AGP Executive Report

Community Voices: Christian Aid’s Oct. 14 roadshow in Salisbury will feature South Sudanese partners sharing stories of communities affected by conflict and climate change, including women’s rights advocate Angelina Nyajima Simon Jial. Faith & Safety: South Sudan’s church leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to arming young people, warning that violence is killing and displacing civilians and blocking aid. Education: University of Juba’s Digital Agriculture Programme resumes lectures on Oct. 8 after months of disruption. Heritage & Arts: Central Equatoria’s governor has backed plans for a National Museum, while a separate initiative plans a free recording studio for South Sudanese artists. Culture: Bor and Mundari communities are preparing for a wrestling bout in Terekeka.

Education: University of Juba’s Digital Agriculture lectures are due to resume on October 8 after months of disruption. Rural schools face a different challenge: teacher shortages, poor housing and long daily walks are making it hard to keep educators in communities. Youth & Tourism: Juba students will take part in a Nairobi challenge later this month, pitching ideas for more inclusive opportunities in hospitality and tourism. Cultural Heritage: Central Equatoria’s governor has backed plans for a National Museum, while a free recording studio is planned to support South Sudanese artists. Tradition: Bor and Mundari communities are preparing for a wrestling bout in Terekeka, bringing local culture into the spotlight.

Aid & Hunger: WFP warns South Sudan’s food pipeline is collapsing as stocks fall sharply in hubs like Malakal, with over a million vulnerable people at risk of losing life-saving nutrition support by October. Climate Stress: A “very strong” El Niño is forecast to intensify hunger and hardship, with children among the most exposed. Health System Strain: Only 11% of health facilities are highly functional, while aid cuts are forcing closures and leaving communities—especially women and children—without nearby care. Malnutrition & Disease: Eastern and Western Equatoria, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei and Upper Nile face worsening food insecurity and drought impacts; malaria treatment numbers remain high but the system is stretched. Elections & Civic Life: Central Equatoria officials push election readiness and security, while the South Sudan Council of Churches calls for a nationwide ceasefire and an end to arming youth. Urban Culture & Daily Life: Juba County restricts foreign nationals from small retail (chapati, onions, tomatoes, boda boda), aiming to reserve retail for South Sudanese traders. Faith & Community: Bentiu Catholic Diocese demands investigation after a fire damaged a parish altar; church leaders in Ethiopia amplify Pope Leo XIV’s peace call amid renewed Tigray fighting. Human Rights: Refugees in settlements demand stronger protection and easier access to services, citing documentation and registration barriers.

Church & Community Fundraising: A Harvest Appeal in Barley turned into a muddy clergy assault-course day for a South Sudan link diocese, with kids cheering, soaking, and even joining the obstacles. Local Governance & Livelihoods: Juba County caretaker officials warned foreign traders to stop small retail (chapati stalls, onions/tomatoes, boda bodas), saying retail should be for South Sudanese while foreigners focus on wholesale and larger investments. Elections & Security: Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor told county leaders to prioritize security, peace talks with holdouts, and voter readiness ahead of 22 Dec polls, while also pushing agricultural production and ending land grabbing. Health & Humanitarian Strain: Health data shows only 11% of facilities are highly functional; aid cuts are forcing closures, and malaria treatment numbers remain high. Food Prices & Malnutrition: Market monitoring reports food basket costs fell in September, but malnutrition deaths remain concentrated in Central Equatoria and humanitarian needs are still severe. Refugees’ Rights: Refugees in Gorom and beyond demand easier movement and recognition of documents, warning that unregistered arrivals and document checks can lead to arrest. Western Equatoria Detention Conditions: UNMISS built a new police post in Yambio with gender- and status-separated detention cells. Women’s Health: AGOSS launched a blood donation drive at Juba Teaching Hospital to support urgent maternal transfusions. Education & Teachers: Yei teachers marked World Teachers’ Day by demanding salary back-pay, better conditions, and ongoing professional training.

Trade & Industry: China’s expanded zero-tariff access could open new doors for South Sudanese products entering the Chinese market, with officials pointing to rules-of-origin requirements and growing Belt and Road ties. Money & Daily Life: Equity Bank met the Trade Ministry over a cash shortage that is disrupting withdrawals and trade, while calls grow for digital banking and a banking union. Local Infrastructure: Juba County inspected Kapuri Bridge and reopened an access road in Gudele West, stressing safer movement for children, patients, and businesses. Health: The Ministry of Health says 850,000 malaria cases were treated with first-line medicines in the first half of 2026. Education & Teachers: In Yei, teachers demand better pay and training as one school reports eight months of unpaid salaries. Security & Youth: A Yei student survived an arson attack, renewing fears about insecurity. Culture & Arts: South Sudan Artistes Union received $11,000 studio equipment to set up an affordable recording space for local musicians. Women & Food Security: UN Women warns 11.7 million more women and girls could face food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan named among high-risk areas. Elections & Civic Space: Civil society urges inclusive dialogue and protection of constitutional freedoms ahead of December polls.

Ebola in the region: A new report says Ebola in DR Congo has killed 961 children since May 15, with about seven child deaths daily—raising fears for families living near the border. Elections and civic space: South Sudan returnees from Uganda are calling for peace and stability so they can vote in December 2026, while civil society groups push for inclusive dialogue and protection of constitutional freedoms ahead of polls. Food insecurity and women’s risk: UN Women warns an extra 11.7 million women and girls across 28 countries could face food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan named among the high-risk places. Local livelihoods and food systems: In Wau, a cassava flour processing project backed by CORWADO aims to cut costs and improve food security through locally produced staples. Culture and youth: The South Sudan Artistes Union received $11,000 in studio equipment to set up a recording space for artists who can’t afford commercial studios. Climate pressures: Bentiu’s flooding is described as a permanent hydrological crisis, while communities in Maban are drafting practical plans for drought and flood preparedness. Sports as opportunity: The athletics federation urges partners to invest in training so South Sudanese athletes can compete globally, as the Watoto Juba City Marathon spotlights local talent.

Caretaker Appointments in Jonglei: Jonglei’s caretaker governor named six new county commissioners (Akobo, Ayod, Bor, Fangak, Pigi, Uror), effective immediately, as the state continues managing local tensions. Food Insecurity in Boma: Greater Pibor’s Boma County remains in emergency acute food insecurity, with malnutrition affecting millions of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women across South Sudan. Elections Under Pressure: Canada is funding South Sudan’s December election preparations but warns that missing safeguards and narrowed political space could undermine credibility and raise conflict risks. Education Support: Adut Salva Kiir scholarship beneficiaries began studies after airlifting 39 students to Aweil, prioritizing vulnerable learners and children of veterans. Culture & Community Sports: A Bor vs Mundari traditional wrestling bout is set for Terekeka on 31 October, aiming to promote unity and peaceful coexistence. Women and Girls Projects: Germany funded community projects in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal focused on education, protection, economic empowerment, menstrual health, and cohesion. Disability & Inclusion: A South Sudanese wheelchair athlete in Kenya plans to run the Nairobi Marathon to raise funds for custom wheelchairs for children. Local Governance in Central Equatoria: Juba and county caretaker leaders were sworn in, with security and civic education highlighted ahead of December polls.

Education & Youth Scholarships: Western Equatoria has started airlifting 39 students (21 girls, 18 boys) to Aweil for the Adut Salva Kiir Scholarship, prioritizing vulnerable learners and children of veterans, as road conditions make travel by land difficult. Health Preparedness: Western Equatoria officials, with MoH, WHO and partners, inspected Nabiapai and Yambio facilities and a new isolation unit as they step up readiness against Bundibugyo virus disease spreading in neighboring DRC. Culture & Community Sports: Bor and Mundari communities are set for a peace-focused traditional wrestling bout in Terekeka on 31 October, with 21 wrestlers expected to take part. Local Governance & Elections Prep: Central Equatoria swore in caretaker county commissioners and Juba city leadership, urging impartiality, civic education and security ahead of December polls. Women & Girls Support: Germany funded five community projects in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, targeting education, protection, economic empowerment, menstrual health and cohesion. Disability & Inclusion: A South Sudanese-born wheelchair athlete in Kenya plans to run the Nairobi Marathon to raise funds for custom wheelchairs for children.

Caretaker Governance: Central Equatoria swore in six caretaker county commissioners, Juba City leaders, and security coordinators, with Governor Augustino Jadalla urging impartial civic education and security ahead of December elections. Women & Girls: Germany funded five community projects for women and girls across Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal, focusing on education, protection, economic empowerment, menstrual health, and cohesion. Education Milestones: Yei Teachers Training College marked 25 years since 2001 with a jubilee celebrating teacher training and resilience. Local Leadership in Yei: Emmanuel Taban Seme was appointed caretaker commissioner of Yei River County, returning to a role he previously held before removal in March. Community & Culture: Traditional chiefs in Central Equatoria pledged stronger action to end child marriage and protect girls, calling for community-level collaboration. Food Security (Gender Lens): UN Women warns Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. International Spotlight: A documentary, Mangok, follows a South Sudanese man’s long search for kidnapped nieces and nephews after 2014 violence.

Food Security & Children: An East Africa food crisis is deepening, with Somalia’s children at acute risk and hunger pressures spreading to Sudan and South Sudan as El Niño-linked drought and aid cuts bite. Women & Girls at Risk: UN Women warns that Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Local Governance & Elections Prep: Central Equatoria swore in six caretaker county commissioners and caretaker Juba leadership, with officials urged to keep offices open and impartial ahead of December polls. Education Milestone: Yei Teachers Training College marked 25 years, celebrating teacher education as a long-term investment in community learning. Women’s Empowerment Funding: Germany signed agreements for five community projects in Equatoria states focused on education, protection, economic empowerment, menstrual health, and cohesion. Child Marriage Push: Central Equatoria traditional chiefs pledged stronger community action to end child marriage and protect girls. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed the Boma-Badingilo landscape as South Sudan’s first World Heritage Site, spotlighting wildlife, wetlands, and community stewardship. Politics & Dialogue: Opposition groups rejected President Kiir’s national dialogue, while court security measures were ordered in Machar’s case. Sports Development: The NBA closed its Africa elite academy in Senegal, shifting training to a new global centre in Abu Dhabi.

South Sudan–Turkey Deal: Juba and Ankara are moving to implement a 2017 trade pact covering minerals, mining, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, energy and tourism, with new steps on double-taxation and investment protection. Food Security & Gender: UN Women warns Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk (about 1 in 7 women). Women’s Finance: Ecobank says it will lend $2bn to women-owned businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including South Sudan, using digital onboarding and credit support for agribusiness, education and healthcare. Traditional Leaders vs Child Marriage: Central Equatoria chiefs commit to ending child marriage and protecting girls, pledging community action with families, government and civil society. Community Safety in Yei: A former youth leader in Yei River County questions the silence of leaders and rights groups amid reports of murder, robbery and rape. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV’s “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” highlights prayers for peace and reconciliation in South Sudan. Sports & Women: Watoto Juba City Marathon (Oct 3) will raise funds for vulnerable women’s entrepreneurship training and mentorship. Education & Media: Female journalists urge UJOSS and partners to go beyond certificates and offer real platforms, mentorship and fair opportunities.

Community Safety in Yei: A former youth leader in Yei River County says murder, robbery, and rape are rising while community leaders and rights groups stay silent, urging public action and accountability. Women, Education & Protection: In Yumbe, a 16-year-old girl told the Brave Girls Festival how domestic violence pushed her out of school, but a teacher helped her return—highlighting how SRHR support can keep girls learning. Civic Media & Gender: Female journalists in South Sudan say certificates aren’t enough after training; they want real chances for mentorship, workshops, and professional roles through UJOSS and partners. Elections & Public Broadcasting: South Sudan’s caretaker ICT minister says SSBC will be used for equal-access civic and voter education ahead of December polls. Health & Childhood Vulnerability: A cholera update notes over half of patients under five, underscoring why child-focused prevention and clean water efforts matter. Faith & Peace Messaging: Vatican Gardens hosted children praying the rosary for peace, including reconciliation in South Sudan—another reminder of how faith networks keep peace narratives in public view. Sports for Social Impact: The Watoto Juba City Marathon (Oct 3) will raise funds for vulnerable women via entrepreneurship training and mentorship.

Cross-Border Trade Deal: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one stop border crossing agreement to cut delays and costs for traders, including a push to empower women small business owners. Education & Skills: The Ministry of General Education and Instruction received World Bank financing for the rehabilitation of Wau Teachers’ Training Institute, while Oxfam’s teacher mentorship push supports experienced female teachers to lead in schools. Women, Media & Leadership: Female journalists say certificates aren’t enough—they want real platforms, mentorship, and fair selection for professional opportunities; women’s rights groups also urge South Sudanese women to contest December elections and take stronger roles in peace and politics. Gender-Based Violence & School Dropouts: In Yumbe, a girl described how domestic violence drove her out of school, and a separate report highlights how domestic violence cases are being heard in makeshift court settings. Digital Security in the Region: In Juba, telecom and cybersecurity experts agreed on regional standards for faster cyber threat response, safer digital finance, and better child online protection. Community Peacebuilding: UNMISS-supported dialogue in Greater Pibor brought Anyuak and Murle leaders together to rebuild trust and address insecurity. Sports for Social Good: The Watoto Juba City Marathon (Oct 3) will feature 21km, 10km and 5km races, raising funds for vulnerable women’s entrepreneurship and mentorship. Humanitarian & Health: UNMISS plans a temporary humanitarian base in Yei for preparedness, and Uganda’s measles-rubella campaign (Oct 1–5) targets children 9 months to 5 years.

Elections & Civic Education: South Sudan’s caretaker ICT minister says SSBC will give equal access to parties and use radio/TV mainly for civic and voter education ahead of December polls. Humanitarian & Health Preparedness: UNMISS plans to reconsider a temporary humanitarian base in Yei to boost Ebola preparedness and community peacebuilding, with grassroots awareness led by chiefs, elders, women and youth. Women’s Rights & Justice: In a displaced persons’ camp courtroom, a police investigator from the Special Protection Unit supports a survivor of domestic violence as the judge allows the case to proceed—challenging the idea that women “only belong in the kitchen.” Women in Politics: Women’s rights advocates urge South Sudanese women to contest December elections and move from participation to leadership. Media Capacity: UJOSS calls for female journalists to become trainers and mentors to strengthen the next generation of local media. Regional Spotlight (South Sudan-linked): The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily clears “third-country” deportations, with reports noting South Sudan as one destination—raising fears for vulnerable people. Culture & Community: An Episcopal memorial in Bor honors late Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth, calling for peace and reconciliation.

Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan told the UN that “the ballot must replace the bullets” as the government vows to secure December 2026 polls, while women’s rights advocates urge women to contest and take leadership ahead of voting. Media & Youth Empowerment: UJOSS is pushing female journalists to become trainers and mentors, aiming to build the next generation of media voices. Humanitarian & Community Peace: UNMISS says it may set up a temporary humanitarian base in Yei to support Ebola preparedness and strengthen grassroots peacebuilding, alongside waste management and community dialogue. Culture & Heritage: South Sudan lost Joseph Abuk Diori, remembered as a theatre pioneer—actor, dramatist, poet, folklorist, and cultural activist. Regional Spotlight: UNMISS and church leaders also marked local memorials, including the Episcopal Church’s tribute to Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth in Bor. Diaspora/International Rights: A South Sudanese political commentator, Samuel Peter Oyay, remains jailed in the UAE without charge for a year, according to Human Rights Watch. Sports (Soft Culture): Egypt ended a scoring drought with a 5-0 win over South Sudan in the 2027 AFCON qualifier in Juba.

US Supreme Court & Migration: The US Supreme Court temporarily lets the Trump administration resume “third-country” deportations, pausing a lower-court order that required migrants to get notice and a meaningful chance to raise risks of persecution or torture; the case is fast-tracked for December arguments, with concerns raised that people could be sent to places they have no ties to, including South Sudan. Diplomacy in Juba: South Sudan’s government approved new ambassador appointments, including a fresh posting for South Sudan alongside Spain’s Angola, the Philippines, and Madagascar. Civic Education: Access Radio plans a weekly “on-air civic education” program for Greater Yei, aiming to boost public understanding of rights, governance, and election participation for women, youth, and rural communities. Banking & Careers: The Bank of South Sudan honored 11 veteran staff at retirement, highlighting professionalism and institutional growth. Health & Travel: Canada extended Ebola-linked entry and immigration restrictions affecting DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan until Nov. 27, 2026. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns Somalia faces severe funding shortfalls, threatening assistance for a tiny fraction of people facing emergency hunger.