AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Security: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute people accused of inciting communities and driving recent border violence after a raid in Abaya village where Ugandan youth stole over 300 cattle, with 171 recovered. Elections Under Strain: Warrap State in northwestern South Sudan reported a deadly attack on a military barracks that killed 16 soldiers and police plus four civilians, as the state also declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency amid fears of catastrophic famine. UN Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to strengthen cross-border security and curb criminal groups. Land & Wildlife Governance: Juba’s lawmakers and the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism urged lawmakers to align the National Land Policy with wildlife and protected areas laws to better protect habitats and regulate conservation. Regional Trade: The African Union welcomed Somalia’s ratification of the AfCFTA, saying it boosts continental integration and trade.

Border Security: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute suspects behind recent cross-border cattle raids, after Ugandan raiders stole over 300 cattle in Abaya village; 171 were recovered and authorities warned communities against incitement and retaliation. Violence in Warrap: Armed youths attacked an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap State, killing at least 26 people including soldiers, police and civilians, with investigations underway and a state of emergency declared. Drought Emergency: Warrap also declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency after severe rainfall deficits devastated crops, grazing lands and livestock, raising fears of catastrophic famine as El Niño threatens the region. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warned funding shortfalls will cut food aid for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions, hitting people during the rainy season when access is hardest. Repatriation from Egypt: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, with a government delegation set to coordinate with Egyptian authorities. Land & Wildlife Governance: Juba’s land policy talks urged lawmakers to integrate wildlife and protected areas laws into South Sudan’s National Land Policy to strengthen conservation and community involvement. Elections Readiness: A youth activist urged the government to match the speed of constitutional amendments with faster funding and security guarantees for inclusive, credible December elections. Regional Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei and to strengthen cross-border security mechanisms. Opposition Stability: SPLA-IO said it will not descend into armed infighting despite leadership turmoil, framing the dispute as administrative and constitutional.

Warrap Security Crisis: Armed youths attacked a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap, killing at least 26 people (including 10 soldiers, six police and four civilians, among them an 11-year-old) and wounding eight; the state says six attackers were also killed and an investigation is underway, with a state of emergency declared. Drought Emergency & Food Fear: Warrap also declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency after severe rainfall deficits devastated crops, livestock and grazing lands, with officials warning of looming famine as El Niño threatens worse conditions. Border Diplomacy: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, alongside plans to strengthen cross-border security and curb criminal groups. Elections Push: A youth leader says government moved fast on constitutional amendments for December elections but must now match that speed with funding and security guarantees for voters. Humanitarian Funding Gap: WFP warns food assistance could be cut for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions due to funding shortfalls, at a critical rainy-season time. Currency Reform: Government signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve South Sudanese Pound planning, quality control and circulation. Parliament & Wildlife: Lawmakers were urged to protect wildlife habitats in the national land policy as conservation and protected areas planning moves forward.

UN Probe & Border Security: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed in Juba to launch a joint investigation into the killing of Ethiopian UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, while also setting up mechanisms to curb cross-border criminal groups. Wildlife & Land Policy: Parliamentarians urged the National Land Policy to fully integrate wildlife conservation and Protected Areas laws, with lawmakers pushing for faster wildlife legislation. Elections Push: Youth leaders say the government moved fast on constitutional changes for December elections, but must now quickly fund election institutions and guarantee security for voters. Repatriation Funding: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt. Humanitarian Warning: WFP warned funding shortfalls could cut food aid for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions. Security Update: Warrap State reported an attack on an SSPDF barracks that killed 26 people, including 10 soldiers and a child. Currency Management: Government signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve security and circulation of the South Sudanese Pound. Human Rights Mission: UN human rights experts will visit South Sudan from Sept 7–10 to assess worsening rights, displacement, and the peace process ahead of elections.

Security & Violence: Armed youth killed at least 26 people, including SSPDF personnel, police and civilians, in an attack on an SSPDF barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap State, with six attackers also reported killed as investigations begin. Repatriation & Humanitarian Response: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception and support, with a delegation expected to coordinate with Egyptian authorities. Food Aid Warning: WFP warned funding shortfalls will cut food assistance for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions, warning of higher malnutrition risks during the rainy season. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir assented to constitutional amendments clearing the way for December 2026 elections by delinking the permanent constitution-making process and the national census from the vote. International Oversight: UN human rights experts will visit South Sudan from 7–10 September to assess worsening rights, humanitarian and security conditions as the country pushes toward elections. Regional Conflict Spillover: Clashes in Sudan’s South Kordofan killed at least 21 people, with reports blaming SPLM-N-Al Hilu attacks on civilians despite a ceasefire. Society & Justice: A Juba court found a father guilty after he gouged out his daughter’s eyes over an arranged marriage, sentencing him under child protection and penal law. Sports: The planned Bright Stars victory celebration in Juba was cancelled without a new date. Climate Risk: UNICEF warned El Niño could hit children across Eastern and Southern Africa through floods, drought and hunger, with South Sudan among the affected region.

Humanitarian Funding Crisis: WFP warns food aid will be cut for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions, citing a funding gap and rainy-season delivery hurdles that could worsen malnutrition risks for women and children. Elections & Constitutional Path: President Salva Kiir assented to constitutional amendments removing the census and permanent constitution-making as election requirements, clearing the legal way for the 22 December 2026 polls—though preparations and security concerns remain. UN Rights Oversight: UN human rights experts led by Yasmin Sooka will visit South Sudan from 7–10 September to assess worsening rights, displacement, and the peace process as the country pushes toward elections. Security & Violence Spillover: Reports from Sudan’s South Kordofan say clashes and attacks linked to SPLM-N/Al Hilu—aligned with the RSF—killed at least 21 people in Kauda, violating a ceasefire and raising fears of further displacement. Local Governance & Services: Juba City Council and stakeholders agreed rules to regulate Buluk Playground activities, including stopping matches during school hours and improving sanitation arrangements. Trade & Transport Disruption: Trucks queued at Uganda’s Busia border after a cargo scanner broke down, delaying clearance for goods headed to the DRC. Regional Energy Watch: Aliko Dangote set September 30 for the groundbreaking of his Lamu oil refinery, a project expected to reshape East Africa’s fuel supply.

Elections Roadmap: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, removing the need to finish the permanent constitution-making process and the national population census before the December 22, 2026 elections—clearing a key legal path for polls. Grassroots Politics: Kiir also endorsed SPLM’s Youth League grassroots mobilization drive, pushing reorganization from national level down to bomas ahead of elections. Human Rights Watch: The UN Commission on Human Rights will make its 14th visit to South Sudan from September 7–10 to assess rights, displacement, and the peace process as the country heads toward its first elections since 2011. Local Governance: Juba City Council and SSFA agreed rules to regulate Buluk Playground activities, including stopping matches during school hours and tightening sanitation measures. Aid & Connectivity: IOM and government partners validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve access for humanitarian work. Health & Climate: UNICEF warns El Niño could hit 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa, while Congo Ebola response is using mobile-phone movement data to predict spread. Diplomacy: South Sudan’s embassy in Cairo apologized after the national flag was accidentally displayed upside down during talks.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, removing the requirement that a permanent constitution and the national population and housing census be completed before December 22, 2026 elections—aimed at clearing legal hurdles, though funding and security still loom. Sports: The planned Juba victory celebration for the Bright Stars has been cancelled without a new date. Humanitarian & Transport: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor (Padiet, Poktap, Panyagor, Pibor) to improve access for communities and humanitarian work. Security & Borders: Kajokeji officials say Ugandan raiders stole 300 cattle, with 171 recovered and some youths arrested; two tukuls were reportedly burned. Diplomacy & Society: South Sudan’s embassy in Cairo apologized after the national flag was displayed upside down during a bilateral meeting. Peace Process: The AU Peace and Security Council urged leaders to resume direct dialogue without preconditions and push key transitional justice and security steps. Health & Regional Risk: UN rights monitors will return for a 14th visit (Sept 7–10) as conflict and displacement risks grow. ICT & Partnerships: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny met Huawei leadership to discuss modernising public services and building “smart” city and national data plans.

Constitution & Elections: President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, clearing legal hurdles for South Sudan’s planned December 22, 2026 general elections by separating election conduct from the permanent constitution-making process and the census. Economy & Prices: The Economic Reform Committee has recommended further fuel price reductions to ease costs for consumers and traders, while also pushing telecom operators to pay taxes in cash. Infrastructure for Trade: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to jointly mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Nadapal highway, aimed at cutting transport costs and improving access to the Port of Mombasa. Health & Aid: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach life-saving brain surgery in Uganda, ahead of World Hydrocephalus Day. Public Health Alerts: The Drug and Food Control Authority recalled Duphaston and Navidoxine due to quality and patient-safety concerns for pregnant women. Security & Society: Police urged communities to help fight drug abuse among children, as tramadol use remains a growing concern. Climate Risk: UNICEF warned that El Niño-linked droughts, heat and floods are putting over 162 million children in eastern and southern Africa at risk, including children in South Sudan.

EAC Trade Push: South Sudan has been urged to speed up EAC commitments and position itself as a regional hub for investment, manufacturing and value chains, after an EABC CEO roundtable in Juba highlighted progress like the Nimule–Elegu One Stop Border Post. Elections & Voter Registration: The National Elections Commission says it will reject biometrics for voter registration, citing low literacy and opting for manual registration with later computer transfer. Public Health Recall: The Drug and Food Control Authority has ordered the recall of Duphaston and Navidoxine, warning they are unsafe for pregnant women due to quality and falsification concerns flagged by the WHO. Security & Crime: Police have urged communities to help fight tramadol and other drug abuse among children, saying law enforcement alone cannot stop the trend. Humanitarian Warning: IOM warns nearly 187,000 displaced people in Bentiu and Malakal face service disruption from November due to an $8.35m funding gap for water, sanitation and flood protection. Sports & Youth: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports playground in Terekeka to support youth development and peaceful, inclusive communities. Church Attack Aftermath: Two Carmelite members survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway, five years after sisters were killed on the same route. Climate Stress: A new El Niño outlook warns the Horn faces rising drought and flood risks that could worsen hunger and instability.

Parliament and democracy: Juba’s lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment bill after shutting journalists and the public out of proceedings “in camera,” drawing sharp criticism that Parliament is suffocating the fourth estate. Humanitarian funding crunch: IOM warns 187,000 displaced people in Bentiu and Malakal face service collapse from November unless USD 8.35 million is secured for water, sanitation, drainage and flood protection. Security watch: CTSAMVM says violence, abductions and alleged forced recruitment are worsening in parts of Western Equatoria, Jonglei and Lakes, and that humanitarian access remains restricted. Government response to rumors: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed alleged coup claims as “non-existent” and urged citizens to stop spreading unverified information. Anti-corruption and health travel: Ateny says at least four alleged corruption detainees were released on “strong bail” for medical treatment abroad, while investigations continue. Roads and urban life: Central Equatoria began/continues asphalt works on the Lou–Referendum–Bilpam dual carriageway to ease traffic in western Juba. Elections readiness: SPLM says it is ready for 2026 elections, awaiting the electoral calendar and timetable. Health and education gains: Fashoda County received a new health facility and school in Gulbany and Nyigiir Bomas, funded via World Bank support through IOM. Inclusive sports: SSFF pledged support for Deaf Football Development, backing a nationwide program and talent identification for deaf teams. Tobacco control push: South Sudan moves to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to strengthen laws protecting children and young people.

Constitutional Tension in Juba: Parliament approved a constitutional amendment bill after shutting journalists and the public out of proceedings, a move critics say undermines transparency and democracy. Anti-Corruption Push: Government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed online documents alleging a $15 million payment and a linked appointment as “fake and malicious,” while also saying four alleged corruption detainees were released on “strong bail” for medical treatment abroad. Urban Transport Upgrade: Central Equatoria says the Lou–Referendum–Bilpam dual carriageway project is progressing, with asphalt works underway and plans to extend the road into a wider ring route. Security Warning: CTSAMVM warned of worsening violence, abductions, and alleged forced recruitment in parts of Western Equatoria, Jonglei, and Lakes, urging better protection and humanitarian access. Elections and Diplomacy: The U.S. urged South Sudan to ensure peaceful elections and fund them with domestic resources, while Kornelio Kon Ngu declared a presidential bid and the National Alliance of Political Parties split over his leadership. Economy and Cash Crisis: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenged the Economic Reform Committee over SSP liquidity, saying bank credits are not turning into accessible cash for workers.

Abyei Tensions: President Salva Kiir has fired Deputy Minister of Justice Joseph Malek Arop amid a fresh Abyei map controversy, while Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol says Juba has not abandoned the push for Abyei’s final status and urges residents to reject claims they are not South Sudanese. Elections and Politics: Kornelio Kon Ngu has declared a 2026 presidential bid against Kiir, but the National Alliance of Political Parties has split as factions withdraw confidence in him, and SPLM rejects claims it operates like an armed group. Security Watch: CTSAMVM warns insecurity is still widespread despite fewer major confrontations, citing abductions, forced recruitment, road ambushes and threats to humanitarian access. Cash Crisis: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenges the High-Level Economic Reform Committee over disappearing SSP liquidity in banks despite reported non-oil revenue gains. Humanitarian & Nutrition: WFP welcomed Japan’s $2.2m for nutrition support for over 38,000 vulnerable women and children as South Sudan’s hunger and malnutrition crisis deepens. Local Governance & Society: Upper Nile University is revamping agriculture education with practical, business-focused training, and Central Equatoria and national authorities renewed plans for a national basketball arena after the Bright Stars’ World Cup qualifying run.

Elections & Peacekeeping: The U.S. urged South Sudan’s leaders to hold any December 2026 vote peacefully and fund it with domestic public resources, while warning against misuse of revenue. Presidential Politics: Kornelio Kon Ngu, 3rd deputy speaker, formally declared his 2026 presidential bid to challenge President Salva Kiir, arguing services and opportunities remain too concentrated in Juba. Security & Civilians: CTSAMVM warned that despite fewer major clashes, localized insecurity continues—abductions, forced recruitment, road ambushes and threats to humanitarian access—calling for stronger protection along high-risk routes. Violence & Displacement: In Lafon, displaced families in Lafon County appealed for urgent aid after a village attack burned homes and left hundreds sheltering in schools and churches. Economy & Cash: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenged the High-Level Economic Reform Committee over the SSP liquidity crisis, asking where cash has gone despite reported non-oil revenue gains. Nutrition & Aid: Japan pledged about $2.2m to WFP to support lifesaving nutrition for vulnerable women and children as South Sudan’s hunger and malnutrition crisis deepens. Land & Boundaries: VP James Wani Igga backed Shilluk calls for clarity on land and boundaries in Upper Nile, while VP Taban Deng Gai urged MPs and communities to drop war rhetoric over Twic-Abyei disputes and pushed for peaceful, legal resolution. Media & Society: Journalists were urged to use accurate, dignified language when reporting on migrant workers to avoid stigma and misinformation. Regional Borders: VP Taban also rejected maps that depict the Ilemi Triangle as part of Kenya, saying it should be treated as a zone for discussion. Sports & Youth: Central Equatoria and national authorities renewed plans for a national basketball arena after the Bright Stars’ strong World Cup qualifier run.

UN Peace & Security: The African Union strongly condemned an attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven, urging Juba to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators. Elections & Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir returned to Juba after talks in South Africa with President Cyril Ramaphosa on South Sudan’s electoral roadmap and bilateral cooperation ahead of AU engagement. Border Dispute: VP Taban Deng Gai renewed tensions over the Ilemi Triangle, rejecting maps that place the area in Kenya and calling it a “zone of discussion,” not Kenyan territory. Roads & Trade: Government ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo entering via Nimule, saying all heavy trucks must undergo load inspections to protect the Juba–Nimule highway. Health & Blood: NBTS urged South Sudanese to donate blood regularly, warning demand is high for mothers in childbirth and trauma victims. Water & Daily Life: In Terekeka, women in Rijong Payam say they walk hours for water, with dry-season shortages worsening hygiene and post-birth care. Ebola Watch: The US delivered an experimental Ebola antibody treatment to Uganda as DRC risks spill over, while Canada extended Ebola border restrictions affecting South Sudan.

Jonglei Security: The African Union strongly condemned a deadly attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven, urging South Sudan to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators. Cattle-Raid Violence: At least 49 people were killed and 33 wounded in a raid on a seasonal cattle camp and village in Tonj North, Warrap State, renewing fears of a deadly cycle over grazing land and water. Juba Stability Measures: SSPDF says increased street patrols and troop deployments in Juba are meant to maintain peace and counter rumors, insisting the move had presidential approval. Road Protection: Authorities ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo entering via Nimule, saying overloaded trucks are damaging the Juba–Nimule highway. Land Reform Push: VP Taban Deng Gai called for urgent Juba land tenure reforms to unlock loans and investment, warning current rules block collateral use. Health & Blood: NBTS urged South Sudanese to donate blood regularly, stressing urgent needs for mothers in childbirth and trauma victims. Ebola Preparedness: The U.S. delivered an experimental Ebola antibody treatment to Uganda to strengthen readiness against possible cross-border spread from DRC. Education Monitoring: UNESCO backed South Sudan to set up its first education sector monitoring system under the GESP plan.