AGP Executive Report

Elections & Diplomacy: Germany, Japan, Norway and the U.S. urged South Sudan to start “authentic inter-party dialogue” and end violence as political competition heats up, while the government summoned those ambassadors over an “inappropriate and divisive” joint statement. Humanitarian & Food Security: Northern Bahr el Ghazal banned the sale of humanitarian aid in markets, seizing Plumpy’Nut and CSB amid diversion fears. Nutrition Support: Japan and WFP signed a $2.2m deal to fund nutrition services for nearly 40,000 women and children, as acute food insecurity and malnutrition remain severe. Aid on the Ground: The Red Cross began distributing assistance to returnees and displaced families in Kajo-Keji, highlighting gaps between aid allocations and household sizes. SRHR for Girls: A Yambio project launched to improve adolescent girls’ access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information and keep them in school. Youth & Culture in Motion: South Sudan’s Yei Joint WFC reached the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA semi-finals for the first time in six tries. Community Safety: Duk County in Jonglei saw inter-clan clashes leave six dead and 21 injured, with dialogue underway to prevent more violence. Sports & National Pride: Officials traveled to Tunisia to support the Bright Stars ahead of FIBA 2027 qualifiers.

Humanitarian Nutrition Boost: Japan signed a $2.2M deal with WFP in Juba to fund nutrition services for nearly 40,000 women and children as acute food insecurity and malnutrition bite hardest in Greater Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap and parts of Greater Bahr el Ghazal. Aid Integrity: South Sudan’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission warned against selling humanitarian supplies like Plumpy’Nut, saying both sellers and buyers could face legal action. Women’s Leadership in Politics: The EU’s outgoing deputy head urged South Sudan to turn women’s leadership commitments into results, stressing protected civic space and pushing for women’s representation ahead of December elections. Girls’ Health & Rights: Hope for Women and Youth South Sudan launched a nine-month SRHR project in Yambio to improve adolescent girls’ access to accurate, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and help them stay in school. Community & Culture on the Court: Yei Joint Stars reached the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA semi-finals after a 1–1 draw with Rayon Sports, while Yei’s captain credited resilience and discipline. Local Governance: Lakes State swore in new cabinet, commissioners and commission members, with a focus on service delivery and security. Inter-communal Violence: Duk County reported six deaths and 21 injuries in two days of inter-clan fighting, with dialogue involving chiefs and government underway. Sports Diplomacy: Senior officials traveled to Tunisia to back the Bright Stars ahead of their FIBA 2027 African Qualifiers match against Guinea. Immigration Controls: South Sudan put a pause on “Silence Search” credential checks for foreign nationals pending coordination with security and diplomatic authorities.

Humanitarian Aid & Nutrition: Japan and WFP signed a $2.2m deal to deliver lifesaving food and nutrition support to nearly 40,000 vulnerable women and children in South Sudan as acute food insecurity and malnutrition remain severe. Diplomacy & Dialogue: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged urgent inter-party dialogue and an end to violence as a political tool, linking peace to security, accountability and better services. Elections & Civic Space: The EU’s outgoing deputy head called for protected civic space and stronger women’s political participation ahead of December elections, while UNMISS and partners again warned that attacks on peacekeepers and aid workers undermine civilians’ access to help. Women, Youth & Rights: Miss World South Sudan pushed to end child and forced marriage through her “Breaking the Cycle” initiative, and Lakes State leaders were sworn in with culture, youth and sports among the portfolios. Conservation & Community Jobs: Badingilo National Park graduated 50 wildlife rangers after training, stressing professionalism and community cooperation to protect natural heritage. Local Governance & Services: Lakes Governor swore in cabinet, commissioners and commission members, urging service delivery and security. Water & Health Risks: Civil society warned of a growing water crisis in Kapoeta East’s mining settlement, with residents traveling hours for unsafe water. Immigration & Dignity: South Sudan paused “silent search” credential checks for foreign nationals pending coordination, after concerns about harassment and oversight. Culture & Identity: An op-ed reflected on African naming, faith and identity—arguing modern trends are weakening a sacred tradition. Sports & Community Pride: Yei Joint Stars reached the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA semi-finals after a draw in Rwanda.

Inter-party Dialogue Push: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged South Sudan to start “authentic” dialogue and stop using violence for politics, linking peace to accountability and better public services. Women’s Leadership & Civic Space: At the EU-backed 2026 Annual Gender Forum, outgoing EU Deputy Head Lothar Jaschke called for women to be voted into power and warned that real inclusion needs protected civic space. Security & Accountability: The government promised to investigate and prosecute attackers behind a deadly ambush on a UNMISS convoy in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers. Humanitarian Nutrition Support: Japan pledged about $2.2M to WFP for nutrition help for nearly 40,000 vulnerable women and children amid acute food insecurity. Girls’ Rights in the Spotlight: Miss World South Sudan Nyandeng Kerbino Kuanyin launched “Breaking the Cycle” to end child and forced marriage through education and community action. Education & Skills: MoHEST announced 15 fully funded TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students in Algeria for 2026/2027. Water Crisis in Mining Areas: Civil society warned of severe water shortages in Kapoeta East’s gold-mining settlement, with residents traveling hours for water. Culture & Identity: A reflection on African naming, faith and identity argues that names carry spiritual meaning beyond labels. Sports & Community Pride: Yei Joint Stars reached the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA semi-finals after a 1–1 draw in Rwanda.

Immigration & Rights: South Sudan’s Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passports and Immigration has halted “Silent Search”/“Aliens Credential Check” operations after concerns over harassment and lack of proper authorization, with police ordering immigration stations to suspend the checks until approvals are secured. Women & Sport: SSFF, with FIFA support, launched a 10-day D-License coaching course for 32 female coaches ahead of the inaugural Women’s Premier League season. Peacebuilding (Women): Lakes State women from four counties concluded a peace conference focused on conflict prevention, youth violence, and women’s role in community resilience. Child Protection: Police officers in Juba began a child protection training to prevent violations against children, including recruitment and use in armed conflict. Wildlife & Livelihoods: Badingilo National Park graduated 50 wildlife rangers from a two-month anti-poaching training to strengthen field protection. Violence & Health: A Warrap woman survived a throat-slitting attack but lost her unborn baby; meanwhile, UNMISS reported two peacekeepers killed in a Jonglei ambush.

Refugee Food Crisis: WFP and UNHCR warn that 650,000 refugees in South Sudan could lose life-saving food as funding runs out, with new arrivals from Sudan reaching the country “with almost nothing.” Women in Peacebuilding: In Rumbek, women from Lakes State concluded a two-day peace conference focused on conflict prevention, youth violence, cattle disputes, and reducing alcohol and drug abuse, with calls for stronger political dialogue. Football for Women: SSFF and FIFA launched a 10-day D-License coaching course for 32 female coaches in Juba ahead of the inaugural Women’s Premier League season. Child Protection in Security: Police officers in Juba began a five-day child protection training to prevent violations against children, including recruitment and use in armed conflict. Elections and Leadership: Catholic Bishop Santo Laku Pio urged voters to elect women, saying men have “failed” to guide the country toward peace. Travel Rumors Denied: Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior’s office says she was not stopped at Juba airport; her Kenya trip was cancelled due to missing presidential authorization. UN Security Alert: UNMISS reported two peacekeepers killed in an ambush in Jonglei while a patrol headed to Pajut. Heritage Push: Conservationists renewed calls for Lake Victoria to gain UNESCO heritage status, citing pollution, wetland loss, invasive species, and illegal fishing. Water & Daily Survival: A report on Egypt-funded solar groundwater stations highlights a painful reality: nearby water may still be unsafe, unaffordable, or unavailable when roads and tankers fail.

UN Security & Safety: Two UN peacekeepers were killed and seven injured in a Jonglei ambush as UNMISS warned attacks on Blue Helmets may amount to war crimes, with a Quick Reaction Force deployed. Elections & Civic Voice: Catholic Bishop Santo Laku Pio urged voters to back women in leadership, saying men have failed to guide the country toward peace. Local Sports & Youth Culture: Central Equatoria lifted Juba’s community football tournament suspension under new safety conditions after clashes and firearm-related intimidation concerns. Education & Faith Institutions: Catholic University of Eastern Africa’s South Sudan branch marked a historic graduation, while CUoSS St. John’s Yambio Campus held its third graduation with 46 students completing studies. Water & Everyday Survival: A report on Egypt-funded solar groundwater stations highlights a hard truth: nearby water still may be unsafe, salty, or unavailable when roads and tankers fail. Religion & Rights: A Christian mother in Somalia was seriously injured after being beaten for converting to Christianity, underscoring ongoing religious intolerance. Community Peace Efforts: About 300 NAS rebel fighters reportedly abandoned the armed struggle and returned to government in Juba, citing President Kiir’s amnesty and a push for dialogue.

Mobile Justice for Youth: A Mobile Court set up at Juba Central Prison helped juveniles accused of murder and other vulnerable cases finally reach judges after years of stalled hearings, showing how transport and resources can decide whether young people get justice. Community Sports & Peace: Central Equatoria lifted its suspension on Juba community football tournaments, but only under new conditions—prior ministry approval, coordination with football bodies, and supporter conduct rules—after clashes at playgrounds. Rebels Return to Government: About 300 NAS fighters abandoned the armed struggle and rejoined the government in Juba, citing President Kiir’s amnesty and a push for dialogue. Church Case Dismissed: A Juba court dismissed criminal charges against six Moru Congregation leaders after ruling the diocese lacked legal capacity to bring the case, reigniting questions about church authority and autonomy. Floodplain Life: A report from Rotriak, a flood refuge in Unity oil areas, highlights how displacement and toxic, old oil sites shape daily survival. Education & Faith: Catholic University of South Sudan graduated 46 students in Yambio, while religious leaders urged voter education through churches and mosques ahead of elections. Election Timing Debate: An Episcopal bishop challenged the Dec. 22 election date as it falls during Christmas worship, adding a fresh cultural pressure point to the political calendar.

Elections & Economy: South Sudan’s private sector is warning that election-season tension could chill investment and hit tourism, transport, services, and trade as businesses adopt a “wait-and-see” stance. UN Peace & Culture of Peace: UNMISS has boosted patrols around Bentiu’s IDP camp after deadly violence tied to an attempted arrest of a self-proclaimed prophet, urging dialogue and de-escalation. Faith in Civic Life: Religious leaders are being urged to use churches and mosques to spread voter education, peace messages, and responsible participation ahead of December polls. Election Timing Debate: An Episcopal bishop has challenged the planned Dec. 22 election date, saying it falls during Christmas worship and needs public discussion. Church Governance: A Juba court dismissed a criminal case against six Moru Congregation members in a long-running dispute over church administration and property. Higher Education Mobility: South Sudan’s Higher Education Ministry announced 150 Algerian scholarship slots for 2026/27, with applications opening Aug. 24. Diplomacy & Development: Parliament approved South Sudan–Saudi Arabia cooperation, paving the way for partnerships in agriculture, education, mining, and infrastructure. US Immigration Ripple: US courts struck down Trump-era immigrant visa pauses affecting South Sudan and others, while TPS terminations continue to reshape migration pressures across the region.

Elections & Civic Life: Religious leaders are urging churches and mosques to spread accurate civic and voter education in Juba, in partnership with the National Elections Commission and JICA, aiming to boost peaceful participation ahead of December polls. Security & Community Protection: UNMISS has increased patrols around Bentiu’s IDP camp after deadly violence erupted during an attempted arrest of a self-proclaimed prophet, with community leaders linking the unrest to Nuer spiritual history and tensions. Higher Education & Youth Mobility: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education says 150 Algerian scholarship slots are open for 2026/27, with applications starting Aug. 24 and closing Sept. 4 in Juba. Governance & Partnerships: Parliament approved a South Sudan–Saudi Arabia cooperation accord, paving the way for collaboration in agriculture, education, mining, and infrastructure. Politics & Accountability: The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) says sovereignty belongs to the people, pushing back on government claims that frame election and peace concerns as “foreign pressure.” Faith & Election Timing: An Episcopal bishop renewed calls to change the Dec. 22 election date, warning it falls during Christmas worship. Public Health: A regional Ebola response was launched along DRC trade and migration corridors, including routes touching South Sudan, to strengthen early detection at border points.

Election & Faith: A senior Episcopal bishop in Juba urged the government to shift the planned Dec. 22 general election, saying it falls inside the Christmas worship period and was not widely discussed. Political Debate: An op-ed argues the state’s talk of “sovereignty” risks becoming a shield for power, stressing that national ownership must mean genuine inclusion for all stakeholders. Church Governance: A Juba court dismissed a criminal case against six Moru Congregation members in a long-running dispute over church administration, worship, and property. Civic Push: President Salva Kiir ordered the National Elections Commission to speed up preparations, with voter registration expected soon. Culture & Morality Rules: In Rumbek town, the mayor directed hotels to restrict unmarried couples and underage users, citing protection of families and “traditional values.” Women & Youth Enterprise: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 entrepreneurs after a six-month training program backed by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government. Sports (Women’s Football): Yei Joint Stars won 3-0 in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers, their first victory in the group stage. Regional Health: ECSA-HC launched a cross-border Ebola prevention push along DRC trade and migration corridors, including routes through South Sudan.

Elections Watch: President Salva Kiir has ordered the National Elections Commission to speed up preparations for the December 22 polls, with voter registration expected to begin soon and a civic education push already underway in Juba. Women & Youth in Politics: Women leaders and journalists are calling for safe, equal participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the 2026 elections, following a training workshop focused on “Her Voice, her vote.” Local Culture & Morality Debates: In Rumbek town, the mayor directed hotels to restrict unmarried couples and underage guests, arguing it protects families and “traditional values.” Sports & Community Pride: Yei Joint Stars won their first CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifier match, beating Denden FC 3-0, while South Sudan’s regional football diplomacy also featured Governor Lobong joining the Ateker Cup of Nations closing ceremony in Uganda. Public Health & Safety: Northern Bahr El Ghazal police say they’ve confiscated over 6,500 cartons of tramadol and “Longo,” vowing tougher action against drug dealers. Humanitarian & Conflict Risk: UN reporting warns violence and atrocity crimes are rising as elections near, with displacement and recruitment of children among the documented harms.

Elections & Rights: The UN Commission on Human Rights warns South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 elections could spark renewed conflict and atrocity crimes without urgent political, security, and human-rights safeguards. Community Safety & Culture: Violence at Bentiu IDP camp erupted after security forces tried to arrest a self-proclaimed Nuer prophet, Taban Puol—sparking clashes that left at least nine dead and dozens injured, with women and minors among those hurt. Women’s Economic Power: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 women- and youth-led entrepreneurs after a six-month business training supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government. Health at the Borders: ECSA Health Community launched a six-month Ebola preparedness push along DRC border entry points, including South Sudan, to strengthen surveillance and rapid response. Sports & Youth: Yei Joint Stars won their first CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifier match, beating Denden FC 3-0, boosting momentum as the campaign continues. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP says shrinking funding is cutting food support for refugees in South Sudan, threatening assistance after September. Local Services: Lakes State launched a fistula treatment campaign to restore dignity and expand access for women who often must travel far for care.

Elections & Peace Risks: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warns that renewed violence, shrinking political space, weak safeguards, and exclusion from meaningful participation could make December elections a trigger for atrocity crimes. Constitution-Making: The NCRC says permanent constitution consultations are over 70% complete and a 15-member drafting committee will soon shape a “zero draft.” Violence at Bentiu IDP Camp: At least nine people were killed and dozens injured after security forces tried to arrest self-proclaimed prophet Taban Puol, sparking clashes with followers. Humanitarian Funding & Refugees: WFP says food support for refugees in South Sudan is shrinking fast as funding dries up, with rations already cut for hundreds of thousands. Health & Dignity: Lakes State launches a fistula treatment campaign to bring surgery closer to women and girls who have long been forced to travel. Culture & Sport: Esther Kide Kute (“Peace”) is appointed senior men’s national team analyst, adding women’s football experience to the national setup. Community Services: UNMISS and partners hand over boreholes in Yambio, with officials urging community upkeep and women’s leadership. Youth Sport: Kenya hosts the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi, with South Sudan among the participating countries.

Elections & Rights: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warns that the December 22, 2026 elections could spark renewed conflict and atrocity crimes unless political, security, and human-rights safeguards are urgently put in place, as armed fighting resumes and civic space shrinks. Violence at IDP Camp: In Bentiu (Unity State), violence erupted during an attempted arrest of self-proclaimed prophet Taban Puol, leaving at least nine dead and dozens injured, with reports of children and women among the victims. Local Governance & Morality Policing: Lakes State deputy governor Isaac Luka Manga ordered hotels to tighten guest checks, warning that short-stay rentals are being misused for adultery, elopement, and excessive drinking. Security & Livelihoods: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony vowed to crack down on unlicensed artisanal mining and armed groups outside the peace process ahead of elections. Culture & Community: South Sudan Football Federation appointed Esther Kide Kute (“Peace”) as senior men’s national team analyst, highlighting women’s growing roles in the sport. Humanitarian Day: World Humanitarian Day coverage honors frontline aid and health workers amid rising attacks on healthcare and aid operations.

Elections & Rights: The UN Commission on Human Rights warns that South Sudan’s December elections are moving forward without key political, security, and human-rights safeguards—risking renewed conflict and atrocity crimes as armed clashes resume and civic space shrinks. Election Readiness: Analysts say the timetable is lagging, with voter registration and other pre-poll tasks still pending. Constitution-Making: The National Constitutional Review Commission says public consultations will shape the first draft permanent constitution, while the government insists the process will continue even after December polls. Local Governance & Security: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil vows to crack down on unlicensed artisanal mining and urges armed groups to rejoin the peace process; after a Greater Yei tour, he lists new priorities across roads, health, education, mining, and displaced people’s return. Child Protection: In Imehejek, Eastern Equatoria, an abduction linked to armed attackers ends with a teenager killed and another child rescued. Culture & Community Rites: Catholic leaders push to preserve Azande funeral and mourning traditions while curbing excessive spending and aligning rites with the constitution. Humanitarian Safety: World Humanitarian Day coverage highlights record attacks on aid workers and calls for accountability. Disability Rights: A South Sudanese activist condemns Uganda Airlines after passengers with disabilities were forced off a Juba–Entebbe flight. Trafficking Law Push: South Sudan’s anti-trafficking task force urges fast enactment of an anti-trafficking bill to strengthen prosecutions and protection.