AGP Executive Report

Women’s Basketball Upsets: South Sudan shocked Brazil 63-61 in overtime at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, with Adut Bulgak roaring for 25 points and 22 rebounds, while New Zealand crushed Argentina 57-35. Sports Rosters & Next Games: Group A is now set with Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand and South Sudan; the top two advance to the semi-finals on Aug 22, with the lone Olympic berth on Aug 23. UNMISS Recognition: In Juba, 210 Indian peacekeepers (including 6 women) received UN medals for crisis response and lifesaving missions. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: UN agencies warn 650,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in South Sudan face extreme hunger as food and nutrition support runs out unless funding is secured. Displacement in Warrap: Warrap officials call for urgent aid for families displaced by violence in Greater Tonj, citing deaths and urgent needs for food, water, shelter and healthcare. Embassy Access Concern: A policy analyst says South Sudan’s Nairobi embassy was found locked, while Kampala operations were reported fully running. Faith & Youth: A Catholic cardinal urged newly ordained priests toward humility, forgiveness and service to people affected by suffering. US TPS Shock: The US ended Temporary Protected Status for Somalia and South Sudan, raising deportation fears for affected residents.

Child Protection & Education: Pupils in Gondokoro used school debates to push back on child marriage, linking early marriage to sexual and gender-based violence and the need to stay in school. Gender Norms & Health Access: In Torit, health officials and women’s rights advocates urged men and communities to challenge harmful attitudes that block women and girls from sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning. Local Governance & Community Safety: A community tournament in South Sudan is flagged as turning from “peace building” into chaos, with matches ending in intimidation and violence—calling for stronger oversight and security at grassroots events. Cost of Living: In Juba, rising prices are squeezing families as traders at Kubri Haboba Market say customers are cutting back; vendors blame exchange-rate issues, taxes, and transport costs, and want better price monitoring. Peacebuilding & Institutions: Western Equatoria’s deputy governor says the state has made progress on peacebuilding and force integration, but still faces insecurity and cash shortages. Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn that funding shortfalls could cut off food and nutrition for over 650,000 refugees in South Sudan, with the most vulnerable 240,000 facing aid gaps as early as September. Displacement Response: Thirty South Sudanese returnees repatriated from Egypt arrived in Juba with support from the First Lady, with weekly airlift plans announced. US Immigration Policy Impact: The US moves to end Temporary Protected Status for Somalia and South Sudan, raising deportation fears for people who may not have another legal status. Ebola Watch (Regional): DRC’s Ebola outbreak is reported as the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising fast and a sharply higher fatality rate.

Basketball & Youth Culture: Rosters are confirmed for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026 in Guadalajara, with South Sudan placed in Group A alongside Argentina, Brazil, and New Zealand—plus the top teams advance to semi-finals on Aug 22 and the lone Olympic berth is decided Aug 23. Fashion & Diaspora Dreams: In Juba, South Sudanese models are training hard for careers abroad, inspired by trailblazers like Awar Odhiang, but many say visas and access remain the biggest barrier. Humanitarian Funding Crunch: UN agencies warn that 650,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in South Sudan face severe hunger as last food and nutrition support for the most vulnerable 240,000 is set to run out in September without urgent funding. Displacement in Warrap: Warrap officials call for urgent aid for displaced families in Tonj North after intercommunal violence killed dozens and left women, children, and the elderly homeless. Women, Disability & Safety: Western Equatoria reports cases of women with disabilities allegedly abandoned after pregnancies, including an underage victim—raising alarms about protection and access to services. Peacebuilding & Leadership: UN Women and UNESCO launch a three-year push to boost women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal. Education & Opportunity: Morocco’s 2026/27 scholarships for South Sudan prioritize county representation and include a 35% female quota, aiming to widen access beyond urban students. Return Home: First Lady Mama Mary Ayen Mayardit’s office supports the weekly repatriation of South Sudanese returnees from Egypt, with 30 arriving at Juba airport after documentation and immigration hurdles. US TPS Shock: The US ends Temporary Protected Status for Somalia and South Sudan (and others), increasing deportation and work-permit uncertainty for affected migrants.

US Immigration & TPS: The US ended Temporary Protected Status for Somalia and South Sudan (Cameroon and Ethiopia too), with USCIS saying the protections ended Aug. 14 for Somalia and Aug. 7 for South Sudan—raising deportation and job-authorisation fears even as court fights could delay some impacts. Refugee Food Crisis: UNHCR and WFP warned that 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan could lose lifesaving food and nutrition support as funding runs short; the last food aid for the most vulnerable 240,000 is expected in September, with wider cuts looming. Return & Documentation: 30 South Sudanese repatriated from Egypt arrived in Juba after a First Lady-supported airlift, with weekly return flights promised. Women, Education & Leadership: A peacebuilding initiative backed by UN Women and UNESCO targets women’s leadership in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, while a youth workshop urged young women to pursue education and civic roles. Local Governance & Inclusion: Western Equatoria officials reported five women with disabilities allegedly abandoned after pregnancies, calling for protection and access to services. Higher Education & Scholarships: Morocco’s 2026/27 scholarships will include 147 slots across South Sudan counties, with a 35% female quota. Health Systems: AGOSS handed maternal and newborn training simulators to Juba Teaching Hospital to strengthen midwives’ practical skills. Education Oversight: Jonglei cancelled 44 newly created secondary schools for lacking approvals and basic facilities.

Humanitarian Crisis: UNHCR and WFP warn that 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan could lose food and nutrition support within weeks, with the last aid for the most vulnerable 240,000 due in September unless funding is secured. Women & Peacebuilding: UN Women and UNESCO-backed initiative aims to boost women’s leadership and peacebuilding participation in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, reaching about 2,100 beneficiaries. Education & Scholarships: South Sudan’s MoHEST says Morocco’s 2026/2027 scholarships will prioritize county representation and include a 35% female quota, while 36 University of Juba students receive Chinese Ambassador scholarships plus books. Youth & Leadership: A Juba workshop urged young women to pursue education and leadership to protect their status and strengthen families. Governance & Power: SPLM Women’s League endorses President Kiir as sole presidential candidate, while commentary highlights a pattern of reshuffles and “recycling” insiders ahead of December elections. GBV Court: Juba’s Gender-Based Violence Court resumes a 2023 case alleging a father gouged out his daughter’s eyes after she refused an arranged marriage. Local Services: Jonglei cancels 44 newly created secondary schools for lacking approvals and basic facilities. Digital Lifestyle: MTN launches “MTN Shabab Nation” for youth aged 15–25 with connectivity, education, entertainment and rewards.

Humanitarian Crisis: UNHCR and WFP warn that 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan could lose food and nutrition support within weeks, with the last aid for the most vulnerable 240,000 due in September unless funding is secured. Maternal Health: AGOSS handed maternal and newborn health training simulators to Juba Teaching Hospital to help midwives and reproductive health workers strengthen practical care. Youth & Culture: MTN South Sudan launched “MTN Shabab Nation,” a digital lifestyle platform for ages 15–25, mixing connectivity, education, entertainment, and youth rewards. Sports & Identity: South Sudan is grouped with Argentina, Brazil, and New Zealand for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, spotlighting the country on a regional basketball stage. Gender-Based Violence Justice: Juba’s Gender-Based Violence Court resumed a 2023 case alleging a father attacked his daughter after she refused an arranged marriage. Education & Exchange: The Chinese Embassy awarded scholarships to 36 University of Juba students, framing the program as cultural exchange and youth development. Land, Wildlife & Peace: EU Ambassador Pelle Enarsson stressed that secure land rights and rights-based natural resource governance are key to conservation and stability.

Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn that South Sudan’s most vulnerable refugees could lose U.N. food and nutrition aid within weeks as funding runs out—final support for 240,000 refugees is expected in September, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and 2.2 million children acutely malnourished. Gender-Based Violence Justice: Juba’s Gender-Based Violence Court resumes a 2023 case where a 17-year-old girl from Warrap State was allegedly attacked by her father after refusing an arranged marriage; the hearing is adjourned to Aug. 18. Youth & Digital Life: MTN South Sudan launches “MTN Shabab Nation,” a youth-focused digital platform (ages 15–25) offering connectivity, education resources, entertainment, and rewards. Education for Girls: The “Africa Educate Her” campaign is launched in Juba to keep girls in school and boost completion, citing a 10% rise in girls’ enrollment linked to free education directives. Local Governance & Peacebuilding: SIHA Network Juba convenes a forum to strengthen young women’s and youth participation in peacebuilding and governance ahead of elections. Culture & Learning Exchange: The Chinese Embassy awards scholarships to 36 University of Juba students, framing recipients as future cultural exchange messengers.

Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan could lose food aid within weeks as funding runs out, with the last distributions for the most vulnerable 240,000 families due in September—raising fears of worsening malnutrition and forced cross-border movement. Youth & Digital Life: MTN South Sudan launched “MTN Shabab Nation,” a youth-focused digital platform (ages 15–25) offering connectivity, learning resources, entertainment and rewards, betting on a country where most people are under 30. Gender-Based Violence Justice: Juba’s Gender-Based Violence Court resumed a 2023 case where a 17-year-old girl from Warrap State was allegedly attacked by her father after refusing an arranged marriage; hearings continue with the accused expected to testify on Aug. 18. Education for Girls: The “Africa Educate Her” campaign was launched in Juba to keep girls in school and boost completion, citing a 10% rise in girls’ enrollment linked to free education directives. Youth Peacebuilding: SIHA Network Juba convened a forum to strengthen young women’s and youth participation in peacebuilding and governance ahead of elections, pushing meaningful roles beyond token positions. Community Health: Western Equatoria Governor Rimbasa donated SSP 15 million to launch a community health insurance scheme for vulnerable and displaced families, aiming to reduce barriers to basic care.

Youth & Peacebuilding: SIHA Network Juba convened a two-day forum to boost young women and youth participation in peacebuilding, governance and elections, with calls for meaningful decision-making and community mentoring. Youth Mobilisation in the States: In Mundri East, youths marked International Youth Day in Lui Town by demanding an end to violence and killings amid displacement linked to cattle disputes. Education for Girls: The Africa Educate Her campaign was launched in Juba to keep girls in school and improve completion, citing a 10% rise in girls’ enrolment alongside free education directives. Health & Community Care: Bor students donated nearly a ton of medicines, beds and mattresses to rural health centres, while Western Equatoria Governor Rimbasa backed a community health insurance scheme for vulnerable and displaced families. Governance & Services: South Sudan’s Transport Minister tabled a transport policy framework in parliament covering regulation, safety, technology, inclusion and implementation. Higher Education: VP James Wani Igga laid the foundation stone for the University of Yei, with local leaders urging staffing and infrastructure support. Diplomacy & Culture: South Sudan’s embassy in Nairobi reportedly closed over unpaid rent, disrupting travel document processing. Land & Conservation: An EU envoy said secure land rights and natural-resource governance are key to peace and conservation, stressing rule of law and community engagement. Women, Rights & Conflict: A coalition of eight countries urged renewed peace dialogue at the UN Security Council, warning that setbacks could worsen insecurity and highlighting barriers facing women and girls. International Context: UN-linked reporting on Ebola in the DRC continues to stress fast spread and new transmission findings, underscoring regional health pressures.

Education & Youth Empowerment: Vice President James Wani Igga laid the foundation stone for the University of Yei, with leaders urging peace and better staffing, while students and youth called for scholarships, skills training, and jobs. Women in Politics: President Salva Kiir opened the SPLM Women League constitutional conference, pushing stronger women’s leadership ahead of elections. Local Peace & Safety: In Yei and Wonduruba, VP Igga and Governor Adil urged armed groups to stop fighting, protect civilians (especially women), and let children return to school. Youth Day Culture: The Ministry of Youth and Sports scheduled International Youth Day celebrations for 15 August at the Dr. Garang Mausoleum, featuring youth, cultural groups, and peace-building themes. Civic Participation: Youth advocates demanded real roles for young people in policymaking, warning that unemployment and exclusion fuel social problems. Diplomacy & Peace Talks: Eight countries urged renewed commitment to South Sudan’s Revitalized Peace Agreement at the UN Security Council, highlighting barriers for women and ongoing conflict-related sexual violence concerns. Diaspora & Access to Services: South Sudan’s Nairobi embassy reportedly closed over unpaid rent, disrupting travel document processing. Health & Human Stories: A South Sudanese mother in Nairobi has been stuck in hospital for months over a growing bill after delivering quadruplets.

University & Youth Education: South Sudan’s Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga laid the foundation stone for the University of Yei, with leaders urging peace and calling for real investment in classrooms, lecturers, and local involvement so students don’t have to chase education through boda-boda work. Peace & Civilian Protection: In Yei and Wonduruba, VP Igga and Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony urged armed groups to stop fighting, warning that insecurity is disrupting schools and development and hitting women and children hardest. Women in Politics: President Salva Kiir opened the SPLM Women League constitutional conference, pushing stronger women’s leadership and political participation ahead of elections. Sports & Culture: Zambia’s Bingu National Stadium in Malawi?—No, in Zambia coverage: South Sudan’s sports ministry says Bingu National Stadium will be ready for CAF matches after concert-related pitch damage, with restoration work underway. Church & Family Values: Catholic leaders highlighted how faith formation starts in the family, with Cardinal Kambanda urging priests to reach households door-to-door to strengthen community life. Disability Inclusion: Western Equatoria’s disability union demanded equal opportunities and real inclusion in education, healthcare, jobs, and decision-making. Civic Life & Youth Day: Youth advocates renewed calls for youth participation in policymaking, jobs, and support for young women as South Sudan marks International Youth Day with a Juba celebration. Embassy Closure: South Sudan’s Nairobi embassy shut over unpaid rent, with civil society warning it harms the country’s image abroad.

Education & Youth: VP Dr James Wani Igga laid the foundation stone for the University of Yei, with leaders urging peace, better roads, and more support for scholarships and jobs. Disability Inclusion: Western Equatoria’s disability union pushed for dignity, equal opportunities, and stronger government backing across education, healthcare, employment, and leadership. Church & Media: Catholic leaders in Africa shared how local ownership can sustain Catholic TV, while Vatican voices urged deeper engagement with former seminarians and “digital missionaries” that promote human dignity. Culture & Faith at Home: Cardinal Kambanda stressed that Christian formation—and even vocations—begins in the family, with priests visiting households door to door. Food Security & Livelihoods: South Sudan partnered with IFAD on a $41.8m project to boost rural livelihoods, including fisheries upgrades and reduced post-harvest losses. Elections & Civic Tension: Twic residents protested constituency sharing with Abyei, warning it could weaken their political representation. Immigration & Documents: A new immigration director general pledged faster, corruption-free civil services and digital modernization, while the U.S. shifted routine visa processing for South Sudanese applicants to Kampala. Human Rights: Amnesty demanded answers after a South Sudanese-Kenyan businessman was allegedly abducted and detained, then released after nearly two months. Sports & Identity: South Sudan is among teams in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026, with basketball fans watching for a route to LA 2028. Arts & Style: COS launched a monochrome fall campaign featuring Awar Odhiang (South Sudanese heritage) and other international models.

UNMISS Security Update: UNMISS says near-simultaneous attacks in Tonj North (Tonj North county) have displaced families and destroyed property, including cattle theft, and it is sending long-duration patrols to assess security and deter revenge attacks. Food & Livelihoods: South Sudan and IFAD launched a USD 41.8m food security push (SADEP) for 110,000+ people, including fisheries upgrades like ice plants and landing sites to cut post-harvest losses. Elections & Civic Voice: Twic residents in Warrap staged a peaceful protest against sharing a constituency with Abyei, warning it could weaken their political representation ahead of December 2026 polls. Human Rights & Accountability: Amnesty International says it wants answers after a South Sudanese-Kenyan businessman, Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, was released following nearly two months in detention after an alleged abduction and transfer. Identity & Services: A new immigration chief in Juba, Lt. Gen. Achol Cyier Rehan, pledges digital modernization to reduce passport delays and fight fraud as the directorate hands over thousands of documents. Culture & Faith Media: Catholic communicators were urged to look beyond their own institutions and spotlight wider church initiatives, including peacebuilding efforts. Global Health Context: WHO reports DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak began in February (months before declaration), with cases now at 4,200 and over 1,900 deaths.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan makes history with its first UNESCO World Heritage listing, the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape, spotlighting massive antelope migrations and a rare, intact ecosystem. Wildlife & Identity: On World Lion Day, an opinion piece urges South Sudan to recognize and protect its lions, pointing to conservation work in the Boma–Badingilo area. Elections & Civic Space: Church leaders warn that December 2026 elections could worsen insecurity and fragmentation unless legal gaps, security unification, and civic/voter education are addressed. Governance & Rights: Amnesty International demands answers after a South Sudanese-Kenyan businessman was held for nearly two months, alleging abduction from Nairobi and unlawful transfer to South Sudan; a whistleblower was later released and returned to Nairobi for medical care. Travel & Mobility: The U.S. stops routine visa services in Juba, shifting nonimmigrant processing to Kampala, while U.S. courts move to end TPS protections for South Sudanese migrants. Health Crisis: WHO says eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak began in February, with cases now at 4,200 and over 1,900 deaths, as responders “chase the virus” amid conflict and delays. Culture & Lifestyle: COS launches a monochrome, tailored fall 2026 campaign featuring Awar Odhiang of South Sudanese heritage. Public Life: A new civil registry and immigration chief pledges digital reforms to cut passport delays and fight fraud.

Humanitarian Access Under Fire: UNMISS says 36 humanitarian workers were killed in South Sudan in 2026, alongside 391 access incidents—an alarming sign that aid delivery is getting harder just as hunger and disease deepen. Ebola Spillover Warnings: WHO reports DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak began in February, months before declaration, with cases now at 4,200 and over 1,900 deaths—prompting renewed urgency around safe health response. Whistleblower Freed: South Sudan whistleblower Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit was released after nearly two months in detention in Juba and returned to Nairobi for medical care, after family and rights groups raised concerns of abduction and forced transfer. Elections and Church Concerns: South Sudan church leaders warn December 2026 elections could worsen insecurity and fragmentation unless legal gaps, civic education, and security unification are addressed. Voter Education Push: Lakes State launched a civic and voter education campaign urging people to register and vote freely, with leaders stressing peace and fair choice. Rights Monitoring Ahead of Polls: South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network begins election-cycle monitoring across civic space, expression, assembly, and marginalized participation. Water and Community Life: China-aided borehole projects were handed over in Juba, expanding access to safe water across Central Equatoria and Lakes State. Road Safety for Aid: Western Equatoria officials condemned the burning of a Norwegian Refugee Council humanitarian truck and urged armed groups to stop attacks on civilians and road users. Visa Processing Clarification: The US says routine visa realignment to regional hubs won’t close the Abuja embassy, aiming to reduce confusion across African missions. Youth Demands for Action: African youth at Kampala’s B!LL!Now Now summit called for real investment in peacebuilding, skills, and inclusive opportunities to tackle unemployment and tribalism.

Elections & Civic Space: South Sudan church leaders warn that December 2026 elections could worsen insecurity and fragmentation unless insecurity, political divisions, and legal gaps are addressed; meanwhile, Lakes State and Jonglei push voter education campaigns, and the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network launches election-cycle monitoring across civic space, campaigns, and marginalized groups. Rights, Justice & Gender: A High Court judge urges “third eye” judicial thinking to challenge gender stereotypes in legal pluralism, while UNMISS trains civil society, journalists, and rights defenders in Lakes State on documenting rights violations safely. Community & Culture: Torit’s Greater Oronyo wins the Monyiemiji football tournament “Sport for Peace and Unity,” and Central Equatoria youth and sports funding reportedly jumps nearly 400% to expand youth programs. Humanitarian & Security: Western Equatoria condemns the burning of a Norwegian Refugee Council humanitarian truck, and police in Juba arrest suspects over alleged child trafficking and sale. Water & Diplomacy: China hands over a water borehole project in Juba, and Canada shifts consular services to Addis Ababa while adding temporary Ebola-linked border measures. Cross-border Human Stories: Two South Sudanese cases in Kenya end with releases after detention—one after nearly two months, another after investigations found no wrongdoing. Global Health Context: WHO says Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak began months before it was declared, underscoring the region’s ongoing health strain.