AGP Executive Report

Inclusive Sport: Wheelchair basketball is helping South Sudanese players with disabilities build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging. A Juba tournament brought together 45 players from across the country. Arts and Identity: Melbourne-based artist Atong Atem’s largest exhibition yet opens October 30, showcasing more than 65 works rooted in identity, storytelling and Dinka Bor culture. Creative Community: In Juba, artist Abul Oyay Deng Ajak’s Baobab House has grown from a home and studio into a welcoming hub for artists, entrepreneurs and aid workers to meet and share ideas. Girls’ Education: South Sudanese girls used a British Embassy event to highlight how floods can displace girls and cut them off from schools and health services, calling for quality, inclusive education. Learning Opportunity: Eastern Equatoria sent 33 vulnerable students to Aweil on scholarships, offering a path to secondary education for young people whose families struggle to pay school fees.

Girls’ Education: Duchess Sophie marked International Day of the Girl with a letter congratulating Juba Diocesan Model Secondary School on its 20th anniversary, praising its work to get more girls into school. At a separate Juba Embassy event, girls highlighted how floods disrupt education and access to health care, and called for inclusive, quality schooling. Education Access: Eastern Equatoria has sent 33 vulnerable students to Aweil on Adut Salva scholarships, giving them a chance to continue their studies despite financial hardship. Arts and Community: In Juba, artist Abul Oyay Deng Ajak’s Baobab House has grown from a home and studio into a welcoming hub for exhibitions, workshops and conversations amid political uncertainty.

Community Safety: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were killed in intercommunal clashes in Rumbek. Fighting spread from Nyangkot into town, forcing families to flee as security forces moved in. Art & Gathering: Juba artist Abul Oyay Deng Ajak’s Baobab House has grown from a home studio into a gallery and meeting place where artists and residents connect amid political uncertainty. Marriage & Misinformation: The Gender Ministry has rejected as fake a document proposing standard bride prices for different communities, correcting a claim about a sensitive cultural practice. Faith & Tradition: South Sudan’s Catholic bishops elevated celebrations honoring St. Josephine Bakhita and St. Daniel Comboni to solemnities, urging prayer for peace and service. Creative Scene: A planned free recording studio could give South Sudanese artists more space to develop their music.

Community Safety: At least 71 people were killed in intercommunal clashes in Rumbek after fighting between armed youths spread from Nyangkot into the city. Authorities say security forces have restored control. Arts & Lifestyle: Artist Abul Oyay Deng Ajak’s Baobab House in Juba has grown from her home and studio into a gallery and gathering place where artists, aid workers and residents connect amid political uncertainty. Faith & Heritage: Catholic leaders have elevated celebrations for St. Daniel Comboni and St. Josephine Bakhita to solemnities in Sudan and South Sudan, calling on parishes to mark Comboni’s feast with prayers for peace and service. Culture Check: A viral document claiming the government proposed standard bride prices is fake, the Gender Ministry’s undersecretary says.

Community Safety: Intercommunal clashes in Rumbek killed at least 71 people, including four soldiers, as security forces moved to restore order. Arts & Culture: In Juba, artist Abul Oyay Deng Ajak has turned her home into The Baobab House, a gallery and gathering place where people connect through art and conversation despite ongoing instability. Cultural Fact-check: A document claiming the government wants to set standard bride prices for different communities is fake, the Gender Ministry’s undersecretary confirmed. Youth & Sport: South Sudanese basketball player Mabil Mawut’s shoe drive helped more than 250 children attend a sports camp in Bor, with over 85 receiving donated shoes.

Health Alert: South Sudan has raised Ebola surveillance after Kenya confirmed an imported case, but officials say no cases have been detected in the country. Culture & Politics: Comedian-turned-politician Majuetdit has picked nomination forms to seek the Northern Bahr el Ghazal governorship, promising investment and support for farmers. Peaceful Elections: CEPO and HWPL urged dialogue over violence, while a Lakes State activist called on candidates to put citizens’ needs first and avoid tribal incitement. Cancer Care: Survivors and families are pressing for a specialist treatment centre in South Sudan to spare patients the cost and strain of seeking care abroad. Community Giving: Basketball player Mabil Mawut’s shoe drive helped more than 85 young people at a Bor camp receive footwear donated in Arizona. Women’s Rights: Advocacy groups renewed calls to pass the long-delayed Anti-GBV Bill and strengthen women’s access to justice.

Youth & Community: South Sudanese basketball player Mabil Mawut’s shoe drive brought more than 300 donated pairs from Arizona to Bor, where over 250 children joined a camp and more than 85 received shoes. Education: Eastern Equatoria is training school inspectors to use digital tools, while Bor schools have banned costly farewell parties and gifts for graduating students. Women’s Rights: Women’s groups are urging authorities to pass the long-delayed Anti-GBV Bill and strengthen women’s access to justice. Faith & Peace: South Sudan’s church leaders are calling for an end to hostilities, protection for civilians and safe access for aid. Arts & Heritage: Plans for a free recording studio for South Sudanese artists and a national museum could give local talent and history a stronger platform. Culture & Sport: Bor and Mundari communities are preparing for a wrestling bout in Terekeka, a showcase of local sporting traditions.

Education: Eastern Equatoria is introducing digital school inspections, training 26 master trainers and 13 oversight officers to improve monitoring. In Bor, authorities have banned costly school farewell parties and gifts, citing pressure on families and disruption to studies. Women’s Rights: Women’s groups are urging authorities to move forward on the long-delayed Anti-GBV Bill, saying stronger protections are needed for women seeking justice. Faith and Peace: South Sudanese church leaders are calling for an end to hostilities and armed youth mobilisation, warning that civilians face killings, abductions and displacement. Arts and Heritage: Plans for a free recording studio aim to support South Sudanese artists, while Bor and Mundari communities are preparing for a wrestling bout in Terekeka.

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.