AGP Executive Report

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s opposition UPA says no election can be legitimate “under conditions of war, insecurity, and state capture,” rejecting the December polls and calling for an inclusive national dialogue and a neutral caretaker transition. Political Parties: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani also urges inclusive dialogue ahead of the end-of-year vote, warning lack of consensus could derail a peaceful process. Armed Opposition Rift: In Koch, more than 120 SPLM-IO members defected to SPLM-IG, citing “positive leadership” and improved services in Unity State. Health & Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan and WHO say the country remains Ebola-free after suspected cases tested negative, while authorities urge foreign governments to lift Ebola travel and visa restrictions that are blocking medical treatment and education. Regional Risk Alert: WHO-linked reporting warns a rare Ebola strain in DRC has a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan, pushing calls for border surveillance and contact tracing. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan travels to Israel for bilateral talks. Sports Funding: Cabinet approves $3.09m for South Sudan’s Bright Stars basketball team ahead of FIBA qualifiers. Local Incidents: A woman in Gogrial East was arrested after allegedly stabbing her husband during a domestic dispute. Infrastructure: Leer County in Unity State receives its first concrete airstrip built by WFP with UK support to boost humanitarian access. Governance & Economy: NCA approves telecom tariff adjustments, raising the cost of a one-minute call by 70 SSP.

Diplomacy: Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan has travelled to Tel Aviv for bilateral talks with senior Israeli officials, as South Sudan deepens ties with Israel after President Kiir honoured an Israeli veteran linked to the liberation struggle. Elections & Dialogue: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani urged an inclusive national dialogue ahead of the December 2026 elections, warning that unresolved grievances could derail a peaceful vote. Cattle Withdrawal Deadlock: A policy think tank is calling for dialogue over stalled implementation of a presidential cattle withdrawal order in Equatoria, saying weak enforcement is worsening land disputes, food insecurity and localized violence. Sports Funding: Cabinet approved $3.09 million to prepare South Sudan’s national basketball and football teams for upcoming regional and international competitions. Health & Ebola: South Sudan and the U.S. signed a $146 million health cooperation deal to strengthen disease resilience, as WHO warns a rare Ebola strain in DRC could reach South Sudan with a high risk unless border surveillance and contact tracing are stepped up. Telecom Costs: The National Communication Authority approved a phased telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustment, with the cost of a one-minute call set to rise. Humanitarian Access: Leer County in Unity State received its first concrete airstrip built by WFP with UK support, aimed at improving access for aid and emergency response. Gender-Based Violence: Stakeholders launched the Respect Project in Juba County to strengthen community engagement, awareness and survivor support to tackle gender-based violence.

Ebola Watch: South Sudan urged foreign governments to lift Ebola-related travel and visa restrictions, saying the country is Ebola-free and that seven suspected cases tested negative, while WHO warned the region remains at risk. Public Health Response: CDC raised its Ebola response to the highest level as cases surge in Congo and Uganda, and WHO modelling says a rare Ebola strain has a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan. Humanitarian Access: Leer County in Unity State received its first concrete airstrip built by WFP with UK support, expected to speed up transport and emergency aid. Mining & Communities: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily halted mining operations in Nakere after community unrest over environmental damage and limited local benefits. Elections & Services: South Sudan reaffirmed plans for December 2026 elections and said preparations include inter-party dialogue, while officials pushed for timely health and education funding. Telecom Costs: The National Communication Authority approved a phased tariff adjustment, raising the cost of a one-minute call, citing pressure on operators. Civil Protection: Akobo confirmed the last two POWs will return home Saturday after processing with ICRC support.

Ebola Watch: South Sudan says it has no confirmed Ebola cases after testing seven suspected samples (Juba, Yei, Yambio, Nimule), urging countries to lift travel restrictions as surveillance and rapid response teams are stepped up. Public Health Response: The CDC raised its Ebola response to its highest level as cases surge in Congo and Uganda, while modelling warns the outbreak could reach South Sudan in coming weeks without strict measures. Government & Elections: South Sudan reaffirms commitment to health, education and timely December 2026 elections, with preparations for inter-party dialogue and no further extension of the transitional period. Economy & Cash: The Economic Cluster lifted the 10 million SSP cash withdrawal restriction, aiming to ease access amid delays in public sector salaries and fiscal pressures. Sports Funding: Cabinet approved funding for national basketball and football teams ahead of FIBA 2027 African qualifiers. Local Governance: Unity State took over health services at Bentiu IDP camp from IOM, and WFP handed over an all-weather airstrip in Leer to improve humanitarian access. Peace & Justice: SSPDF apologized to civilians in Nimule during a civil-military dialogue, adopting a roadmap for trust-building and rule of law. Human Stories: Last two POWs in Akobo are set to return home Saturday, and a South Sudanese father in Egypt struggles after his wife was detained and deported.

Ebola Threat to South Sudan: Africa CDC says nearly 300 Ebola-positive people in DR Congo are unaccounted for amid conflict and limited access to camps, while WHO modelling warns the outbreak has a high chance of reaching South Sudan in coming weeks. Sudan Frontline Alarm: UN and partners warn of imminent mass atrocities as RSF pressure grows around el-Obeid, with drone strikes and humanitarian disruption raising fears for civilians. Economic Moves: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster lifted the SSP 10 million cash withdrawal limit, aiming to ease liquidity strain and support public salaries. Humanitarian Access: WFP handed over an upgraded all-weather airstrip in Leer to improve year-round access for aid, trade and transport. Elections Under Fire: UPA rejects NEC’s plan for December 22 elections, calling for a neutral transitional government and arguing key R-ARCSS security and constitution steps are incomplete. Telecom Costs: NCA approved a phased telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustment to protect service sustainability amid pound depreciation. Infrastructure Safety: Roads and Bridges imposed a 5-ton limit on Kapuri Bridge, banning heavy trucks over structural deterioration.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s push toward December 2026 polls is getting louder on the need for inclusive interparty dialogue, with calls for parties, civil society, and faith groups to meet and reduce mistrust ahead of voting. Conflict-Related Justice: Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Juba renewed demands for accountability, urging faster action on investigations and prosecutions tied to South Sudan’s transitional justice plans. Health & Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan is flagged as high risk in the expanding Ebola/Bundibugyo outbreak, as India rolls out the AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 portal for contactless health screening of international travellers. Telecom Costs: Phone and internet charges are set to rise after South Sudan’s telecom regulator approved phased tariff adjustments, citing inflation and currency pressures. Local Governance: Juba County plans to digitalise land registration to cut land disputes, multiple claims, and fraudulent transfers. Infrastructure Safety: The Roads and Bridges ministry ordered immediate load limits on Kapuri Bridge after inspection found serious structural deterioration. Human Rights & Media Freedom: The Speaker’s office withdrew a directive on using official portraits after media groups raised concerns about editorial independence and press freedom. Eastern Equatoria Administration: The state created two new administrative units, Jie and Ngauro, to improve service delivery in remote areas.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s National Minister of General Education and Instruction, Kuyok Abol Kuyok, warned that county officials detaining aircraft and concerns over exam funds are disrupting the delivery of national exam materials, threatening timely access for learners in remote areas. Migration & Justice: The Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly says over 100 South Sudanese are detained in Libya and 55 are in custody in Kenya, with parliament set to summon the Foreign Affairs and Interior ministers over government support for citizens abroad. Public Administration Reform: Government has launched a headcount and biometric registration for organised forces to clean payrolls, remove “ghost workers,” and build a verified biometric database, with World Bank support. Health & Regional Risk: Ebola continues to surge in the DRC and has reached Europe, raising alarm across the region as South Sudan is listed among high-risk countries; health authorities stress early detection and containment. Food Security & Agriculture: Northern Bahr el Ghazal is investigating a mysterious cattle disease that has killed at least 56 animals, while the Aweil rice scheme is being pushed as a key national food security drive. Culture & Heritage: South Sudan submitted the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to UNESCO for World Heritage listing, with review expected in July.

Ebola Update: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 confirmed cases, with 267 deaths reported and active community transmission raising fears of wider spread across the region. Public Health Response: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the outbreak after a doctor returned from the DRC, with the patient isolated and officials tracing contacts. Food Security & Farming: Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials urged farmers to boost rice production as the Aweil rice scheme is positioned as a key national food-security priority. Livestock Health: Authorities in Aweil East are investigating a mysterious cattle disease that has killed at least 56 animals, restricting movement and collecting samples. Elections & Politics: SPLM-IO criticized the government’s election timetable as premature, saying key peace and security conditions for credible polls are not yet in place. Humanitarian Access: Jonglei Governor Riek Gai Kok accused some aid agencies of engaging “illegitimate” opposition-linked authorities and defended the use of checkpoints. Education: UNESCO and partners launched a mobile learning initiative in Juba to strengthen teacher professional development, including support for women educators. Regional Integration: South Sudan received IGAD’s free movement protocol for ratification, moving it closer to implementation. Culture & Heritage: South Sudan submitted the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape nomination to UNESCO for World Heritage consideration in July.

Teacher Development: UNESCO and partners launched a mobile-based professional development initiative in Juba (17–19 June), targeting teachers and women school leaders who struggle to access regular training. UNESCO Heritage: South Sudan submitted the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape nomination to UNESCO in Paris; the World Heritage Committee will consider it in Busan in July. Elections Update: The NEC declared 22 December 2026 as South Sudan’s general election date, but SPLM-IO says the timetable is premature and warns key conditions for credible polls are not met. Security Monitoring: CTSAMVM says it will investigate fresh ceasefire violations reported in Nasir County, with air patrols planned to verify incidents. Fuel Monopoly Halted: A court suspended Pacific Petroleum’s exclusive fuel import and distribution rights after a public interest challenge over an alleged monopoly. Health Funding Push: Health leaders urged the government to raise the health budget from 1.4% to 15% (Abuja target) to strengthen services and reduce donor dependence. Women’s Support: A widows’ rights activist called for stronger legal protection and economic support for widows as International Widows’ Day was marked. Roads & Connectivity: CS Mbadi announced expansion of the Lake Victoria Ring Road corridor, adding the Kisumu-Busia Highway to reach about 612km. Disaster Risk: In Warrap, a toddler died after a fire started when children tried to burn caterpillars, highlighting dangers from the outbreak.

Elections Countdown: The National Elections Commission has officially declared 22 December 2026 as South Sudan’s general election date, but civil society warns voter registration and key legal and operational issues are still unresolved. Electoral Readiness & Funds: NEC says it needs USD 250m to run the polls but has received only USD 21m, leaving a major funding gap that could affect voter education, logistics, and polling operations. Security Law Under Fire: The National Civil Society Coalition is calling for urgent amendments to the National Security Service Act after the arrest of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor, arguing the law is being used to restrict civic and political space. Health Financing Push: Health officials urge the government to raise health budget allocation from 1.4% to 15% to meet the Abuja Declaration and reduce reliance on donors. Maternal Health Support: MTN South Sudan ends its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, handing over solarised maternal units and restored CT services to Juba Teaching Hospital. Food Insecurity Warning: FAO and WFP warn hunger is set to worsen in South Sudan and other “hunger hotspots” between June and November, driven mainly by conflict and funding shortfalls. Ebola Watch: As DRC’s Ebola outbreak surpasses 1,000 cases, Kenya halts a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility after court action, while Catholic bishops demand transparent dialogue. Women’s Rights: A widows’ rights advocate calls for stronger legal protection and economic support for widows as International Widows’ Day is marked.

Elections Countdown: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set Dec. 22, 2026 for the country’s first general election since independence in 2011, but NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol warned legal amendments, funding and security gaps still need urgent fixes. Political Tensions: SPLM-IO acting chair Nathaniel Pierino says the 2018 peace deal is effectively collapsed and threatened to detain voter registration officials entering SPLM-IO-controlled areas. Hunger Warning: FAO and WFP warn acute food insecurity will worsen in 13 “hunger hotspots” between June and November, naming South Sudan among the most critical, with conflict the main driver and funding shortfalls making it worse. Refugee Day Push: World Refugee Day coverage highlighted how declining support is straining refugee welfare, with calls for stronger funding to protect displaced children and families. Ebola Watch: The U.S. CDC extended a 30-day Ebola-related entry order covering travelers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while local health officials in Yei dismissed an Ebola rumour after tests showed stomach ulcers. Local Security: Warrap authorities detained 30 suspects over Tonj North inter-clan violence, saying cases will be handled through a mobile court. Youth & Skills: The South Sudan National Youth Union launched TVET applications offering training in trades, digital skills and entrepreneurship for young people. Business & Governance: Crawford Capital Ltd denied claims it retains 75% of government revenues, saying it only builds and maintains contracted digital systems. Infrastructure: Juba International Airport says Terminal 3 (ROCO) will open July 9 to ease congestion and expand capacity.

Elections Update: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has set Dec. 22, 2026 for the country’s first post-independence general election, after repeated delays tied to conflict and the Kiir–Machar political standoff. Electoral Readiness: NEC chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol says preparations are underway but warns of legal gaps, funding shortfalls, and logistical hurdles; the commission plans voter registration, timetable publication, and state-by-state distribution of election materials. Political Tensions: SPLM-IO’s acting leader Nathaniel Pierino warns voter registration and campaigning in SPLM-IO areas will be treated as a “prisoner of war” situation, saying the 2018 peace deal is effectively collapsed. NEC Funding Push: NEC says $5 million will be distributed to states and administrative areas this week to support grassroots election work. Civic Space: Civil society groups renewed calls to amend the National Security Service Act after the detention of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor. Health & Rumours: Yei health authorities dismissed an Ebola scare after tests showed severe stomach ulcers instead. Economy & Trade: Juba hosted the Second National Trade Forum, with stakeholders citing weak infrastructure and multiple taxation as key barriers to growth and regional trade. Justice & Peacebuilding: Greater Bahr el Ghazal youth welcomed a reported presidential directive to review political detainees’ cases.

Elections & Governance: The National Elections Commission says it will distribute $5 million for December 2026 preparations to states and three administrative areas this week, stressing political will and a soon-to-be published electoral timetable. Political Dialogue: South Sudan will launch an inter-party dialogue next month to build consensus ahead of the elections, including parties and holdout groups outside the 2018 peace process. Security & Peace: After the killing of Kapoeta East Commissioner Stephen Lowosio Lomongin in a disputed border zone, Presidential Security Advisor Tut Gatluak Manime urged Eastern Equatoria and GPAA leaders to stop inciting youth, while a central committee is set to investigate the incident. Economy & Trade: A national trade forum in Juba flagged weak infrastructure, multiple taxation, limited finance, low production, and informal trade as key barriers, calling for faster implementation and better trade integration. Cash Crisis: A civil society activist urged redesigning or reprinting the South Sudanese Pound to pull cash back into banks amid delayed salaries and liquidity shortages. Health: Northern Bahr el Ghazal began mass distribution of 800,800 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to curb malaria during the rainy season. Regional Support: Japan will extend its UN peacekeeping headquarters deployment in South Sudan by one year. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Kenya’s Ports Authority moved ahead with plans for a Moyale dry port and Lake Turkana ferry services under the Lamu–South Sudan–Ethiopia corridor.

Public Service & Corruption: A fresh debate is growing over administrative corruption and how it weakens service delivery and public trust. Cash Crunch & Currency: A civil society activist says redesigning the South Sudanese Pound could pull cash back into banks after delayed salaries and cash shortages leave workers unable to withdraw. Elections Roadmap: Government officials say an inter-party dialogue will start next month to build consensus ahead of December 2026 polls, including parties outside the 2018 peace process. Peace & Security: IGAD urged strict adherence to the Revitalised peace agreement after talks with President Salva Kiir, while a security advisor called on Eastern Equatoria and Pibor leaders to stop youth incitement after the Kapoeta East commissioner killing. Health: Northern Bahr el Ghazal launched distribution of 800,800 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to fight malaria as rainy season begins. Humanitarian & Food: UN agencies warn hunger could worsen between June and November in 13 hotspots, with South Sudan among the most at risk. Infrastructure: Construction of South Sudan’s $300m State House is set to resume and target completion in September 2027. Regional Support: Japan extended its UN peacekeeping deployment in South Sudan by one year.

Public Finance & Salaries: Cabinet has referred concerns over delayed civil-servant and diplomatic mission salary payments to the Economic Cluster, citing liquidity pressures, disruptions in electronic payments, and a cash crunch where many South Sudanese pounds are reportedly being hoarded outside banks. Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan will launch an inter-party dialogue next month to build consensus ahead of the December 2026 elections, including parties and holdout groups outside the 2018 peace deal. Peace Process Oversight: IGAD urged strict adherence to the Revitalised Peace Agreement provisions after talks with President Salva Kiir, stressing confidence-building and a peaceful, inclusive transition. Local Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony launched construction of the new Kajo-Keji County headquarters and pledged $10,000 to strengthen local services. Health & Malaria: Northern Bahr el Ghazal began distributing 800,800 insecticide-treated mosquito nets using community volunteers and digital registration to curb malaria during the rainy season. Regional Trade: Government officials pushed for a trade breakthrough beyond oil dependence at a national trade forum, urging stronger East African market integration. Ebola Watch (Regional): UNHCR warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is threatening more than two million displaced people amid ongoing fighting and population movements.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan will launch an inter-party dialogue next month to build consensus ahead of the December 2026 elections, with Adut Salva Kiir’s office saying the talks will widen participation beyond the 2018 peace deal. Peace Process: IGAD urged President Salva Kiir to strictly follow the Revitalised Agreement provisions after high-level meetings on elections and political transition. AU Mediation: SPLM-IO raised election and security concerns with AU envoy Jakaya Kikwete during consultations in Juba. State House Project: The $300m presidential State House is back on track after a halt, with completion now set for September 2027. Local Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony launched construction of Kajo-Keji County headquarters and pledged $10,000. Humanitarian Crisis: UNHCR warns Ebola in eastern DR Congo threatens more than two million displaced people, as fighting and population movements raise transmission risks. Health Response: Rwandan peacekeepers provided free medical care to over 300 people in South Sudan. Food Security: UN agencies warn acute hunger could worsen in 13 hotspots between June and November, with South Sudan among the worst affected. Refugees & World Refugee Day: World Refugee Day coverage highlights growing displacement and shrinking durable solutions. Regional Security: Japan extended its SDF dispatch to the UN mission HQ in South Sudan by one year. Infrastructure & Trade: UNMISS donated laptops and registry materials to the judiciary to improve service delivery.