Independence & peacebuilding: South Sudan marks 15 years since independence amid renewed calls for peace and dialogue, with Catholic bishops urging reconciliation as violence and insecurity continue in parts of the country. Governance & rule of law: Former Juba mayor Kalisto Ladu says recent “no rubber bullets” remarks by senior officials are personal opinions and not government or SPLM policy, while another report claims President Salva Kiir directly appointed a new SSBC board, breaking the law. Elections & regional tensions: Sudan rejects South Sudan’s move to include Abyei in South Sudan’s electoral constituencies, saying it violates the Abyei Protocol and related agreements. Labour rights: A civil society coalition says the Bank of South Sudan’s dissolution of a workers’ union is unlawful and calls for dialogue to resolve grievances. Security on the ground: Yei authorities investigate the killing of three civilians along the Yei–Maridi road, and Eastern Equatoria police arrest suspects over an ambush on a government advisor’s vehicle. Health & borders: With Ebola spreading in DRC, South Sudan and neighbours face heightened risk of cross-border importation, while the U.S. keeps Ebola-linked entry restrictions and screening in place. Economy & trade: South Sudan Revenue Authority pushes urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway to speed cargo and boost revenue.