AGP Executive Report

Elections Watch: Eastern Equatoria launched its State High Election Committee office and a statewide civic and voter education drive ahead of the Dec. 22 polls, with officials saying they will verify polling stations and travel to counties, payams and bomas as security allows. Martyrs’ Day & Youth: At the Veterans House in Juba, a senior Ministry of Defence official urged youth to reject “destructive politics,” pursue education and skills, and back peace and unity as the country heads toward elections. Governance & Parties: A political group signed a declaration backing peaceful political competition, rule of law and rejection of violence and hate speech ahead of general elections. Local Service Delivery: Central Equatoria said it plans vocational training, agriculture projects and rehabilitation of recreational spaces to empower young people, while Lakes State highlighted a community cost-sharing scheme keeping a primary health centre running when funding delays hit. Wildlife Protection: Northern Bahr el Ghazal graduated 46 wildlife rangers from Lantoto National Park after law enforcement and anti-poaching training. International Pressure: The WHO warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace and has become the largest recorded in the country, with no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain; India reported screening 10,974 travellers from Ebola-affected countries with no cases detected. Regional Trade: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor to cut cargo transit times and costs. Finance & Institutions: The Bank of South Sudan’s new governor pledged to prioritize staff welfare after strikes and arrears under his predecessor.

Elections & Governance: A political group within South Sudan’s Other Political Parties signed a declaration backing peaceful elections on Dec. 22, pledging rule of law, dialogue, and rejection of violence and hate speech. Youth & Security: On Martyrs’ Day, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs urged youth to shun “destructive politics,” pursue education and skills, and build peace through discipline. Central Equatoria Politics: The Governor’s office in Central Equatoria denied claims by the National Patriotic Movement that it blocked a rally in Lainya, calling the allegations misleading and politically motivated. Economy & Money: A legal expert says South Sudan could face international enforcement after a U.S. court recognized a $1.02bn Qatar National Bank arbitration award, opening the door to asset recovery efforts. Health & Services: Northern Bahr el Ghazal education officials warned teachers against extorting unauthorized fees from learners ahead of the election period. Veterans Welfare: Wounded veterans in Juba appealed for urgent medical support, saying 300 died over the past year due to lack of treatment and unaffordable care. Wildlife Protection: Lantoto National Park graduated 46 wildlife rangers after law enforcement and anti-poaching training, urging them to protect animals while maintaining community relations. Regional Trade: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor to cut transit time and transport costs from Mombasa. International Watch: Saudi Arabia temporarily banned entry for travellers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan as a precaution linked to Ebola spread.

Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan’s peace sponsors are “jittery” as Juba kicks off a voter drive for the December polls, with monitors warning that amending the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement could still leave the country divided if key partners are isolated and institutions remain weak. Central Banking & Economy: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow as Bank of South Sudan governor and warned that failures in the financial sector will not be tolerated, as liquidity shortages and currency pressure continue to shake public confidence. Governance & Party Politics: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony’s office denied NPM claims that he blocked a Lainya rally, calling the allegations misleading and politically motivated. Local Health Service Survival: In Lakes State’s Matangai, a community cost-sharing scheme (SSP 1,000) is helping keep a primary health centre running when government funding and partner support lag. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites in Busan, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape and the country’s antelope migration route placed on the danger list. Public Health: WHO declared the DRC’s Ebola outbreak the largest ever recorded in the country, with sustained transmission and rising cases, while Africa CDC warned that insecurity and displacement are constraining response efforts. International Legal Pressure: A U.S. court recognized and enforced Qatar National Bank’s $1.02 billion arbitration award against South Sudan, opening the door to enforcement actions in jurisdictions where assets may be held.

Banking Reform: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow as Bank of South Sudan governor and warned that failures in the financial sector will no longer be tolerated, as South Sudan grapples with liquidity stress and a weakening SSP. Central Equatoria Politics: Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony’s office denied NPM claims that it blocked a rally in Lainya, saying the allegations are misleading and politically motivated. Health & Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warned that DRC’s Ebola response is constrained even as Uganda is praised for containing the outbreak; meanwhile, the DRC outbreak has surged past 3,500 cases, with response gaps tied to contact-tracing limits. Legal/International Risk for South Sudan: A U.S. court recognized Qatar National Bank’s $1.02bn arbitration award against South Sudan, raising the prospect of enforcement actions in jurisdictions where assets may be reachable. Elections & Civic Space: NEC and civil society coverage continues to push for credible December elections, while concerns grow over delays and insecurity affecting voter confidence. Heritage & Peacebuilding: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape, and UNESCO/IOM launched youth and women-focused peacebuilding projects in Jonglei, GPAA, and Western Equatoria.

Central Banking & Economy: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow for a second term as Bank of South Sudan governor, warning that failures in the financial sector will no longer be tolerated and pushing urgent reforms to tackle liquidity stress and restore confidence. Elections & Civic Space: CEPO says South Sudanese are losing confidence in December 2026 election preparations as voter education is delayed by funding gaps and insecurity worsens; meanwhile, NPM accuses Governor Emmanuel Adil of blocking a rally in Lainya despite approvals, adding to fears of shrinking political space. Border & Trade: A ministerial economic reforms committee ordered security agencies along the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks to collect taxes or fees, directing revenue collection to authorized institutions at Nimule. Regional Diplomacy: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged sustainable funding for Somalia’s AUSSOM mission and discussed South Sudan and Great Lakes security with Uganda’s Museveni. Public Health Watch: India reported screening 10,974 passengers from Ebola-affected countries, including South Sudan, with no cases detected so far. UNESCO & Conservation: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage site, boosting protection for major wildlife corridors.

Central Bank Shake-up: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow for a second term as Bank of South Sudan governor, warning that failures in the financial sector won’t be tolerated and pushing urgent reforms to tackle liquidity and confidence. Elections & Security: VP James Wani Igga told Northern Bahr el Ghazal to keep peace and security front and centre as December 2026 polls approach. Border Tensions: Kajokeji’s commissioner says no new fighting has resumed, but both sides remain positioned with fresh Ugandan reinforcements—meaning violence could restart. Trade Pressure at Nimule: A ministerial economic reforms committee ordered security agencies to stop intercepting trucks on the Juba–Nimule Highway to collect unofficial taxes, directing revenue collection to authorised points. UN & Peacekeeping: Zambia’s Major General Laston Ngosa was approved as UNMISS Deputy Force Commander. UNESCO Win: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage Site. Public Health Watch: DRC Ebola surged to record levels, with Africa CDC warning response constraints as South Sudan is among countries screened for Ebola travellers. Women’s Legal Community: Juba advocate Basfila Baniso-Loro was elected WAAS president in the association’s 2026 executive vote.

Martyrs’ Day & Peace Push: President Salva Kiir marked July 30 in Juba, honouring civilians and fallen SPLA heroes and urging South Sudanese to keep working for peace as the country heads toward December elections. Inclusive Sports: A Juba workshop backed expanded para-sports for visually impaired athletes, highlighting South Sudan’s blind football progress and calling for stronger government support. Central Equatoria Digital Skills: The state unveiled DISK, a five-year plan to train over 8,000 people in digital literacy through centres in Juba and Yei. Central Bank Shake-up: Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and named Addis Ababa Othow, amid economic pressure from oil revenue decline, inflation and currency weakness. Peace Implementation Watch: CTSAMVM’s outgoing chair urged signatories to recommit to the permanent ceasefire as localised insecurity continues to disrupt the revitalised peace deal. Eastern Equatoria SPLM Mobilisation: SPLM launched a major membership drive in Torit, while senior figures defected into SPLM ahead of polls. Humanitarian Access Concern: Save the Children appealed to recover seized vehicles in Jonglei, warning delays are hurting aid delivery. Security in Abyei: UNISFA wrapped a five-day operation to reduce public weapon displays and restrict unauthorised armed movement. Counterfeit Dollars Probe: Aweil police detained a man over alleged counterfeiting of US dollars, citing a wider network. Elections Debate: Opinion pieces and political commentary renewed the argument over whether elections should proceed now or after more peace and civic reforms.

Martyrs’ Day Commemorations: President Salva Kiir marked 30 July with tributes to millions of civilians and fallen heroes of the liberation struggle at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, urging unity and remembrance of the sacrifices that birthed the nation. Central Bank Shake-up: Kiir dismissed economist Johnny Ohisa as central bank governor and reappointed Addis Ababa Othow, a move analysts link to power consolidation amid economic strain and insecurity ahead of the December 2026 elections. Election Politics at State Level: SPLM launched a mass membership registration and mobilisation drive in Eastern Equatoria, while SPLM leaders in Torit also used Martyrs’ Day events to push peace and rally support ahead of polls. Peace Implementation Watch: CTSAMVM’s outgoing chair urged signatories to recommit to the permanent ceasefire, warning that localised insecurity and restrictions on its movement continue to undermine R-ARCSS. Governance & Revenue: Government announced new reforms to boost revenue collection at the Nimule border, including tighter tax payment rules, removal of illegal roadblocks, and penalties for banks that fail to comply. Humanitarian Access: Save the Children appealed for recovery of seized humanitarian vehicles and assets in Jonglei, saying the absence is disrupting aid delivery. Public Health: Unity State reported over 4,700 cholera cases across seven counties, with Rubkona the most affected. Security & Justice: Central Equatoria and Northern Bahr el Ghazal reported arrests over counterfeit U.S. dollars, while court proceedings continued in the Nasir incident case with Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam denying coordination of the attack.

Central Banking Shake-up: President Salva Kiir has fired Bank of South Sudan governor Johnny Ohisa Damian and reappointed his predecessor, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, effective immediately, amid inflation and chronic cash shortages. Elections Under Scrutiny: A Catholic bishop says South Sudan is not ready for its first-ever general election, citing lack of civic education, voter registration preparations, and monitoring planning, even as the government insists the country must go to the polls. US Consular Changes: The U.S. will end routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from August 1, 2026, shifting applicants to regional hubs; Juba is listed among affected posts. Peace and Diplomacy: Nigeria urged South Sudan to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Accord, end conflicts, and create conditions for credible December 2026 presidential elections. Health and Capacity: Thirty South Sudanese medics completed a Chinese language course in Juba to improve communication with Chinese counterparts and support patient care. Infrastructure Watch: Civil society is calling for urgent rehabilitation of the Wau–Baziya–Raja Road after rainy-season damage is isolating communities and worsening access to healthcare. Global Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites in Busan, including South Sudan’s first-ever inscription.

Elections & Governance: The UN backed South Sudan’s nationwide civic and voter education drive as December 2026 polls near, while political parties urged transparency and RJMEC warned unresolved security, legal and political issues could still derail a peaceful, credible vote. Political Accountability: Suspended First Vice President Riek Machar told a special court he is being denied regular access to his defense lawyers, raising fresh concerns over fair-trial conditions. Youth & Representation: The National Youth Union is pushing parties to reserve at least 20% leadership slots for young people ahead of the election. Peace Implementation: RJMEC said incomplete transitional security arrangements and displacement remain major obstacles to implementing the revitalised peace deal. Infrastructure & Service Delivery: Civil society in Western Bahr el Ghazal urged urgent rehabilitation of the Wau–Baziya–Raja road, saying rainy-season damage is isolating communities and worsening access to healthcare. Public Health: WHO said South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness has risen to 65% as DRC cases surge, with border screening and lab capacity being strengthened. International Watch: The US announced it will end routine visa processing at its Abuja mission and 24 other African posts from August 1, including Juba. Global Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites in Busan, with South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape among the first-ever inscriptions for the country.

Elections & Civic Education: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has kicked off a nationwide civic and voter education drive in Juba, with political leaders urging inclusive dialogue, better security, and adequate funding to make the December 22 polls credible. Women’s Political Participation: The Women Union is pushing intensified grassroots voter education and calling on parties to back more women to register, vote, and contest elective seats. Local Governance & Connectivity: Kauto leaders in Eastern Equatoria renewed calls for urgent expansion of mobile network coverage, saying poor connectivity is hurting security coordination and humanitarian response. Justice & Rule of Law: A legal explanation on South Sudan’s criminal justice system says reconciliation or compensation by victims does not automatically stop prosecution when public interest is involved, highlighted in the Richard Ruai assault case. Humanitarian Health: Central Equatoria’s health ministry appealed for support for Kajo-keji IDPs, warning of high risks of disease outbreaks amid displacement. International Courts & Finance: A US court ordered South Sudan to pay Qatar National Bank about $1.02bn over an ICSID ruling tied to wartime loans. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage session in Busan inscribed 25 new sites globally and fast-tracked South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape onto the World Heritage in Danger list. Sports: South Sudan U18 will play Uganda in the bronze medal playoff after a semi-final exit at the FIBA Zone 5 U18 Championship.

South Sudan Elections: The National Elections Commission launched a nationwide civic and voter education drive for the December 2026 general elections, promising a neutral, non-partisan process and urging women, youth, persons with disabilities and displaced communities to register and understand voting procedures and rights. Political Consensus: Civil society and the Women’s Union warned that without political consensus, election season could spark violence, urging parties to avoid hate speech, intimidation and misuse of state power. Border Revenue Push: A government economic reform committee arrived in Nimule to assess operations at the main border crossing, aiming to cut revenue leakages and improve coordination among customs, immigration and security agencies. Constitutional Court Delay: South Sudan’s Supreme Court adjourned the Ajing Deng Ajing constitutional petition again due to lack of quorum, setting a new hearing date for August 13. Mine Action Support: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and equipment to strengthen South Sudan’s mine action capacity, boosting survey and explosive risk education in multiple states. UNESCO Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape, fast-tracking it onto the World Heritage in Danger list over conflict, poaching and infrastructure pressures.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has kicked off a nationwide civic and voter education campaign ahead of the December 22 general elections, stressing neutrality and urging women, youth, people with disabilities and IDPs to register and vote peacefully. Civil Registration Reform: The government is moving toward a nationwide digital civil registry, shifting birth certificate issuance from hospitals to the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration, and introducing digital national IDs for adults. Peace Monitoring Leadership: CTSAMVM has welcomed a new chairperson and deputy chairperson as the ceasefire and transitional security monitoring continues under the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Governance & Courts: A U.S. court has ruled in favor of Qatar National Bank in its $1.02bn dispute against South Sudan and the Bank of South Sudan, enforcing an ICSID award. Health & Media: Health authorities, with WHO and UNICEF support, have urged journalists to rely on verified guidance when reporting Ebola, warning against misinformation and highlighting cross-border risk. International Spotlight: UNESCO has inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as the country’s first World Heritage site, while also listing it as “in danger” over conflict and poaching.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has kicked off a nationwide civic and voter education drive ahead of the December 22 general elections, promising a strictly non-partisan campaign and rolling out a seven-step voting guide for registration, ballot handling, indelible ink, and peaceful voting. Civic Space & Rights: A human rights defenders network warned voter education won’t work where fear and intimidation prevail, urging protection of civic freedoms and electoral integrity. Security & Accountability in Court: In the Nasir violence trial, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam accused SSPDF of uncoordinated deployments and counterinsurgency tactics that, he says, undermined the 2018 peace deal. Humanitarian Pressure: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil visited displaced families in Kajo-Keji after border clashes, delivering food aid and urging communities to respect joint border resolutions. Public Health: Health experts urged journalists to rely on verified guidance as South Sudan remains at risk of Ebola amid cross-border movement. UNESCO & Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape was inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also placed on the “in danger” list due to conflict and poaching. Telecom Costs: Mobile operators announced a second phase of tariff increases approved by the National Communication Authority, raising call and data prices.

Elections & Governance: A voter education campaign under “Your Vote is Your Future” was launched in Juba by the National Election Commission, but civil society warns it won’t be enough without a peaceful political environment, legal clarity, and timely funding for registration and key electoral steps. Security & Elections Prep: Western Bahr el Ghazal began training 1,011 police recruits (135 women) to secure the 22 December elections, with officials stressing professionalism and non-partisanship. Border Crisis & Humanitarian Response: Central Equatoria’s health minister urged partners to support displaced families after South Sudan-Uganda border clashes, warning overcrowding could trigger disease outbreaks; the state governor also visited families in Kajo-Keji with food aid. Public Safety & Institutions: The Interior Minister paid tribute to late Senior Police Director General Atem Aruei De Mabior, praising his service in criminal investigations and crimes prevention. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List, while also placing it on the World Heritage in Danger list via emergency action over threats like poaching, infrastructure pressure, and insecurity. Health Threats: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak surged toward 3,200 cases with over 1,400 deaths, raising renewed concern for cross-border spread affecting the region including South Sudan.

UNESCO & Heritage Protection: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List and also placed it on the World Heritage in Danger, citing poaching, trafficking, insecurity, and weak capacity—alongside other global sites facing conflict and climate pressure. Border Tensions & Community Peace: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil visited displaced families in Kajo-Keji, urging support for renewed South Sudan–Uganda joint security resolutions after community dialogue in Arua. Elections & Civic Prep: South Sudan’s NEC is set to launch a civic and voter education campaign ahead of December polls, following President Kiir’s R-ARCSS amendment that clears the legal path for elections. Governance & Revenue: The South Sudan Revenue Authority moved taxpayers to pay assessed taxes in SSP through designated banks (with slips for receipts), aiming to improve transparency and tackle liquidity issues. Security & Poll Risks: A new analysis warns illicit arms smuggling remains a major threat to December elections, undermining the fragile transition. Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities and partners flagged poaching and habitat loss, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement around the Great Nile Migration Landscape. Health Watch (Regional): DRC Ebola figures keep rising, with health teams struggling to track cases and labs running low on testing kits, while cross-border movement controls tighten.