pierino later extended amnesty to rival fighters as calls for a ceasefire grew. Communal clashes in Tonj East also killed 26. Economy and Food Security: President Salva Kiir received a petroleum sector progress report as the oil minister warned of dwindling reserves. The IMF forecasts 10.5% economic growth in 2026, slowing to 3.9% in 2027. Meanwhile, Lakes State’s caretaker governor warned that failed rains have left communities facing severe food shortages, and the WFP says 7.8 million South Sudanese struggle to find food. Regional Relations: South Sudan and Uganda signed a trade MoU and pledged joint action on border security and land disputes. South Sudan also joined a regional maritime body as it seeks better access to international trade routes.

Regional Trade: Ugandan traders say more than 90,000 bags of charcoal from South Sudan remain stranded at the border, while business leaders warn that delays and unofficial charges are squeezing cross-border trade. Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts South Sudan’s economy will grow 10.5% in 2026, then slow to 3.9% in 2027, with oil dependence leaving the outlook vulnerable. Election Watch: As December’s polls approach, calls are growing for free civic space and genuine competition; the Northern Bahr el Ghazal governor has urged chiefs to promote peaceful participation. Security: Fighting between rival SPLA-IO factions in Unity State has reportedly killed 29 fighters and wounded eight. Food Crisis: Lakes State’s caretaker governor warns failed rains have left communities facing severe shortages and little to harvest.