AGP Executive Report

Security & Disarmament: SSPDF ordered Agwellek Forces in Juba to report to Terekeka for screening and integration, with reporting starting September 15, while other Agwellek units in Greater Tonj, Nyakeen and elsewhere are told to stay on standby. Elections & Transition: A UN Commission warns renewed violence, political tension and impunity are endangering civilians and threatening South Sudan’s election and transition plans. Machar Under Threat Claims: SPLM-IO says it has “verified details” of an assassination plot against suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, while the government rejects the claim as baseless and says Machar is under maximum protection. Humanitarian Access in Jonglei: UNICEF delivered lifesaving aid to conflict-affected communities in Jonglei, including supplies via rapid response and malnutrition screening and treatment for children. Health & Community Support: A 78-year-old man in Juba appeals for help after his wife gave birth to triplets, asking for support for milk, diapers, clothing and medical care. Economy & Jobs: Oil workers have petitioned the Court of Appeal challenging Labour Ministry Public Circular No. 5, 2026, over how it is being applied. Environment: South Sudan’s forests are vanishing fast, with communities urged to lead conservation efforts to protect livelihoods and ecosystems.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers approved further amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the December 2026 polls, including restoring 102 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-member National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to completion of a population census. Justice & Rights: The UN Commission on Human Rights warned that renewed violence, political tensions and entrenched impunity are putting civilians at greater risk and threatening the country’s democratic transition. Security in the Regions: In Greater Pibor, five people were killed and six injured in two separate attacks, including an ambush involving Ethiopian traders and local soldiers. Political Rivalry in Court: The government rejected SPLM-IO claims that Riek Machar faces an assassination threat, saying he is under heavy security protection in Juba. Humanitarian & Development: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to support livelihoods and prevent gender-based violence, while Eastern Equatoria warned drought, insecurity and food shortages are driving people and livestock into new areas.

Elections & Transition: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warns that renewed violence, political tensions and persistent impunity are putting civilians at greater risk and threatening the country’s December 2026 election and transition. Government Response: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers approved further amendments to the National Elections Act, including restoring 102 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-member National Legislative Assembly, while also removing links to completion of a population census. Security in the East: Five people were killed and six injured in two attacks in Raat, a border town in Greater Pibor, as lawmakers accuse authorities of failing to protect residents. Violence & Accountability: OHCHR also stresses that impunity and weak justice institutions are driving ongoing abuses against civilians. Humanitarian & Livelihoods: Eastern Equatoria warns drought, insecurity and food shortages are pushing people and livestock into new areas, while IsraAid distributed food to over 900 households in Terekeka amid hunger fears. Women & Education: A new women’s centre opened in Aweil West to support livelihoods and prevent gender-based violence, and Plan International launched a $1.5m play-based learning project in Eastern Equatoria. Health & Agriculture: Kenya reports African Swine Fever has killed 1,470 pigs in Kiambu and spread to six counties, highlighting cross-border disease risks.

Elections & Rights: A UN human rights commission warns that renewed violence, impunity, and weak institutions are putting civilians at risk and threatening South Sudan’s December elections and transition. Machar Security Row: The government rejects SPLM-IO claims of an assassination plot against First Vice-President Riek Machar, saying he is under maximum protection in Juba and the allegations are meant to undermine his trial. Elections Law Update: Cabinet approves amendments to the National Elections Act, restoring 2010 geographical constituencies and setting a 332-seat National Legislative Assembly, with changes also removing links to the completion of a population census. Local Environment & Land: Evictions around Mt Kei Central Forest Reserve are suspended for two weeks to clarify boundaries amid a long-running dispute with thousands of residents. Women & Livelihoods: A new women’s centre opens in Aweil West to offer training, business support, and gender-based violence prevention. Eastern Equatoria Crisis: The state warns drought, insecurity, and food shortages are driving people and livestock to migrate, heightening tensions over scarce resources. Humanitarian Aid: IsraAid distributes food to over 900 households in Terekeka as hunger fears grow.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers has approved amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the December 2026 polls, restoring the 102 geographical constituencies used in 2010 and setting a 332-member National Legislative Assembly, while removing links to the completion of a population census. UN Accountability: The UN Commission on Human Rights warns that violence, impunity, and weak justice systems are endangering civilians and undermining the democratic transition, urging credible accountability and a properly funded electoral process. Rights and Security: The government rejects the UN’s election-risk claims, saying the country will follow the 2018 peace agreement and an inter-party dialogue process. Court Update: Riek Machar’s trial was adjourned to Sept. 23 after his defence raised security threats to lawyers and defendants, including alleged plots to cause an accident. Humanitarian Relief: Plan International launched a $1.5m “Play Matters” learning project in Eastern Equatoria to support about 26,000 learners, while IsraAid distributed food to over 900 households in Terekeka amid drought-linked hunger. Livelihoods: Displaced women in Tambura are using vocational skills and small businesses to rebuild after conflict.

Elections Under Scrutiny: South Sudan’s government rejected a UN Human Rights Commission warning that December polls could spark violence, saying the country remains committed to the 2018 peace deal and plans inter-party dialogue to manage political issues. Civil War Risks: UNMISS said there has been “no real change” in the civil war, citing renewed violence, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption, and persistent impunity as civilians remain at risk. Court Security for Machar Trial: Riek Machar’s defence team raised alleged threats to lawyers and accused persons, including claims of a planned road accident and possible poisoning in court; proceedings were adjourned to Sept. 23 for further security checks. Drought and Food Pressure: Aid groups and officials highlighted worsening drought impacts, with calls for stronger early warning, water access, and climate-resilient farming to prevent hunger from deepening. Humanitarian Aid in Terekeka: IsraAid distributed food to over 900 households in Terekeka, targeting displaced people and vulnerable host communities facing poor rainfall and extreme weather. Wildlife Governance: The wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in defining protected-area boundaries, aiming to set national procedures and reduce land-use conflicts. Ebola Spillover Alarm: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, raising fears for neighboring regions as the rare Bundibugyo strain is detected in Sud-Ubangi.

Elections & Rights: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption and persistent impunity are putting civilians and the December transition at risk, urging urgent steps to protect people, allow humanitarian access and create conditions for inclusive dialogue. Opposition Security: Riek Machar’s defence team told the Special Court of alleged threats to lawyers and accused persons, including claims of a planned road accident and possible poisoning in court; proceedings were adjourned to Sept. 23 for further security checks. Wildlife Governance: South Sudan’s wildlife ministry says communities will be involved in a new process to define protected-area boundaries, aiming to fix lost records from past demarcations and address land-use concerns. Public Health Spillover: Ebola in DR Congo has been detected in a seventh province, South-Ubangi, raising fears of wider spread as cases and deaths climb. Humanitarian Need: A 78-year-old man in Juba is appealing for help after his wife gave birth to triplets, with the family struggling to meet immediate medical and baby-care costs. Digital Jobs: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek to train youth in digital skills and support innovation and entrepreneurship.

Human Rights & Elections: UN human rights experts warn South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 elections face growing risks as violence rises, civic space shrinks, and impunity and corruption remain entrenched, urging urgent steps to protect civilians, restore humanitarian access, and restart inclusive political dialogue. Crisis & Protection: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan says renewed violence and political tensions are driving displacement and rights abuses, with women and girls facing serious violations and families living in fear. Humanitarian Support: In Juba’s Amadi Residential Area, IDPs received start-up support to expand small businesses, including food items like maize flour and cooking oil, aimed at boosting livelihoods for displaced people and host communities. Health Cooperation: South Sudan and China’s embassy honored the outgoing 13th Chinese medical team in Juba and welcomed the 14th batch, with officials citing training and services for remote communities. Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, offering digital training and innovation support for youth, entrepreneurs, and job seekers in Lakes State. Violence Impact: Reports say the human toll of violence in South Sudan continues to surge, deepening insecurity for civilians.

Elections Watch: UN human rights experts say conditions for South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 polls remain unfavorable, pointing to renewed violence, shrinking civic space, and stalled Revitalized Peace Agreement safeguards. Political Parties: President Salva Kiir has set an inter-party dialogue for September 17 to align on the electoral pathway, including boundaries, independent candidacy, election financing, security for candidates, and access for observers. Governance & Data: Kiir appointed a new 10-member board to oversee the National Bureau of Statistics, aiming to strengthen oversight and integrity of official data. Media & Rights: AMDISS and UJOSS held a national consultative workshop on media self-regulation in Juba, while a separate civil society rights assessment rated the enabling environment for civic groups “Weak” (2/5). Economy & Taxes: South Sudan Revenue Authority reminded taxpayers that September 15 is the deadline for August tax filings and payments, including arrears from audits. Humanitarian & Livelihoods: IDPs in Amadi received start-up support to expand small businesses, including food items like flour and cooking oil. Health Cooperation: South Sudan honored an outgoing 13th Chinese medical team and welcomed the 14th batch, with claims of major patient care and training gains.

Energy & Industry: Dangote is pushing a bigger East Africa energy plan, with reports saying Kenya is in talks to expand his proposed Lamu LNG-linked power plant to 1,000MW to stabilize electricity supply and cut reliance on intermittent sources. Humanitarian & Health: South Sudan honored an outgoing 13th Chinese medical team in Juba after treating 13,500 outpatients, managing 1,700 inpatients and performing 200 surgeries, while welcoming the next batch to expand services beyond Juba. Local Livelihoods: IDPs in Amadi received start-up support to grow small businesses, including food items like flour and cooking oil, with beneficiaries saying it will help them pay for schooling and recover after displacement. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir set an inter-party dialogue for September 17 to align parties on the electoral pathway, including boundaries, financing, campaign freedoms, security for candidates and observer access. Economy & Taxes: The South Sudan Revenue Authority reminded taxpayers that September 15 is the deadline for August tax filings and payments, including monthly and quarterly obligations. Climate Risk: South Sudan is urged to prepare for a strengthening El Niño, with possible swings between wetter conditions in parts of East Africa and drought risk elsewhere. Security & Administration: Kiir appointed a new 10-member board to oversee the National Bureau of Statistics, aiming to improve oversight and the reliability of official data.

Elections Funding: South Sudan’s Finance Minister Kuol Ayulo tabled the 2026–27 budget, proposing nearly SSP 184 billion for December 22 general elections, with SSP 183.99bn earmarked for election activities. Party Politics: Ahead of the vote, SPLM Former Detainees revoked Isaiah Hakim Garang’s membership after he accused Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng of incitement, deepening internal splits. Security Shake-up: Major General Atem Salva Kiir was appointed commander of the Tiger Division and will also lead the Special Forces, replacing Deng Madhang. Civil Society Pressure: A new assessment by the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network rated the country’s civil society enabling environment “Weak” (2/5), citing poor implementation of rights and legal protections. Cross-Border Health: Juba and Kampala agreed to remove administrative barriers for faster movement of health workers and emergency supplies during outbreaks. Justice Access: A temporary court opened inside Bentiu IDP camp to tackle SGBV, drugs and gang violence.

Elections Funding: South Sudan’s finance minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo tabled a proposed 2026-27 budget of about SSP 11.34 trillion, with election activities for the December 22 polls taking priority as the country grapples with an economic squeeze. Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to remove administrative barriers for faster movement of health workers and supplies during outbreaks, including real-time disease surveillance and joint response along their border. Justice in Displacement Settings: A temporary court opened inside Bentiu IDP camp to speed up cases on SGBV, drugs and gang violence, supported by UNMISS and state justice institutions. Political Tensions: SPLM Former Detainees revoked Isaiah Hakim Garang’s membership after he accused VP Rebecca Nyandeng of incitement, deepening internal disputes ahead of elections. Tax Deadline: The South Sudan Revenue Authority set September 15 as the deadline for August tax filings and payments, including sales and excise taxes. Regional Health Crisis: UN reports Ebola deaths in eastern DR Congo have surpassed 3,200, with WFP warning food aid must be part of the response. Business Linkages: Pakistan’s Africa entrepreneurship push, the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, is set to launch Friday, with initial focus on East Africa including Uganda and South Sudan.

National Budget: Finance Minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo tabled the 2026-27 national budget of over SSP 11.34 trillion in Parliament, saying the plan will back economic stability, private-sector growth and productive investment, mainly funded by oil revenue (SSP 9.01 trillion) and supported by efforts to broaden the tax base through digital collection. Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed a cross-border health security MoU in Juba to speed movement of health workers and emergency supplies, strengthen disease surveillance and real-time data sharing, and coordinate outbreak response. Tax Deadline: The South Sudan Revenue Authority ordered taxpayers to file and pay August taxes by September 15, covering income, sales and excise taxes, and warning that arrears must be cleared through designated banks and online filing. Civil Society Space: A panel rated South Sudan’s civil society environment “weak” (2/5) under an EU framework, citing inconsistent protection and risks of restrictions and intimidation for human rights defenders and journalists. Security and Crime: Police in Northern Bahr el Ghazal investigated the fatal strangulation of two minors in Aweil after a domestic dispute. Culture and Heritage: Juba’s culture and land ministries agreed to protect historic sites and cultural spaces in urban planning, including heritage areas like the Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape. Drought Response: Relief authorities and WFP discussed drought impacts and ways to strengthen cash assistance for vulnerable communities.

Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen cross-border disease surveillance, with joint simulations, investigations, and coordinated early warning systems. Drought Response & Cash Aid: Relief authorities and WFP met to discuss drought measures and how to expand cash assistance for vulnerable communities as hunger pressure rises. Security on the Juba–Torit Highway: Two Catholic nuns were attacked, robbed, and dragged into the bush, adding to growing concerns over insecurity affecting religious workers. Election Readiness Debate: South Sudanese citizens are divided on whether December 2026 elections are feasible, citing poor roads for transporting materials but others urging political will and timely funding. Youth & Politics Tensions: Former Political Detainees distanced themselves from VP Rebecca Nyandeng’s remarks, accusing them of incitement and warning youth against confrontation. Culture & Urban Planning: Juba’s heritage protection is getting attention as the Culture Ministry pushes for safeguards for historic sites, monuments, and cultural spaces in development plans. Humanitarian Relief in Terekeka: IsraAid delivered a month’s food supply to over 5,000 conflict-displaced people in Terekeka after Jor–Kogi violence. Regional Note: CAF Champions League results included South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu beating Heegan 1-0 in the first leg.

CAF Champions League: South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu edged Somalia’s Heegan 1-0 in the first preliminary round (first leg), while Al Hilal and Mangasport also posted strong wins as ties head into return matches. Elections Readiness: South Sudanese citizens are split on whether the December 2026 elections are truly ready, with callers citing end-of-rain road damage and others urging political will and timely funding. Humanitarian Relief: IsraAid delivered a month’s food support to over 5,000 conflict-displaced people in Terekeka after Jor–Kogi violence. Food Security & Drought: Aweil East officials appeal for urgent drought relief after crops failed and water sources dried up. Infrastructure & Self-Reliance: VP Taban Deng urged citizens to end aid dependency and boost farming, warning that long-term relief has created a “dependency syndrome.” Cross-Border Cattle Raids: Kajo-Keji (South Sudan) and Moyo (Uganda) agreed to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute suspects behind a raid that left over 300 cattle stolen.

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.