AGP Executive Report

Media & Governance: President Salva Kiir swore in new leaders for the South Sudan Media Authority, including National Security spokesperson David John Kumuri, pushing for professionalism and responsible engagement. Elections & Rights: Peace monitors warn December 2026 polls could slip as the Political Parties Council and constitutional review body face funding gaps and insecurity, even as party registration expands. Pay & Public Trust: Jonglei civil servants began receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years, but public calls say it’s far too little to cover arrears and rising costs. Child Protection: A national child protection conference in Juba urged a Child Protection Desk in the President’s Office, stronger action against abuse and armed recruitment, and better school support. Community Reintegration: Torit Municipality enrolled 36 former teenage gang members back into school after they pledged to stop violence. Local Services: Gondokoro Monenyit Island residents say children and pregnant women must cross the Nile daily for schooling and care because the island lacks a functioning school and health facility. Women’s Land Rights: Thirty young women trained on laws protecting women’s ownership and inheritance of land, including national and regional rights frameworks. Faith & Safety: A Christian convert in a refugee camp was assaulted after leaving Islam, highlighting how churches remain key safety spaces for displaced communities. Sports & Culture: South Sudan’s Bright Stars beat Libya 95–57 in FIBA qualifiers, while regional culture and sports officials backed marathon winners in Barentu.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council and constitutional review body warn that December 2026 polls could slip due to funding shortages and insecurity, even as they report more parties registered and a binding election code of conduct. Child Protection: A national child protection conference in Juba calls for a Child Protection Desk in the Office of the President, more funding, school feeding and boarding support, birth registration, and stronger action to stop abuse and recruitment of children. Women’s Rights: Thirty young women complete training on land and inheritance rights, urging them to use South Sudan’s legal protections and regional agreements to claim what the law guarantees. Education Access: Gondokoro Monenyit Island, just outside Juba, still lacks a school and functioning health services, forcing children to cross the Nile daily for classes. Health & Care: Al Sabah Children’s Hospital is set to get its first dedicated paediatric operating theatre between September and October, reducing the need to refer children elsewhere for surgery. Peace & Accountability: Defence Minister Chol Thon vows “zero tolerance” for grave violations against children as DDR releases 49 children from military training centres. Culture & Sports: The Ministry of Culture urges nationwide Independence Day celebrations on 9 July, while South Sudan’s “Bright Stars” beat Libya 95–57 in FIBA qualifiers. Public Safety Online: Traditional and faith leaders in Eastern Equatoria train to use social media to counter hate speech and misinformation ahead of elections.

Child Protection & DDR: South Sudan’s DDR Commission says 49 children have been released from military training centers and armed groups, with the Defence Minister vowing “zero tolerance” for violations against children. Health & Community Care: A free cleft lip and cleft palate surgery mission is underway in Juba, while Al Sabah Children’s Hospital prepares its first dedicated paediatric operating theatre. Church & Social Cohesion: The Presbyterian Church of South Sudan disputes the legality of a rival 35th General Assembly, warning its 34th mandate runs until 2028. Culture & National Identity: The Culture Ministry urges nationwide Independence Day celebrations across all states and administrative areas, not just Juba. Online Peacebuilding: Eastern Equatoria faith and traditional leaders are trained to use social media to counter hate speech and misinformation ahead of elections. Ebola & Livelihoods: UN agencies warn Ebola’s economic shock could hit the region hard, including South Sudan, as trade and services are disrupted. Politics & Governance: NCP leadership reshuffles ahead of December 2026 elections, replacing the party secretary general.

Child Protection & DDR: Defence Minister Chol Thon Balok vowed “zero tolerance” for violations against children as 49 children were released from military training centres across Upper Nile, Ruweng and Western Equatoria, with DDR officials urging stronger action to stop recruitment. National Culture & Independence Day: Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath Elijah launched a nationwide Independence Day push, calling for flag-raising and anthem singing in every state and community—not just Juba—alongside a patriotic campaign to unite citizens and the diaspora. Health & Community Care: Al Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba is set to receive its first dedicated paediatric operating theatre (installation Aug–Oct), while ASK Foundation and partners launched a free cleft lip and palate surgery campaign for 20 children. Faith, Tradition & Online Peace: In Eastern Equatoria, traditional and religious leaders were trained to use social media to counter hate speech and misinformation ahead of elections. Politics & Elections: Parliament approved amendments to the 2018 peace deal, deferring the census and constitution-making until after December 2026 elections. Religious Freedom in Displacement: A Sudanese Christian convert was assaulted inside a refugee camp church in Gorom, renewing concerns about safety for converts in camps.

Culture & Nation-Building: South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture launched a National Flag and National Anthem Campaign ahead of Independence Day, urging households, schools, places of worship, and institutions—inside the country and in the diaspora—to raise the flag and sing the anthem as a show of unity. Child Protection & Accountability: The Defense Minister, Gen. Chol Thon Balok, vowed “zero tolerance” for violations against children, saying anyone recruiting or abusing children will be investigated and prosecuted. Reintegration Progress: The DDR Commission said 49 children were released from military training centers across Upper Nile, Ruweng, and Western Equatoria, calling for stronger joint efforts to stop child recruitment. Humanitarian Safety: A humanitarian convoy was attacked in Jonglei’s Duk County, killing at least 17 people; the governor visited victims’ families and urged calm. Health & Community Impact: UNDP warned that the DRC Ebola outbreak could push nearly a million more people into poverty across the region, including South Sudan, as travel and trade restrictions hit livelihoods. Faith & Vulnerability: A Sudanese Christian convert was assaulted inside a church in Gorom Refugee Camp, highlighting risks faced by religious converts in displacement settings. Diplomacy: Israel and South Sudan pledged deeper cooperation after talks in Jerusalem, including continued Israeli humanitarian support for refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan. Medical Access: ASK Foundation and partners launched a free cleft lip and palate surgery campaign in Juba for 20 children, offering surgery and follow-up care.

Jonglei Security: Jonglei Governor Riek Gai Kok condemned a Duk County ambush that killed at least 17 people and injured nine, visiting victims’ families and urging calm as authorities investigate. Humanitarian Access & Civilian Protection: UNMISS reported 767 civilians killed, 457 injured, 93 abducted and 71 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Jan–Mar 2026, with killings up sharply despite fewer incidents. Ebola Watch: The UN warned the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten spread to neighbours including South Sudan. Independence Day Culture: Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath called for a true grassroots Independence Day celebration on 9 July, saying heritage must live in homes and communities. Girls’ Education: Northern Bahr el Ghazal urged girls to stay in school and families to resist early marriage, framing education as protection and opportunity. Media & Elections: Journalists began training on conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive reporting ahead of electoral periods. Local Governance: Eastern Equatoria swore in new county commissioners and officials after presidential approval, aiming to strengthen local administration. Finance & Daily Life: Public skepticism grew over whether banks are actually implementing eased cash withdrawal limits. Diplomacy & Learning: South Sudan and Israel pledged deeper cooperation, including training and scholarships for South Sudanese diplomats and students. Political Parties: A SPLM-IO breakaway faction registered as the IO Party ahead of national elections.

UNMISS Protection Crisis: UNMISS reports 767 civilians killed, 457 injured, 93 abducted and 71 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence across South Sudan between January and March 2026, with civilian killings up sharply even as incidents slightly declined. Girls’ Education Push: Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s education minister urges girls to stay in school and calls on families to stop early marriage, framing education as a path to independence. Independence Day Heritage: Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath calls for a true grassroots Independence Day celebration on 9 July, saying heritage should live in homes and communities, not just institutions. Local Governance Updates: Eastern Equatoria swears in new county commissioners and state officials after Kiir’s approvals, including appointments tied to SPLM, SSOA and other parties. Ebola Watch: UN warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten spread to neighbours like South Sudan; experts say “there is still hope” despite no licensed vaccine yet. Media & Elections: Journalists begin training on conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive reporting ahead of electoral periods. Diplomacy: South Sudan reaffirms support for stronger Africa–Israel engagement, including backing Israel’s observer status at the AU. Women in Security: Police chief hails promotion of Lt. Gen. Achol Cyer Rehan as a historic milestone for women in South Sudan’s police leadership.

Local Governance: Eastern Equatoria swore in three county commissioners and several state officials after Kiir’s approval, including new appointments in cooperatives, culture, youth and sports, and gender. Human Rights & Safety: UNMISS reports 767 civilians killed, 457 injured, and 71 cases of conflict-related sexual violence from January–March 2026, even as incidents slightly dropped—showing rising harm to civilians. Diplomacy & Public Services: The U.S. ambassador met VP Abdelbagi to stress public finance management, linking revenue use to better health and education, alongside a new health cooperation MOU. Culture & Heritage: South Sudan submitted its first UNESCO World Heritage nomination—Badingilo Migratory Landscape—for review next month in Busan. Women & Leadership: South Sudan’s police promoted Lt. Gen. Achol Cyer Rehan and other women to higher ranks, calling it a historic step for gender equality in security leadership. Education & Skills Debate: A public exchange at the University of Juba reignited debate over graduate quality after claims of “degrees without skills.” Trade & Livelihoods: A four-week capacity programme at Elegu is training small cross-border traders on finance, records, exports, and border compliance. Community & Advocacy: Aweil East SPLM Youth leadership was suspended, while a human rights activist appealed for protection over alleged death threats.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan has submitted its first-ever UNESCO World Heritage nomination, the Badingilo Migratory Landscape, for review at the World Heritage Committee session in Busan next month—an effort expected to lift conservation and international visibility. Diplomacy & Regional Finance: A lawmaker warns South Sudan’s EAC debt could climb to about $24 million if annual contributions aren’t paid, after a summit waived half of arrears. Health Cooperation: The U.S. and South Sudan finalized a $166 million three-year health cooperation deal, including HIV/AIDS and outbreak response, with shared accountability targets. Women, Youth & Community Life: A women’s rights advocate calls for affordable rehab centers in every state and administrative area as drug abuse among young people rises; meanwhile, Women Advocates Women Association sets July 11 elections for new leadership, and Emmanuel Christian University holds student guild elections in Yei. Education & Skills Debate: A public exchange at the University of Juba reignites debate over whether graduates are getting “degrees without skills,” with calls for stronger education quality. Local Governance & Politics: In Aweil East, the SPLM Youth League chairperson was suspended over alleged constitutional breaches, while Yei mourns the death of a dedicated revenue officer. Security Sector & Gender: Police leadership marks the promotion of Lt. Gen. Achol Cyer Rehan as a historic milestone for women in South Sudan’s police service.

Human Rights & Safety: South Sudanese activist Ter Manyang Gatwech appealed to foreign missions after alleging repeated death threats tied to his documentation of abuses in Greater Upper Nile, saying authorities have not responded. Education & Skills: A public clash at the University of Juba reignited debate on graduate quality after Dr. Ting Mayai accused the university of producing “degrees without skills,” prompting Vice Chancellor Prof. John Akec to push back. Health & Partnerships: The U.S. and South Sudan finalized a $166m, three-year health cooperation deal focused on HIV and outbreak response, including accountability on vaccine cold chains and timely worker salaries. Women & Youth Support: A women’s rights advocate urged affordable rehabilitation centers in every state and administrative area to tackle rising drug abuse among young people. Agroforestry & Climate Research: Universities including the University of Juba joined a four-year East Africa–wide project to strengthen agroforestry research and training for climate change mitigation. Peace & Governance: Equatoria traditional leaders renewed calls for federalism, security sector reforms, and credible elections, while women’s groups set July 11 for leadership elections. Elections Readiness: Opposition leaders rejected December polls, citing war, insecurity, and state capture, even as NEC reaffirmed 22 December 2026. Local Administration: In Aweil East, a commissioner suspended the SPLM Youth chairperson, triggering internal party dispute. Culture & Faith: The Episcopal Church primate arrived in Rumbek ahead of an Eastern Bahr el Ghazal bishop enthronement, following reconciliation after a contested election.

Federalism & Elections Call: Equatoria traditional leaders urged federalism, security-sector reforms, and credible elections in a communiqué from the June 23–26 peace conference in Kit. Women’s Leadership Vote: WAASS set July 11 for elections of a new association president, with a seven-member electoral committee and tighter membership voting rules. Campus Democracy: Students at Emmanuel Christian University elected James Chol Cingoth as Guild President, framing the vote as a model for democratic culture beyond campus. Church Leadership in Lakes State: Episcopal Primate Justin Badi Arama visited Rumbek ahead of the enthronement of Bishop Peter Marial Agok as Eastern Bahr el Ghazal archbishop, following reconciliation after a contested election. Mining & Community Trust: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong suspended mining operations in Nakere after community unrest over environmental damage, limited benefits, and weak engagement. Ebola Travel Restrictions: South Sudan urged foreign governments to lift Ebola-related travel and visa limits, saying the country remains Ebola-free and restrictions are harming people needing medical care and education abroad. Education Scrutiny: Education experts questioned claims that scholarship students abroad are underperforming, calling for verified data before conclusions. Banking Confidence Move: The Economic Cluster lifted the 10 million SSP cash withdrawal cap, aiming to ease liquidity fears and pull money back into formal banking.

Women’s Leadership & Civic Life: The Women Advocates Women Association in South Sudan (WAASS) set July 11 for elections of new leadership in Juba, with a seven-member electoral committee and tighter membership voting rules to protect a smoother transition. Student Democracy: At Emmanuel Christian University, a new Student Guild President was elected in Yei, with the winner urging democratic culture beyond campus. Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 election date faces fresh scepticism as the opposition rejects the polls, citing war conditions and calling for an inclusive national dialogue and a neutral caretaker transition. Church & Reconciliation: The Episcopal Church primate arrived in Rumbek ahead of the enthronement of a new bishop in Eastern Bahr el Ghazal, following reconciliation after a disputed election. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: The Respect Project launched in Juba County, pushing community engagement and survivor support as it expands awareness and protection efforts. Health & Mobility: South Sudan urged foreign governments to lift Ebola-related travel and visa restrictions, saying the country is Ebola-free and the barriers are harming people needing medical care and education abroad. Education Infrastructure: Madhol Payam communities appealed for urgent renovation support for Madhol Primary School after storm damage. Local Governance & Services: Unity State took over health service delivery at Bentiu IDP camp, shifting from IOM-managed care to government-run primary services. Community Safety: Police in Twic County detained a mentally ill suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe, urging calm as investigations continue.

Gender-Based Violence: A new global snapshot highlights how violence against women remains widespread, with calls for stronger protection and survivor support. Film & Fashion Culture: “Couture,” starring Angelina Jolie, gets mixed reviews for its fashion-world drama and uneven storytelling. Diplomacy: South Sudan’s Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan travels to Israel for bilateral talks, building on recent military and cooperation links. Church Life: Primate Justin Badi Arama arrives in Rumbek ahead of the enthronement of Eastern Bahr el Ghazal’s new bishop, following reconciliation after a contested election. Elections & Governance: South Sudan reaffirms December 22 for its first general election, but mediators and the NEC warn readiness is still shaky. Mining & Community Rights: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong suspends mining operations in Nakere after community grievances over environmental damage and limited local benefits. Health & Travel: South Sudan urges removal of Ebola-related travel restrictions, saying the country is Ebola-free while regional risk remains. Education & Community Support: Madhol Payam appeals for urgent primary school renovation after storm damage, as girls’ education advocates mobilize help. Peace & Accountability: In Nimule, SSPDF apologizes to civilians and adopts a roadmap to rebuild trust and strengthen rule of law. Local Justice: Twic County police detain a mentally distressed suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe. Women’s Peacebuilding: Lakes State hands over a women’s peace-farm store facility, backing livelihoods and community stability.

Oil & Accountability: A new investigative report says South Sudan’s oil wealth (about US$70bn since independence) has failed to translate into services, pointing to opaque diversion networks and the Oil for Roads scandal. Church & Leadership: Primate Justin Badi Arama arrives in Rumbek ahead of the Eastern Bahr el Ghazal bishop enthronement, following reconciliation after a disputed election. Mining & Community Rights: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily halts mining in Nakere after community grievances over environmental damage, limited local benefits, and weak engagement. Ebola & Mobility: South Sudan urges foreign governments to lift Ebola-related travel and visa restrictions, stressing the country remains Ebola-free and that people need travel for treatment and education. Health & Education Services: Government reiterates commitments to health and education and timely December elections, including plans for inter-party dialogue and capitation grant disbursement. Local Peacebuilding: In Nimule, SSPDF apologizes to civilians and a civil-military roadmap is adopted to rebuild trust and strengthen rule of law. GBV Prevention: Stakeholders launch/renew calls for stronger community engagement and support services through the Respect Project in Juba and beyond. Education Support: Madhol community appeals for urgent renovation of Madhol Primary School after storm damage. Refugee Girls’ Learning: A feature highlights refugee girls’ pathways to lifelong learning in Kenya through programs supporting marginalized women. Tragedy in Twic: Police arrest a mentally distressed suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe in Majok-Adiang village.

Elections & Services: South Sudan reaffirms its December 2026 election timeline and pushes faster health and education support, including timely capitation grants, after a meeting with the British Ambassador. Health & Displacement: Unity State takes over health service delivery at Bentiu IDP camp, shifting from IOM-managed care to government-run primary services. Justice & Reconciliation: In Nimule, SSPDF ends a civil-military dialogue by publicly apologizing to civilians and adopting a roadmap to rebuild trust and strengthen rule of law. Education & Community Mobilization: Madhol community members in Aweil East urgently seek renovation support for Madhol Primary School after storm damage, with a “Talk to Your Daughter” push to keep girls in school. Women’s Livelihoods: Lakes State women’s peace farms receive a new store facility to support savings and farm operations. Safety & Crime: Twic County police arrest a mentally distressed suspect accused of killing a two-year-old boy with a hoe, urging calm as investigations continue. Human Stories Abroad: A South Sudanese father in Egypt says his wife was detained and deported, leaving him struggling to care for their children. Refugee Education: A refugee-girls education feature highlights lifelong learning pathways for young women in Kenya’s Kakuma camp. Culture & Identity: Alek Wek’s “Wek Test” spotlights how South Sudanese beauty and confidence reshaped fashion norms. Music: OkayAfrica rounds up standout East African tracks across 2026, including South Sudan in the regional soundscape.

Ebola Watch: Experts warn the fastest-spreading Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC could reach South Sudan within weeks, as UN funding is pushed for surveillance and lab capacity in at-risk border areas. Gender & Safety: Central Equatoria recorded 120 gender-based violence cases between May and June, with a prevention project launching on Gondokoro Island and reports linking abuse to long trips to farms. Girls’ Education: Young women from Aweil East County are set to launch “Talk to Your Daughter,” urging parents to keep girls in school and challenging early/forced marriage through community dialogue. Humanitarian Life After Flight: An opinion piece argues refugees and displaced families in South Sudan need more than emergency aid—food, shelter, health, and protection must connect to livelihoods and recovery. Regional Peace Pressure: A UN envoy says the Jeddah deal can still anchor Sudan peace talks, but warns escalating fighting around El-Obeid could trap civilians and disrupt aid. Global Policy Shock (for diaspora): The US Supreme Court upheld ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a ruling that could ripple through communities connected to South Sudan through migration and family ties. Travel Health Tech: India rolled out AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 for Ebola screening via mandatory online health self-declarations for international arrivals, noting South Sudan is assessed as high-risk for transmission.