AGP Executive Report

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.

Civic Education & Elections: Access Radio will launch a weekly “On-Air Civic Education” programme in Greater Yei, aiming to boost public understanding of rights, governance, and participation ahead of elections. Media & Localization: Oxfam and YWCA trained 50+ Juba journalists to strengthen reporting on South Sudan’s Localization Agenda, pushing communities—especially women and youth—into leadership roles. Culture & Commerce: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra to help African brands reach wider markets, highlighting cross-border fashion, publishing, and lifestyle products—including South Sudanese labels. Bilateral Ties: China and South Sudan officials met in Juba to mark the PRC anniversary, stressing expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, education, and health. Security for Polls: President Kiir directed defence leaders to create a secure environment for December elections, linking security sector reform to election readiness. Regional Health Policy: Canada extended Ebola-related entry and immigration restrictions affecting South Sudan, underscoring how outbreaks shape mobility and everyday life.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir has launched a two-week inter-party dialogue in Juba on the December 22, 2026 vote, with parties, civil society, religious leaders and partners—while also directing defence leaders to create a secure environment for polling. Faith-Led Mediation: Archbishop Elias Taban Parangi was named chief mediator for the inter-party dialogue, underscoring the role of churches in keeping political talks on track. Civic Readiness: A Civil Society Forum urged the transitional government, the elections body and security agencies to speed up voter registration and civic/voter education, warning gaps could undermine credibility. Public Finance & Social Services: UK outgoing Ambassador David Ashley warned that stolen public funds will be tracked and sanctioned, and pushed for more investment in education, health and nutrition. Health & Mobility: Canada extended Ebola-related travel and immigration restrictions for 60 days, affecting people from or recently in South Sudan, Uganda and the DRC. Culture & Learning: Türkiye Diyanet Foundation donated school supplies and clothing to orphans and vulnerable students in Juba, supporting access to education. Sports & Talent: South Sudan’s presence in regional sport continues to ripple—while chess and football coverage highlights broader East African youth achievement.

Inter-Party Dialogue: President Salva Kiir has opened a two-week inter-party dialogue in Juba on conditions for the December 22, 2026 elections, with Archbishop Elias Taban Parangi named chief mediator—faith and civil society are pushing for dialogue that stays focused on electoral issues, not reopening old negotiations. Election Readiness: A Civil Society Forum urged the transitional government, the National Elections Commission, and security agencies to speed up voter registration plus civic and voter education, warning that key tasks are still incomplete. UK Accountability: Outgoing UK Ambassador David Ashley warned that stolen public funds will be tracked and sanctioned, urging South Sudan to invest in education, health, and nutrition instead of relying on emergency aid. Education Support in Juba: Türkiye Diyanet Foundation donated school supplies and clothing to hundreds of children in Islamic orphanages and schools, targeting orphans and vulnerable students. Culture & Youth Livelihoods: A Yei graduate is turning to farming with promising rice results, while Kidepo Valley rangers’ victory in Uganda’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge highlights how conservation work is also a youth story.

Inter-Party Dialogue: President Salva Kiir has opened a two-week inter-party dialogue in Juba on conditions for the December 22, 2026 elections, urging talks to stay focused on electoral issues and not reopen negotiations that could derail the vote. Faith-Led Mediation: Archbishop Elias Taban Parangi of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church has been named Chief Mediator for the dialogue, with faith groups backing his role in peacebuilding and reconciliation. Elections & Civic Readiness: Civil society voices are flagging gaps in voter education and election logistics as preparations intensify, while the NEC/NEC-related process continues amid contested electoral changes. UK Accountability Push: The UK’s outgoing ambassador warned that stolen public funds will be tracked and sanctioned, pointing to severe underfunding of health and education despite oil and non-oil revenues. Culture & Community Care: Chinese medical teams marked Mid-Autumn Festival with Juba orphanage visits, offering check-ups, treatment, and mooncakes. Sports & Identity: Egypt’s AFCON qualifier plans include resting Mohamed Salah over concerns about Juba’s artificial turf, while South Sudan’s qualifiers continue to draw regional attention. Regional Context: IGAD reports 40.3 million people facing acute food insecurity across six states, with South Sudan among the hardest hit.

Election Culture & Civic Life: President Salva Kiir opened an inter-party national dialogue on December general elections in Juba, urging parties to agree on a peaceful, credible path—while SPLM-IO criticized the process for not consulting all political forces. Governance & Public Services: A UK envoy warned South Sudan’s leadership that stolen public funds will be tracked and sanctioned, pointing to severe underfunding of health and education despite revenue inflows. Health & Mobility: The UAE lifted Ebola-related entry restrictions on Ugandan nationals, but kept measures for DRC and South Sudan, shaping travel and labour links. Youth, Learning & Belonging: Chinese doctors marked Mid-Autumn Festival with Juba orphanage children, offering check-ups, treatment, and donated food and mooncakes. Sports & Identity: Egypt’s AFCON qualifier plans in Juba are affected by concerns over artificial turf, with Mohamed Salah rested—highlighting how stadium conditions shape national team narratives. Food Security: An IGAD report flags 40.3 million people facing acute hunger across the region, with South Sudan among the hardest hit. Culture & Faith: Cardinal Parolin urged “restore trust” through dialogue and justice at the UN, echoing wider calls for peacebuilding.

Mid-Autumn Festival & health support: A new batch of China’s 14th medical team visited Juba Orphanage, bringing mooncakes, food, check-ups and treatment for children frequently battling malaria, typhoid and skin infections. Pan-African culture & retail: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra to spotlight African fashion, lifestyle and literature, including South Sudanese brands, with a push to help creators reach wider markets. Election dialogue in focus: President Salva Kiir launched South Sudan’s national inter-party dialogue on December elections in Juba, urging parties to agree on a peaceful, credible path. Sports & identity: Egypt’s AFCON qualifier in Juba is set without Mohamed Salah due to concerns over playing surface, while Malawi’s Flames’ earlier win over South Sudan keeps regional football stakes high. Food insecurity pressure: An IGAD report warns 40.3 million people across six IGAD states face acute hunger, with South Sudan among the hardest hit. Culture, faith & peace messaging: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin called for restoring trust through dialogue, justice and respect for international law.

Election Culture & Civic Space: President Salva Kiir launched South Sudan’s inter-party dialogue on election-related matters in Juba, bringing parties, religious leaders, civil society and international partners together to push for peaceful, credible December 2026 polls. Regional Integration: South Sudan also began national consultations on the proposed East African Political Confederation constitution, inviting citizens—including women, youth, traditional leaders and the media—to shape how integration should work. Water & Community Health: Türkiye Diyanet Foundation and Peace Light Foundation installed a solar-powered borehole in Kwerjik, aiming to replace unsafe stream water with cleaner supplies. Early Childhood & Media: UJOSS and Oxfam trained South Sudanese journalists to report more deeply on climate, humanitarian crises, peacebuilding and gender justice, while coverage also points to national efforts to strengthen coordination for young children. Food Security Pressure: IGAD warned that acute hunger remains severe across the region, with South Sudan among the hardest hit. Church & Identity: A Catholic bishop’s reflections on culture, identity and belonging in South Sudan continue to resonate alongside wider peace messaging.

Election Dialogue: President Salva Kiir launched South Sudan’s inter-party dialogue on election-related matters in Juba, aiming for consensus on peaceful, credible December polls—though SPLM-IO says authorities failed to consult all political forces. Civic Readiness: Civil society warns election preparations are uneven, with weak civic education reaching rural communities and logistics/legal gaps still unaddressed. Regional Integration: South Sudan opened national consultations on the proposed East African Political Confederation constitution, inviting citizens, women, youth, religious and traditional leaders, and media to shape governance and decision-making. Water & Health: Türkiye Diyanet Foundation and partners installed a solar-powered borehole in Kwerjik to improve clean drinking water access and cut disease risk. Climate & Waste: A state minister urged children to lead anti-polythene action from schools, linking plastic reduction to cleaner environments and safer water. Food Security: IGAD reports 40.3 million people across six IGAD states face acute hunger in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest (55% affected). Media Skills: UJOSS and Oxfam trained journalists to move beyond event-based coverage toward deeper reporting on climate, humanitarian crises, peacebuilding, and gender justice.

Elections & Civic Life: President Salva Kiir launched a national inter-party dialogue on election-related matters in Juba, urging consensus for peaceful, credible December polls, while civil society warns civic education and logistics gaps still leave many rural communities uninformed. Regional Governance: South Sudan also opened nationwide consultations on the proposed EAC Political Confederation constitution, inviting women, youth, religious and traditional leaders, academia, and the media to shape how the confederation should be governed and funded. Food & Health: IGAD reports 40.3 million people across six IGAD states face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest (about 55% affected), as conflict, drought, economic shocks, and reduced aid deepen hunger and malnutrition. Water & Daily Survival: Türkiye Diyanet Foundation installed a solar-powered borehole in Kwerjik, aiming to supply about 4,000 liters of clean water daily and cut health risks from unsafe stream water. Media & Gender Justice: UJOSS and Oxfam urged South Sudanese journalists to move beyond event coverage toward people-centered reporting on climate, humanitarian crises, peacebuilding, and gender justice.

Public Health & Vaccination: Uganda’s measles-rubella catch-up drive (Oct 1–5) is mobilizing MPs, cultural and religious leaders to reach 7.4 million children—an urgent push as measles threatens a comeback across the region. Food Security: IGAD warns that 40.3 million people across Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda face acute hunger in 2026, with conflict, drought and funding gaps driving the crisis. Water & Health: Türkiye Diyanet Foundation completed a solar-powered borehole in Juba’s Kwerjik, aiming to supply safer water and cut reliance on unsafe streams. Regional Politics: President Salva Kiir met EAC officials as nationwide consultations begin on the EAC Political Confederation’s constitution, governance and financing. Early Childhood Development: South Sudan launched a National Early Childhood Development Network to improve coordination and investment for ages 0–8. Faith & Peacebuilding: Nuba Christian and Muslim leaders called for an end to violence and hate speech, urging dialogue and reconciliation. Climate Risk: WHO classifies the developing El Niño’s health impacts as a Grade Three emergency, flagging higher risks of disease outbreaks and malnutrition for countries including South Sudan.

South Sudan Politics & Governance: President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and removed five vice presidents, setting up a lean caretaker administration ahead of the December 22 elections, as new electoral law amendments clear the path for voter registration and the next political phase. EAC Regional Integration: An EAC delegation arrived in Juba to begin nationwide consultations on a proposed EAC Political Confederation, with talks planned from the capital to states and involving civil society, youth, women, academia, and community leadership. Early Childhood & Education: South Sudan launched a National Early Childhood Development Network to improve coordination and investment across the 0–8 age range, aiming to close long-standing gaps across health, nutrition, education, and child protection. Elections Prep: The NEC approved voter registration forms and implementing regulations, warning against unofficial claims that registration has already started. Culture, Faith & Community: A Catholic bishop in South Sudan called for respect for culture, identity, and belonging amid peace talks and political uncertainty. Health & Lifestyle: Central Equatoria held a “6K Run for Health” to promote preventive healthcare and healthier living through sport. Food Security & Climate Pressure: WHO classified El Niño’s health and humanitarian impacts as a Grade Three emergency, flagging risks for countries including South Sudan, while regional reporting highlights acute hunger pressures across IGAD. Women & Refugees: A women-focused empowerment financing story in West Nile highlights how small loans are helping refugee women build businesses and income.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir dissolved South Sudan’s transitional government and removed five vice presidents, setting the stage for December 22 polls, while the amended elections law keeps the incumbent executive in place during the election period. Electoral Process & Rights: Parliament passed the National Elections Act amendment, including seat allocations with women’s proportional representation, and an auxiliary bishop questioned how elections can proceed without a census and permanent constitution. Early Childhood Focus: South Sudan launched a national early childhood development network to close gaps in coordination, financing, and service delivery for children in the first five years. Church, Culture & Peace: Catholic leaders marked International Day of Peace with calls for reconciliation and justice, and a bishop urged South Sudanese to embrace cultural differences without losing identity. Climate & Health: WHO classified El Niño’s health impacts in Africa as a Grade Three emergency, with South Sudan named among high-risk countries for flooding, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity. Regional Integration: Juba announced nationwide consultations on the proposed EAC political confederation, aiming to gather input from leaders, civil society, women’s groups, youth, and academics. Community Reconciliation: The Rup community in Rumbek agreed on reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity to end cycles of conflict.