AGP Executive Report

Independence & Youth Voices: Save the Children’s Eye Radio show in Juba is giving children a direct platform to question leaders on education, conflict, and the future—an Independence Day reminder that young people want to be part of decisions, not just affected by them. GBV & Community Safety: A rights group reports 102 cases of gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence in Kabo near Juba over 11 months, linking the rise to youth crime, drug abuse, land grabbing, and weak services like health care and clean water. Culture & Language: Bari community leaders marked Jubek Day by renewing calls to preserve the Bari language and protect cultural heritage as a tool for peace and unity. Local Governance & Protocol: Central Equatoria Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu reposted an old government protocol guide after a public dispute over how a former minister was introduced during Jubek Day. Commemoration: Ex-Jonglei information minister Isaac Ajiba Ochang was laid to rest in Juba, remembered as a “man of peace” across multiple communities. Women Peacekeeping: At the UN Security Council, India urged more women peacekeepers to deter conflict-related sexual violence, citing UNMISS service and upcoming recognition.

GBV & Community Safety: A rights group says Kabo area near Juba recorded 102 cases of gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence in 11 months, driven by youth crime, drug abuse, and land grabbing—while health, school, and water gaps make prevention harder. Independence, Youth Voices & Unity: As South Sudan marks 15 years, children in Juba are asking leaders questions on education and conflict on a Save the Children radio show, while Yei Commissioner Samuel Malimbo urges peace, unity, and youth and women’s involvement in building services and reconciliation. Cultural Heritage: The Bari community marked Jubek Day with renewed calls to preserve the Bari language and culture as a peace tool for a diverse nation. Health & Borders: Ethiopia and South Sudan coordinated a polio vaccination push in high-risk border areas and refugee camps after cVDPV1 cases were detected near the border. Diaspora & Rights: Amnesty says the latest US deportation batch to Eswatini is unlawful, calling it “cruel and racist,” as migrants remain in limbo under third-country arrangements. Media & Training: China International Communication Group opened a three-week training for mainstream media practitioners from South Sudan and other developing countries.

Independence at 15 (Juba & beyond): South Sudan marked 15 years since July 9, 2011 with renewed calls for peace, unity, and a credible path to the December 2026 elections, as civil society and religious voices urged inclusive dialogue and reconciliation. Youth & education voices: Save the Children launched a radio show where children in Juba interview leaders about education, conflict, and the future—highlighting how many young people remain out of school amid crisis. Culture & language: The Bari community celebrated Jubek Day with fresh appeals to preserve the Bari language and heritage as a tool for peace and identity. Local unity messages: Yei River County’s commissioner urged citizens—especially youth, women, and religious leaders—to work for reconciliation, agriculture, and stronger local services. Violence shadows the celebrations: At least 15 people were killed in attacks on government facilities in Warrap during the independence period, underscoring how insecurity still shapes daily life. Elections readiness concerns: Civil society told an AU delegation that insecurity, funding gaps for the elections commission, and unclear legal rules could undermine a free and fair vote.

Youth & Nation-Building: Save the Children launched a children-led radio show on Eye Radio in Juba, where kids interview leaders about education, conflict, and how to shape South Sudan’s future—15 years after independence, with hunger, displacement, and famine warnings still looming. Independence Day, Peace Calls: As South Sudan marked 15 years, Yei’s commissioner urged unity and reconciliation, while citizens pushed for peace through a Juba Independence Day marathon; religious leaders also renewed prayers for healing and forgiveness. Culture & Identity: The Bari community marked Jubek Day with renewed calls to preserve the Bari language and heritage as a tool for peace and unity. Elections & Readiness: Civil society raised concerns with an African Union delegation about insecurity, election funding, and legal gaps ahead of the December 2026 vote. Conflict on the Ground: Reports of attacks in Warrap during the anniversary period left people dead and injured, underscoring how fragile daily life remains.

Independence Anniversary, Juba: South Sudan marked 15 years since July 9, 2011 with calls for peace and unity, including a Yei River County commissioner urging reconciliation, rule of law, and renewed commitment to public services. Unity Through Culture: The Bari community held Jubek Day celebrations in Nyaing, renewing appeals to preserve the Bari language and heritage as a foundation for peace. Independence Under Strain: As the country marks the milestone amid insecurity and election uncertainty, civil society raised concerns about December 2026 readiness, citing funding gaps, legal ambiguities, and insecurity. Human Stories of the Day: Malith Dak Deng, widely believed to be South Sudan’s tallest man, finally met President Salva Kiir after years of seeking the chance to deliver a peace message. Violence Reported: Separate attacks in Warrap during the anniversary period left at least 15 dead, underscoring how fragile daily life remains. Regional Context: International rights groups also condemned US deportation practices affecting migrants, including South Sudan nationals, highlighting wider pressures on people on the move.

Independence Day in Juba: South Sudan’s 15th anniversary came with muted celebrations and hard realities, as the government scaled back big events due to economic strain and ongoing conflict. Election anxiety: Civil society leaders told an African Union delegation that December 2026 polls face insecurity, weak funding for the National Elections Commission, and unclear election laws—calling for inclusive dialogue. Faith and peace messaging: Catholic priests and religious leaders urged joint recommitment to peace, while bishops across the region used the anniversary to call for protection of civilians and reconciliation. Violence in Warrap: At least 15 people were killed in attacks on government facilities as South Sudan marked 15 years of independence. Human stories of resilience: Malith Dak Deng—believed to be the country’s tallest man—finally met President Salva Kiir after three years of waiting, urging leaders to unite and choose peace. Culture & health: A South African Ebola drug candidate is set for clinical trials in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, linking regional health research to local needs.

Independence at 15, with violence still loud: South Sudan marked 15 years since July 9, 2011, but the anniversary came with deadly attacks—at least 15 killed in Warrap as police and government facilities were hit—while many fear December elections may not deliver real change. Election readiness debate: Civil society urged inclusive dialogue over concerns about insecurity, unclear election rules, and funding gaps for the National Elections Commission. Peace deal pressure: The RJMEC called on leaders to accelerate implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, warning that key reforms still lag. Women’s political participation: Activists highlighted that quotas and laws meant to advance women’s rights remain incomplete, even as the country talks about a new political mandate. Culture & faith under strain: In Sudan’s El-Obeid, a Sudanese bishop stayed with his flock despite RSF encirclement—an echo of how churches and communities keep holding on amid conflict. Global ties, local hopes: The U.S. and China both issued Independence messages, pointing to long-running partnerships, even as ordinary South Sudanese say independence promises remain unfulfilled.

Independence at 15, still unresolved: South Sudan marks July 9 as it turns 15, but celebrations are muted by stalled peace implementation, deep inequality, and a humanitarian crisis—plus elections still not held despite December 22, 2026 plans. Peace deal pressure: The RJMEC urged leaders to accelerate the 2018 Revitalized Agreement, while the Political Parties Council asked for $23M to expand monitoring and protect civic space ahead of polls. Women’s inclusion push: Women with disabilities and allies called for meaningful participation in the electoral process, citing barriers in access, education, and representation. Security and daily life: Reports highlight violence and road ambushes affecting commuters and students, and renewed fighting in Jonglei. Culture and identity: A South Sudanese heritage-linked fashion moment is noted abroad, while China marks 15 years of ties with Juba through cooperation in infrastructure, health, and education. Health and care: A South African firm plans an Ebola trial in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, as health agencies scramble to contain outbreaks.

Independence at 15: South Sudan marks 15 years since July 9, 2011, but many celebrations feel muted as hopes of peace and schooling have been swallowed by conflict. A Save the Children country director warns children are now old enough to be recruited, married off, and still out of class—while millions need humanitarian help. Peace deal pressure: The RJMEC urges leaders to fully implement the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, warning that unfinished reforms keep democracy and reconciliation out of reach. Elections and civic space: The Political Parties Council asks for $23M ahead of the December 2026 polls, stressing hate-speech prevention and wider participation for women, youth, and minorities. Security on the roads: Jonglei’s Bor-Pibor route sees deadly ambushes, with students among the victims, raising fresh fears for commuters. Local recovery: In Rubkona, Unity State, flood-displaced families begin returning after World Bank-funded dikes reclaim land, alongside restored services. Culture & identity: A feature spotlights South Sudanese beading as a living language of heritage, roots, and social meaning. Regional human rights: Human Rights Watch reports Egypt is arresting and deporting refugees from Sudan and South Sudan over expired permits amid legal delays.

Peace & Governance: RJMEC urged South Sudan’s leaders to speed up the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement as the country marks 15 years of independence, warning key reforms still lag. Security on the Roads: Three people were killed and three students injured in separate Bor–Pibor Road ambushes, deepening commuter fears of bandit attacks. Elections & Democracy: An opinion piece argues December 22, 2026 elections are a make-or-break test for moving from transitional power-sharing to real constitutional governance. Political Tensions: Violence in Jonglei escalated after a government-appointed county commissioner was assassinated in an opposition area, reigniting disputes over appointments under the 2018 peace deal. Education & Culture Policy: President Kiir reshuffled the Higher Education ministry and removed an Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, Museums and Heritage, amid ongoing debate over scholarship performance. Displacement & Recovery: Hope is returning to Tambura as families rebuild after years of conflict, while Rubkona residents began returning after flood dikes reclaimed land under a World Bank-backed resilience project. Inclusion: Women with disabilities and disability advocates called for meaningful participation in electoral processes, citing barriers in access, civic education, and representation. Public Health: WHO and Africa CDC are scrambling to contain a fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda, with a major response plan underway. Culture Spotlight: A South Sudanese beading feature highlights beads as a living language of identity, ancestry, and social meaning.

Jonglei Violence: A government-appointed county commissioner in Akobo, Jonglei, was assassinated amid renewed clashes, reigniting debate over appointments under the 2018 peace deal. Local Recovery: In Tambura, Western Equatoria, families are returning and farming again as gunfire eases, with UN patrols cited as a confidence boost. Flood Resettlement: In Unity’s Rubkona, nearly 5,000 flood-displaced residents moved back after World Bank-funded dikes reclaimed land, alongside restored roads, schools, health and water points. Education & Culture Policy: President Kiir reshuffled higher education leadership, appointing Changkuoth Bichiock Reth and naming Madut Biar Yel envoy for the Great Lakes; the change follows fresh public debate over scholarship performance. Disability & Elections: Women with disabilities and partners urged the Political Parties Council and electoral bodies to make elections accessible, including sign-language support and inclusive party nomination rules. Regional Safety: Kenya’s foreign affairs principal secretary raised concerns with South Sudan over detention without charge, lack of consular access, and attacks on Kenyan truck drivers. Heritage Spotlight: A feature on South Sudanese beading highlights how beadwork encodes identity, history, and belonging.

World Bank-backed recovery: Nearly 5,000 flood-displaced Rubkona residents in Unity State have returned home after protective dikes reclaimed land, with ECRP-II also restoring roads, schools, health facilities, and water points. Media & politics: Radio Jonglei CEO Tijwog Agwet resigned from SPLM-IO, citing a drift from the party’s democratic reform ideals; another SPLM-IO founding member also quit over the same failure of reforms. Government reshuffle: President Salva Kiir removed Higher Education Minister Madut Biar Yel and named Changkuoth Bichiok Reth, while also replacing an Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, Museums and Heritage. Disability inclusion in elections: Women with disabilities in Juba urged political parties and election bodies to remove barriers and make civic education accessible, including sign language interpretation. Health & children: El Sabah Children’s Hospital reported 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, pushing families to travel to Uganda. Regional pressures: UN-linked reporting highlights worsening displacement and child harm in Sudan, underscoring the wider humanitarian strain affecting South Sudan’s neighbors.

Disability & Jobs: Zain’s GROW program marked the graduation of fresh graduates with disabilities, offering a three-month paid internship and practical pathways into telecom and business roles. Education & Health: El Sabah Children’s Hospital says it has logged 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, pushing families to travel to Uganda for testing. Elections & Inclusion: Women with disabilities in Juba are urging political parties and election bodies to remove barriers and make campaigns accessible, including sign-language interpretation. Media & Culture: Upper Nile began rebuilding government radio facilities in Malakal with UNESCO and JICA support, aiming to restore civic education and voter awareness ahead of elections. Politics & Governance: President Salva Kiir dismissed the higher education minister and appointed a replacement, also naming the former minister as envoy for the Great Lakes region. Church Life: The Presbyterian Church of South Sudan defended the legitimacy of its 35th General Assembly amid a dispute with a rival faction. Regional Context: UNICEF warned that Sudan’s conflict has killed or injured at least 330 children in 2026, underscoring the wider humanitarian pressure felt across the region.

Media & Governance: President Salva Kiir swore in a new South Sudan Media Authority board, urging professionalism, responsible reporting, and an end to hate speech and misinformation. Health & Children: El Sabah Children’s Hospital says it has logged 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic tools, forcing families to travel to Uganda or go without testing. Elections & Public Services: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years, but workers say it won’t cover basic needs and want all arrears cleared before the Dec. 22 polls. Community Life & Youth Protection: Yei River County welcomed a ban on under-18s in discos and nightclubs, linking youth access to drug abuse, crime, and falling school attendance. Rebuilding & Housing: Abyei allocated 300 plots to refugees and displaced families, while Upper Nile launched reconstruction of government radio facilities in Malakal to restore civic information. Culture & Rights: A Torit reintegration push sponsored 36 former gang members back into school after they pledged to abandon violence. Regional Lens: A South Sudan–born Socceroo, Awer Mabil, hit back at claims of “monoculture,” arguing the team reflects multicultural Australia.

Media & Governance: President Salva Kiir swore in a new South Sudan Media Authority board, urging professionalism, responsible freedom of expression, and a crackdown on hate speech and misinformation. Public Services & Elections Prep: Upper Nile launched reconstruction of government radio facilities in Malakal with UNESCO and JICA support, aiming to restore civic education and voter awareness ahead of elections. Identity & Mobility: The civil registry and immigration directorate says new passport booklets will cut processing to about three days, with supplies also boosting nationality certificates. Local Development: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona, alongside flood-mitigation works like dykes and roads. Youth & Safety: Yei River County welcomed a ban on children under 18 entering discos and nightclubs, citing drug abuse, crime, and violence concerns. Rights & Reintegration: Torit Municipality sponsored 36 former teenage gang members back into school after they pledged to abandon violence. Gender & Land: Women’s rights training in Juba focused on laws protecting women’s land ownership and inheritance. Humanitarian & Displacement: Abyei allocated 300 plots to refugees and displaced families as settlement and road-opening efforts continue. Work & Livelihood: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years, but workers say it won’t cover basic needs. Culture & Community: A Gondokoro Monenyit Island report highlights how residents near Juba still lack schools and functioning health services, forcing daily river crossings for education and care.

Media & Civic Life: Upper Nile has started reconstructing the government-run radio station in Malakal, with UNESCO and JICA funding, aiming to restore public information and civic education ahead of elections. Media Governance: President Salva Kiir swore in a new South Sudan Media Authority board, urging professionalism, accuracy, and responsible reporting while warning against hate speech and misinformation. Loss in the Media Sector: Eye Media CEO Stephen Omiri paid tribute to the late Media Authority DG Sapana Abui, describing him as a respected leader whose death leaves a major void. Elections & Youth Protection: Yei River County welcomed a ban on under-18s entering discos and nightclubs, linking it to efforts to curb drug abuse, crime, and violence. Community & Rights: Unity State opened a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona, while 30 young women trained on land and inheritance rights under a women’s rights project. Displacement & Housing: Abyei allocated 300 plots to refugees and displaced families through a road-opening and demarcation exercise. Public Services Pressure: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after a two-year delay, but workers say it won’t cover basic needs or arrears. Child Protection: A national child protection conference urged creating a Child Protection Desk in the Office of the President and stronger action against abuse and exploitation. Sports & Culture: Torit Municipality sponsored 36 former gang members to return to school, and South Sudan’s “Bright Stars” beat Libya 95–57 in FIBA qualifiers.