AGP Executive Report

Elections Watch: The Political Parties Council set June 30, 2026 as the hard registration deadline for parties seeking to contest South Sudan’s historic 2026 general elections, warning late applicants will be excluded. Central Equatoria Security: President Salva Kiir directed Central Equatoria State to tighten security and maintain peace as election preparations continue, urging unity and civic participation. Displacement & Durable Solutions: The government and UN will meet in Juba on June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for the displaced, with a target of helping 60,000 people by Dec 31, 2026. Health & Diagnostics: MTN South Sudan pledged to fund repairs of the CT scanner at Juba Teaching Hospital after months of downtime affecting patient access to affordable diagnosis. Justice in Nasir: In the Nasir incident trial, suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol told the Special Court he could not recall vehicle registration numbers tied to his arrest, while also describing efforts to prevent clashes with the SSPDF garrison. Violence on the Ground: At least 14 people were killed and 23 injured in a cattle camp raid in Unity State’s Rubkona County, with attackers stealing over 200 cattle. Ebola Cross-Border Pressure: A U.S.-backed regional Ebola response will expand border screening and surveillance support in South Sudan, as countries tighten and coordinate measures amid the outbreak.

Ebola Policy Clash: WHO urged countries to lift recent travel restrictions tied to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, days after Canada paused visa approvals and imposed 21-day self-isolation for arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan—while Ottawa said it will adapt measures but insists on protecting Canadians. US Visa Pressure on South Sudan: The US temporarily halted visa services at its embassies in South Sudan, DRC and Uganda, citing Ebola-related public health safety; existing visas remain valid but new appointments are suspended. Elections & Security: President Salva Kiir directed Central Equatoria to tighten security and maintain peace as national elections near, calling for unity and civic readiness while awaiting the official electoral timetable. IDPs in Juba: Government and UN partners will meet in Juba on June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for displaced people, with a UN team assessing projects in Malakal ahead of the talks. Health Workers’ Strain: Lakes State nurses and midwives renewed calls for better working conditions, citing delayed salaries, shortages of supplies and limited facility resources. Courtroom Update (Nasir): In the Nasir incident trial, suspended minister Puot Kang Chol said he cannot recall vehicle registration numbers allegedly taken during his arrest, as judges pressed on details. Urban Planning for Juba: A Chinese delegation arrived for a 20-day technical assessment for the Juba Smart City project, including security and urban management upgrades ahead of December elections.

South Sudan Sanctions Clash: Juba says renewed UN sanctions and the arms embargo are “counterproductive,” arguing they weaken state security institutions and hurt efforts to implement peace and protect civilians. Ebola Border Alert: South Sudan’s police chief urges tighter border monitoring and tougher action against illegal crossings as WHO warns of a fast-spreading Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda, with no licensed vaccine. Parliament Payroll Cleanup: South Sudan’s National Assembly launches a staff screening exercise to fix payroll irregularities and streamline workforce management. Education Results: The ministry releases 2025 S.4 exam results with an 80.7% pass rate, led by Darling Wisdom Academy. Regional Return Pressure: Refugee leaders in Uganda report more South Sudanese youth returning home voluntarily—then coming back due to insecurity, food shortages and unemployment. Kenya-AfDB Blow: Kenya forfeits AfDB shares after missing a payment, weakening its voting clout as it leans more on the lender. Global Health Shock: UN warns funding cuts are creating “unprecedented” hunger gaps, with WFP facing a 75% shortfall.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says the DRC outbreak is worsening fast, with 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths plus 116 suspected cases, while Uganda reports 15 total cases; WHO chief Tedros in Bunia stressed community trust as the key to stopping spread. US–Kenya Ebola Standoff: Kenya’s High Court extended a halt on a proposed US Ebola facility near Nanyuki after deadly protests, as Washington pushes quarantine plans and legal challenges grow. Food Aid Alarm: UN warns of unprecedented WFP funding gaps with a 75% shortfall, risking millions going hungry as malnutrition clinics close. South Sudan Governance: Parliament speaker Joseph Ngere Paciko launched a workforce screening to fix payroll irregularities and streamline staffing. Local Administration: Four Yei local administrators were transferred to Juba City Council in a routine reshuffle. Education Update: South Sudan released 2025 CSE results: 80.7% pass rate and top performers from Darling Wisdom Academy. Justice in Court: Suspended petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol asked court to acquit him, calling the case politically motivated and lacking proof. Public Safety & Law: A legal expert urged police and prosecutors to be trained to tackle cybercrime and online sexual abuse cases. Peacekeeping Recognition: UN honoured over 550 Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan with the Medal of Honour.

Ebola Shockwave: South Sudan rejected U.S. criticism after UN sanctions and the arms embargo renewal, arguing the measures undermine peace implementation and security-sector reforms, while across the region Ebola fears keep rising as Africa CDC warns the Bundibugyo strain could spread faster than response capacity allows. Regional Health Security: Kenya’s President William Ruto defended a US-funded Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base as a long-standing partnership to boost surveillance, even as hundreds of protesters in Nanyuki demanded it be stopped. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: UNMISS honoured 565 Indian and 464 Rwandan peacekeepers with the UN Medal of Honour in Malakal, including 53 women among the Indians, for patrols, community engagement and combating gender violence. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir urged Central and Western Equatoria leaders to tighten peace and security ahead of 2026 elections, while three NEC officials went to Russia for electoral training. Economy & Trade: South Sudan’s Trade Ministry met businesses over high taxes, FX instability, border delays, power shortages and counterfeit goods—issues driving up costs and hurting growth.

UN Sanctions & Security Reform: The UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions for 12 months, extending the arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze, while the U.S. urged Juba to declare a nationwide ceasefire and release political detainees. Elections & Political Mobilisation: Opposition Alliance leader Hussein Abdelbagi Akol urged Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to back President Salva Kiir ahead of the December 2026 elections, framing the vote as a test of unity and religious freedom. Party Politics: SPLM’s new Eastern Equatoria secretary, Akileo Mboya Peter, promised grassroots mobilisation and party unity as the party prepares for elections. Aviation Oversight: South Supreme Airlines’ planned return to the skies was blocked by the Civil Aviation Authority, which said the airline has not been cleared to resume flights. Mining & Community Rights: A Juba workshop warned that weak mining regulation can fuel environmental damage, displacement and rights abuses, calling for stronger community participation. Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned that lack of licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and intense movement across DRC, Uganda and South Sudan could drive wider spread, as suspected cases top 1,100 and regional health ministers coordinate responses. Korea-Africa Diplomacy: South Korea hosted its first ministerial meeting with African states in Seoul, pushing deeper cooperation on infrastructure, industrialisation and technology, with health agencies included in the agenda.

Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to reconsider travel bans after visiting Bunia as suspected Ebola cases surge in eastern DR Congo and spread risk grows across borders; Regional Health Governance: The East African Community will hold an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers on June 1–2 to coordinate cross-border surveillance, rapid response and shared protocols, with a focus on the Bundibugyo strain affecting DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan; UN Peacekeeping Funding: UNMISS warned that UN-wide financial pressures are forcing base closures and reductions in peacekeeping personnel even as insecurity and displacement continue ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 elections; Humanitarian Crisis: Western Equatoria’s deputy governor appealed for urgent aid for over 10,000 displaced people in Mundri East after months of conflict and cattle-related violence, citing shortages of food, water, healthcare and education; Local Security: In Yei River County, eight members of the “45 gang” surrendered voluntarily, with authorities promising protection and urging vocational support to prevent re-recruitment; Digital Accountability: A South Sudanese activist urged enforcement of cybercrime laws after videos of sexual abuse of women circulated online, calling for investigations and prosecutions.

Ebola Response in the Region: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in eastern DR Congo, urging community trust and safe burials while warning that travel bans and border closures discourage transparency; the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, with figures cited around 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths in Congo and confirmed spread into Uganda. Regional Coordination: East African Community health ministers set an emergency virtual meeting for June 1–2 to align cross-border surveillance, rapid response, and Ebola protocols after suspected deaths and cases rise across DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. UN Peacekeeping Pressure: UNMISS said UN financial constraints are forcing base closures and reduced personnel even as insecurity and displacement continue ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 elections. Sanctions Watch: The UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions for one year, extending asset freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo, with Pakistan abstaining and citing the need for sanctions to support political solutions. Accountability Milestone: South Sudan’s historic Lundin war crimes trial in Sweden wrapped up after three years, with survivors seeking compensation and accountability over Block 5A abuses. Humanitarian Strain: Western Equatoria officials appealed for urgent aid for over 10,000 displaced people in Mundri East after conflict and cattle-related violence. Online Gender Violence: Activist Yakani urged South Sudan’s cybercrime and communications authorities to investigate and prosecute social media videos of sexual abuse of South Sudanese women.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Bunia, Ituri, urging community-led action and safe burials as confirmed cases in eastern DR Congo nearly doubled to 225, with 1,028 suspected cases and 220+ suspected deaths; he warned travel bans and border closures discourage transparency. Cross-Border Health Measures: The CDC expanded Ebola screenings to New York’s JFK and other major US airports for travelers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while Mexico, Canada and airlines announced entry restrictions. Public Trust and Violence: In Mongwalu, police fired shots to disperse crowds trying to reclaim Ebola victims’ bodies, reflecting mistrust and tensions around treatment centres. South Sudan Governance & Sanctions: UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions, extending the arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes to May 31, 2027; Amnesty said the move is key for civilian protection. Infrastructure Pressure: Civil society renewed calls to urgently rehabilitate the Juba–Nimule highway, saying slow works are driving up transport costs and worsening living conditions. UN Peacekeeping: UNMISS warned UN funding shortfalls threaten civilian protection and peacekeeping in South Sudan as insecurity and humanitarian needs rise.

UN Sanctions Renewed: The UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions for another year, extending an arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes until May 31, 2027, and keeping the Panel of Experts in place until July 1, 2027; the US said progress on 2018 peace benchmarks has been limited amid worsening political and security conditions, while South Sudan’s UN envoy argued the arms embargo undermines civilian protection and border security. Peacekeeping Day Signals: As International Day of UN Peacekeepers was marked, UNMISS in Juba paid tribute to 13 fallen peacekeepers and warned that UN-wide funding shortfalls are forcing drawdowns and base closures, even as it pushes “invest in peace.” Food Crisis Pressure: The UN warned more than 7 million people in South Sudan need urgent food aid, calling the situation dangerous and time-sensitive. Ebola Spillover Shock: Ebola-related travel restrictions and airport screenings intensified globally as the DRC outbreak worsened, with WHO reporting hundreds of suspected cases and a high death rate among confirmed Bundibugyo cases—raising fresh regional and border-control anxieties for South Sudan. Global Peacekeeping Funding Debate: Africa CDC said partner funding for the Ebola response has dropped sharply, sparking anger as health workers face mounting strain.

UN Peacekeeping & Politics: UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho marked UN Peacekeepers Day in Juba by warning that peace in South Sudan cannot survive without genuine political compromise and an immediate end to hostilities, as insecurity and displacement continue and UN operations face financial drawdowns. Sanctions & Accountability: The UN Security Council renewed South Sudan sanctions for another year, including an arms embargo, with the U.S. blaming President Salva Kiir and other leaders for failing to meet benchmarks. Humanitarian Crisis: The UN says 7.2 million people in South Sudan need urgent food assistance, warning the country is racing toward famine conditions amid violence, economic hardship and displacement. Ebola Spillover & Borders: As Ebola spreads in the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, the U.S. expanded “public health entry screening” to JFK and other major airports, while WHO says the outbreak “can be stopped” but is “very complex” due to conflict and distrust. Regional Security: In Greater Pibor, authorities say 81 women and children abducted in an April attack remain missing, urging action from Jonglei State.

Ebola Border Crackdown: Uganda shut its border with the DRC as Ebola fears mount, citing rising cases and deaths and warning South Sudan has limited testing capacity. Regional Health Pressure: The WHO says the DRC outbreak is worsening fast, with suspected cases now above 1,000 and aid groups warning it could become the “deadliest on record” amid conflict and funding cuts. South Sudan in the Crosshairs: While no cases are reported in South Sudan, international health agencies are watching closely, and travel rules increasingly treat Juba as part of the risk zone. Travel Curbs Spread Globally: The US expanded enhanced Ebola screening to more airports including JFK, while Canada imposed a 90-day entry suspension and quarantine rules for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan; Nigeria also put multiple states on high alert. Diplomacy & Peacekeeping: UN marks International Day of UN Peacekeepers on June 5, honouring 68 fallen peacekeepers including South Sudan-linked personnel, as global conflict and disease strain operations. Economy Angle: A new AfDB outlook warns East Africa’s growth could weaken further, with diaspora remittances seen as a potential buffer.

Ebola Response, Kenya-US Deal: Kenya has given written approval for the U.S. to set up a quarantine facility in central Kenya (Laikipia) for Americans exposed to the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, with officials saying symptomatic people will not be brought back to the U.S. Public Health, Funding Pressure: Africa CDC says global pledges to fight Ebola have nearly halved since Monday, dropping from about $500m to around $290m, as cases in Congo and Uganda surge. Travel Measures, World Cup Security: The U.S., Canada and Mexico announced aligned Ebola travel measures for World Cup arrivals, while the U.S. expanded enhanced airport screening to major hubs including JFK, Atlanta, Washington Dulles and Houston. Regional Politics, South Sudan Narrative: In Juba, Ambassador Garang Deng Aguer rejected claims that tribalism drives arrests and military actions, arguing power groups target opponents regardless of ethnicity. South Sudan Governance, Digital Integration: South Sudan reaffirmed plans for a modern, interoperable digital public infrastructure at a forum in Tallinn, focusing on secure data exchange and regional integration. Oil & Justice, Sudan War Crimes: A Swedish court wrapped hearings in the long-running trial of two former oil executives accused over alleged war crimes linked to Sudan’s civil war, with a ruling expected in December.

Ebola Response & US Policy: The Trump administration says Americans exposed to Ebola abroad will be sent to a new quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, not flown back to the US, with details still unclear on location and whether Nairobi has signed off; Regional Health Security: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project with WHO and IFRC to strengthen cross-border pandemic readiness across East Africa, including South Sudan; Ebola Outbreak Escalation (DRC/Uganda): The DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 suspected cases, with Uganda closing its border with Congo and tightening movement as WHO warns the disease is colliding with conflict; South Sudan Link: South Sudan is named among countries facing heightened Ebola risk and travel scrutiny as regional measures tighten; Humanitarian Fallout (Sudan): Fighting has expanded into Sudan’s Blue Nile region, worsening displacement and humanitarian access, adding pressure to already fragile health systems.

Ebola Response, U.S.-Kenya: The White House confirmed the U.S. will set up an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya for Americans exposed in the DRC, rather than flying them home, while Marco Rubio reiterated Washington will not allow Ebola cases to enter the U.S. Border Security, Uganda: Uganda ordered closure of its border with the DRC as WHO warned the outbreak is a “catastrophic collision of disease and conflict,” urging an immediate ceasefire to protect containment efforts. Travel Curbs, Canada & Bahamas: Canada announced a 90-day entry ban for residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan plus 21-day quarantine for returning citizens/permanent residents; the Bahamas imposed a 30-day ban with enhanced screening. South Sudan Politics, Ceasefire: The SSPDF accused opposition forces of attacking positions in Jonglei and Central Equatoria, saying troops remain defensive but reserving the right to self-defence under international law. Energy & Regional Integration: South Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Dams signed an MoU with NELSAP-CU to lead resource mobilization for baseline and feasibility studies on the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, alongside talks to accelerate the South Sudan–Uganda power interconnection. Aid & Governance: Nuer officials rejected claims of ethnic targeting, saying operations target armed groups and warning that misinformation could inflame tensions ahead of December polls.

Ebola Border Crackdown: Canada has tightened entry rules for people coming from Ebola-affected DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, suspending immigration document processing and ordering a 21-day self-isolation for arrivals, with measures running until late August. Airport Screening Escalation: The U.S. is also widening where travelers must be screened, adding JFK alongside Dulles, Atlanta and Houston as the outbreak spreads. Kenya Quarantine Plan: Reports say the Trump administration is considering sending Ebola-exposed Americans to Kenya for quarantine and possible treatment, pending Kenyan approval—an approach that would keep cases off U.S. soil. India’s Test Case: In Bengaluru, a Ugandan woman quarantined over suspected Ebola tested negative, but India keeps surveillance and travel advisories in place. Outbreak Reality Check: Western Uganda and eastern DRC remain the pressure points, with experts warning the Bundibugyo strain and spillover risks could outpace preparedness.