AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Crisis at Kajo-Keji Border: The Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo says UPDF-linked hostilities have displaced about 10,000 civilians, with families sheltering around St. Paul Cathedral and local schools and facing urgent needs for food, water, shelter and medical care. Fuel Prices Bite Hard: Motorists and commuters in Juba and Yambio report petrol hikes to SSP 18,500–20,000 per litre, with black-market prices even higher, pushing up transport and food costs. Local Security Response: Tonj South County convened an extraordinary meeting with payam directors to tackle rising insecurity, including plans to coordinate forces and manage resources. Elections and Civic Space: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani urged South Sudanese to reject hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the December 2026 elections, while UJoSS called for stronger journalist protection. Infrastructure Milestone: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, calling it a major step toward modernising aviation. Oil Financing Update: A partial settlement with BB Energy eased a London court block on new oil-backed loan deals, though the dispute highlights continued reliance on future crude revenues. Regional Health Watch: Uganda’s Ebola-free countdown begins after discharging its last patient, as DR Congo’s outbreak continues to worsen and South Sudan remains under U.S. Level 4 travel warnings.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s December 2026 polls are being framed as a chance to move from “politics of survival” to service and accountability, but opinion writers warn the real test is whether institutions can deliver credible, inclusive participation. Disability Inclusion: A disability affairs director argues the election must guarantee equal voting access for people with disabilities, estimated at 1.2–1.8 million. Labour & Social Protection: Oil and NGO workers’ unions urge the government to pause the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) rollout, saying compulsory contributions are starting without proper governance, transparency, and systems. Oil Finance: A partial settlement with BB Energy has eased a London court bar on new oil-backed loan deals, but analysts note the bigger issue remains how much value the state actually retains from crude. Aviation: President Salva Kiir will commission Juba International Airport’s new Terminal 3 on Thursday, aimed at boosting international arrivals and departures. Border Tensions: Clashes between SSPDF and UPDF erupted in Kajo-Keji over disputed areas, raising fears of wider instability. Public Safety: A hyena attack in Rumbek North injured two boys after entering a family home during heavy rain. Health & Travel Warnings: The U.S. lists South Sudan under Level 4 “Do Not Travel” amid security and health concerns as Ebola risks continue to dominate the region. Humanitarian Outlook: UN agencies warn Eastern Africa needs urgent help, with South Sudan among countries facing worsening food insecurity and Ebola-related spread risk.

Elections & Media Readiness: AMDISS with Norwegian People’s Aid launched a three-day training in Bor to strengthen ethical, conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive election reporting as South Sudan heads toward its first general polls since 2011. Labour & Social Protection: Workers’ unions are urging the government to pause the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) rollout, saying it is being implemented before key legal and governance structures are ready. Aviation Upgrade: Transport Minister Rizik Zakaria Hassan says President Salva Kiir will commission Juba Airport’s new Terminal 3 on Thursday, a push to modernize air travel and boost connectivity. Border Tensions: SSPDF and UPDF clashed in Kajo-Keji over a disputed border area, with Uganda demanding withdrawal of South Sudan forces. Humanitarian Pressure: UN OCHA warns Eastern Africa needs urgent help, citing 48.5 million people requiring assistance in 2026 and highlighting rising food insecurity and Ebola spillover risk. Drought Response: WFP and the government activated South Sudan’s first drought anticipatory action plan for over 65,000 people in Eastern Equatoria with cash support and early warnings. Fuel Cost Strain: Western Equatoria residents and boda-boda riders report fuel price jumps that are driving up transport costs and worsening hardship. Deportation Fears: More than 20 South Sudanese face deportation from Sudan after a court order in Al-Dabbah, Northern State. Regional Cooperation: South Sudan and Kenya reaffirmed plans to strengthen border security and immigration management in talks in Nairobi.

SSPDF Recapture: South Sudan People’s Defence Forces say they have recaptured Lankien in Nyirol County, Jonglei, after clashes with SPLA-IO, with residents starting to return as tensions remain high. Emergency Care: Rotary Club of Wau donated four rickshaw ambulances to TWIC in Twic County to improve emergency transport for pregnant women, children and critical patients. Mining vs Services: Aweil North community leaders in Mayom Angok Boma demand a road, school and police station before Lol Malual Mining Company begins gold mining. Peacebuilding Push: Transitional National Legislative Assembly MPs signed a church-facilitated Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War, backed by HWPL, to strengthen reconciliation and conflict prevention. Education Audit: Western Equatoria governor orders a full education system audit after reports of declining learning standards. Ebola Risk: DRC’s worsening Ebola outbreak is edging toward South Sudan’s border areas, raising fears of cross-border spread amid weak surveillance and conflict. Oil Financing: South Sudan regains limited access to crude-backed advance financing after a dispute with BB Energy is partially settled, allowing additional cargoes through late 2026. Parliament & Law: Former Juba mayor Kalisto Ladu rejects claims that government lacks rubber bullets or tear gas, saying such remarks are personal opinions. Abyei Dispute: Abyei civil society petitions the UN Security Council after claims that UNISFA recognized a self-proclaimed TASIS administration. Humanitarian Tech: Humanitarian groups at the AI for Good summit highlight AI-enabled tools like WFP’s remotely piloted all-terrain vehicles to reach hard-to-access areas.

Ebola Threat to South Sudan: The DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is accelerating and now affects five provinces, with two cases reported in Wamba, Haut-Uélé near the South Sudan border—aid groups warn the virus could cross silently, especially where surveillance and health systems are weak. Cross-Border Response Pressure: WHO and partners say transmission is still out of control in eastern DRC, raising fears for regional hubs and neighboring countries like South Sudan and Uganda. Fuel Deal in Court: South Sudan’s Kenya fuel import arrangement has a temporary legal reprieve after the Supreme Court lifted a block on the government-to-government deal while an appeal continues. Independence, Peace Calls: As South Sudan marks 15 years since independence, Catholic bishops and other voices renewed calls for dialogue and reconciliation amid ongoing insecurity. Local Governance & Rights: A former Juba mayor rejected claims that authorities lack rubber bullets and tear gas, saying such warnings are personal opinions, not government policy. Labour Dispute at Bank of South Sudan: A civil society coalition says the Bank’s dissolution of a workers’ union was unlawful and urges dialogue to resolve grievances. Western Equatoria Integration: The state ordered former SPLM-IO defectors who joined SSPDF in 2025 to report for registration and integration, warning delays could leave them out of the process.

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.

Independence & Peace Appeals: South Sudan marked 15 years since independence with Catholic bishops urging peace, dialogue and reconciliation amid ongoing insecurity, including warnings from Warrap State where violence has persisted. DRC Ebola Spillover: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged to at least 1,926 confirmed cases and 702 deaths, with the virus spreading to Haut-Uele and Tshopo, while health workers at an Ebola centre in Ituri went on strike over unpaid wages. Regional Health Curbs: The UAE suspended new visas for citizens of DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, citing Ebola prevention, as the U.S. also suspended visa operations in Juba, Kinshasa and Kampala linked to the outbreak. Security & Justice: Yei authorities launched investigations into the killing of three civilians along the Yei–Maridi road, while Eastern Equatoria arrested suspects over an ambush on a government advisor’s vehicle. Roads & Revenue: The South Sudan Revenue Authority called for urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway to speed cargo and boost tax collection. Elections Pressure: A call for peace and the unconditional release of political detainees remains central to debate over whether elections can be credible.

Peace & Elections: An AU envoy visit to Juba renewed calls for dialogue before December 2026 polls, but critics say elections can’t be credible while key detainees, including Dr. Riek Machar, remain held and peace-agreement prerequisites aren’t met. Security & Violence: Eastern Equatoria reported an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road that wounded a state advisor; Jonglei also said blood compensation is underway after two soldiers were killed in Pieri. Revenue & Corruption Controls: SSRA says it has ended illegal tax exemptions and warned Nimule clearing agents against revenue fraud; it also urged urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway to speed trade and boost collections. Local Governance: Juba City Council began talks with hotels over proposed solid-waste fee changes, as businesses warn of added costs. Health Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak spread to Haut-Uele and Tshopo, raising confirmed cases to 1,926, while response workers in Bundibugyo reportedly struck over unpaid wages. Politics & Party Funding: SPLM announced receiving SSP5 billion from Digital Dots Interior Designing Ltd ahead of elections.

Juba–Nimule Road Rehab Push: South Sudan Revenue Authority chief Moun Deng Ajuet says urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway will speed truck movement and boost tax collection after a two-day inspection at Nimule. Revenue Crackdown: SSRA says it has ended illegal tax exemptions, warning contractors and citizens against abusing customs privileges; only exemptions under SOFA and diplomatic rules will stand. Customs Enforcement at Nimule: Customs officials cautioned clearing agents against under-declaration, forged documents and tax evasion, threatening license withdrawal and penalties. Local Governance: Juba City Council has started consultations with hotels and caterers over proposed solid-waste fee changes, with reported hikes raising business concerns. Security Update (Eastern Equatoria): An advisor to the Eastern Equatoria government survived an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road and was airlifted to Juba; authorities are hunting the attackers. Politics & Party Funds: SPLM says it received a donation of SSP5 billion from Digital Dots Interior Designing Ltd ahead of December 2026 elections. Burial in Juba: Ex-Jonglei information minister Isaac Ajiba Ochang was laid to rest in Juba after dying in Cairo.

US Deportations: Amnesty International says the latest US deportation of 11 people to Eswatini is unlawful, calling it “cruel and racist” and part of a third-country transfer deal that has left 29 deportees in detention. TPS Shock for Employers: The US Department of Homeland Security told employers to dismiss foreign workers whose Temporary Protected Status is expiring—Haitians by July 24, and others including South Sudan by July 17—though short extensions were issued hours before deadlines. Juba–Nimule Revenue Push: South Sudan Revenue Authority officials inspected Nimule and urged urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway to speed cargo and boost tax collection. Tax Crackdown: SSRA says it has ended illegal tax exemptions, warning contractors and citizens against abusing exemption systems. Local Governance & Costs: Juba City Council consults hotels on proposed solid waste fee changes, with reported increases drawing concern from businesses. Security in Eastern Equatoria: An advisor to the Eastern Equatoria government survived an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road and was airlifted to Juba. Oil Financing Update: South Sudan partially regained access to oil-backed advance financing after a deal with BB Energy, awarding three crude cargoes while easing court restrictions. Drought Preparedness: WFP and the government launched the first drought anticipatory action plan for over 65,000 people in Budi and Kapoeta North with cash support and early warnings. Currency Warning: A senior economic advisor warns the SSP could hit 1,000,000 per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken.

Independence & Elections: President Salva Kiir urged unity and reconciliation as South Sudan marked 15 years of independence, saying the first post-independence general elections are the key milestone to end the transitional period and deliver peace. Security in Eastern Equatoria: An Eastern Equatoria government advisor survived an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road, sustaining a gunshot wound; authorities say his condition is stable and call for arrests. Oil Finance: South Sudan resumed limited oil-backed advance financing after a partial settlement with BB Energy, with three crude cargoes awarded for August, September and November. Revenue Crackdown: The South Sudan Revenue Authority said it has ended illegal tax exemptions, warning contractors and citizens against abusing exemption systems to avoid paying taxes. Drought Preparedness: WFP and the government launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Budi and Kapoeta North, targeting 65,000+ people with cash support and early warning communications. Currency Pressure: A senior economic advisor warned the SSP could hit 1 million per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken, citing a rising black-market rate. Juba City Services: Juba City Council began consultations with hotels and catering businesses over proposed solid waste collection fee changes. Regional Trade: Kenya endorsed trade facilitation reforms aimed at cutting cross-border business costs across the Horn of Africa. Geopolitics: Ethiopia’s ambassador meeting saw South Sudan’s Interior Minister call Ethiopia the “father of South Sudan,” citing support during the liberation struggle.

Independence Anniversary Diplomacy: Angola’s President João Lourenço congratulated Algeria and South Sudan on independence milestones, pledging to deepen ties with Juba as South Sudan marks 15 years since July 9, 2011. Independence & Elections Push: President Salva Kiir urged unity and reconciliation, saying institutions are working toward South Sudan’s first elections since independence, calling for voter registration and wider participation. Public Call for Peace: Citizens marked the day with renewed demands for dialogue, security, and a credible democratic transition, warning that elections must come with real peace on the ground. Drought Preparedness: WFP and the South Sudan government launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Eastern Equatoria, targeting over 65,000 people in Budi and Kapoeta North with cash support and early warning communications. Currency Pressure: A senior economic advisor warned the South Sudan pound could slide toward 1 million per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken, citing weak production and low confidence. Local Governance & Security: Lakes State’s new police commissioner started a 30 million SSP renovation drive for police facilities across the state, using personal funds to fix neglected stations.

Drought Preparedness: WFP and South Sudan’s government have launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Budi and Kapoeta North, targeting 65,000+ people with cash support and early warning messages to protect food security and livelihoods before conditions worsen. Independence & Unity: President Salva Kiir used the 15th Independence Day to call for unity and reconciliation, urging voter registration and participation ahead of December elections, while citizens and local leaders echoed calls for peace through dialogue and reconciliation. Security & Violence: As the anniversary is marked, reports say at least 15 people were killed in attacks on government facilities in Warrap, with injuries also recorded, raising fresh concerns about election readiness and stability. Currency Pressure: A senior economic advisor warned the South Sudanese pound could slide to 1 million per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken, citing weak production and low confidence in the currency. Local Governance: Lakes State’s new police commissioner launched a 30 million SSP renovation drive for police facilities, using personal funds to fix neglected stations and headquarters. Regional Trade: Kenya seeks regional backing for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia transport corridor as oil and infrastructure plans, including Dangote’s Lamu refinery, reshape East Africa’s economy.

Independence & Elections: President Salva Kiir urged unity and voter participation as South Sudan marks 15 years of independence, calling the December 2026 elections a key step to end the transitional period. Civil Society Pushback: CEPO and other stakeholders warned election readiness is undermined by insecurity, funding gaps at the National Elections Commission, and unclear legal rules, urging inclusive dialogue. Peace Agreement Concerns: International partners raised alarm over amendments to the 2018 peace deal that defer key pre-election steps, warning the changes could derail the process and risk renewed conflict. Violence in Warrap: At least 15 people were killed in attacks on government facilities in Warrap during Independence celebrations, with reports of injuries and uncertainty over motives. Humanitarian Drought Response: WFP and the South Sudan government launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Eastern Equatoria, shielding over 65,000 people with cash transfers and early warning communications. Regional Spotlight (Energy): Kenya is seeking regional backing for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia transport corridor as Dangote confirms a major Lamu refinery, with South Sudan named among potential beneficiaries. Humanitarian Tech Trend: At the AI for Good summit, WFP highlighted how AI could help aid delivery, including remote-controlled vehicles for hard-to-reach areas.

Independence Anniversary, Peace and Elections: South Sudan marked 15 years since independence on July 9, but many citizens said the real test is peace and credible elections in December—amid stalled reforms, stalled constitution work, and renewed fears after violence. Violence in Warrap: At least 15 people were killed in attacks on government facilities in Warrap, with reports of injuries, raising questions about motives as tensions flare. Election Readiness Concerns: Civil society groups told an AU delegation in Juba that insecurity, funding gaps for the National Elections Commission, and unclear election rules could undermine a free and fair vote. Peace Deal Amendments Under Scrutiny: Western embassies warned that amendments to the 2018 peace agreement could weaken key pre-election requirements and push the country back toward conflict. Security Ahead of Celebrations: Police in Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal said they have tightened patrols and rapid response plans for Independence Day events. Oil Update: South Sudan’s oil output reportedly surpassed 100,000 barrels per day, with officials briefing President Kiir on efforts to sustain growth. Health and Ebola Watch: The ICRC said medical evacuations rose as fighting restricted access to care, while new Ebola-related travel screening measures remain active in the U.S.

Independence at 15: South Sudan marks 15 years since July 9, 2011, but the anniversary comes amid stalled peace implementation, deep poverty, and no elections yet—while UNMISS pledges support for a democratic transition and Western embassies warn that amendments to the 2018 peace deal must be done through genuine dialogue. Oil push: South Sudan’s oil output has topped 100,000 barrels per day as VP Atak Santino briefs President Kiir on gains and plans to sustain production. Elections and peace deal pressure: SPLM endorses President Kiir as its sole candidate for the 2026 elections, as civil society and peace monitors urge full implementation of the revitalised agreement and warn elections without reforms could lose credibility. Security preparations: Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal tighten security ahead of Independence Day celebrations, with police promising patrols and rapid response. Bank staff protest: Bank of South Sudan employees stage a sit-in in Juba over unpaid incentives and suspended medical insurance. Weather risk: Authorities warn of below-normal rainfall in many states, with drought and flood threats depending on location. Health and Ebola: The U.S. keeps Ebola screening active through July 21 for travelers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while a South African firm says it is preparing an Ebola drug trial including sites in South Sudan.