AGP Executive Report

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.

Constitution-Making in Juba: South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission says public consultations will feed directly into the first draft of the permanent constitution, with officials stressing that citizens—not only experts—must shape the text ahead of December elections. Humanitarian Safety: On World Humanitarian Day, UN officials warn that attacks on aid workers and contractors in South Sudan are surging, with dozens killed since January, and call for protection and accountability. Disability Rights at Juba Airport: South Sudanese disability advocate Mandela Isaac condemns Uganda Airlines after passengers with disabilities were forced off a flight from Juba to Entebbe, calling it discriminatory and humiliating. Anti-Trafficking Push: A national task force urges a fast-tracked anti-trafficking law, arguing conflict and displacement are increasing exploitation risks and making prosecutions harder without clear legislation. Jonglei Governance Pressure: Civil society group Intrepid South Sudan renews calls to reopen the Jonglei State Transitional Legislative Assembly, saying its long recess weakens oversight and fuels corruption risks. Sports & Memory: Family and community remember 15-year-old Dau Akueng, killed while walking home after basketball, as they push for his story to be remembered beyond the violence.

Constitution & Peace Process: South Sudan’s government says it will keep pushing the permanent constitution-making process even after the December elections, while the EU warns the country risks a “legal limbo” after peace-deal changes were made without proper due process. Governance & Civic Space: Activist Bol Deng Bol (Intrepid South Sudan) renewed calls to reopen the Jonglei State Transitional Legislative Assembly, arguing its long recess weakens oversight and fuels corruption risks. Culture, Youth & Community Life: The Torit Revolt’s 71st anniversary (18 August 1955) was marked as a reminder of resistance, dignity, and the unfinished struggle for equality. Health & Women’s Rights: The Gender Ministry launched an obstetric fistula treatment campaign in Lakes State, urging communities to end early marriage and pregnancy and highlighting the huge gap between cases and surgeries. Humanitarian Safety: World Humanitarian Day coverage spotlighted record danger for aid workers, with national staff hit hardest and South Sudan named among the most dangerous places. Regional Movement & Trade: River transport resumed in Jonglei after a blockage was cleared, easing movement for traders and passengers. Sports & Identity: South Sudan’s name also surfaced in women’s basketball as Brazil edged into overtime vs South Sudan in FIBA Olympic pre-qualifying action.

Sports & Youth: South Sudan’s Bright Starlets kicked off the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament with a 63-61 overtime upset over Brazil, led by Adut Bulgak’s 33 points and debutant Moira Joiner’s spark. Community Safety & Culture: Central Equatoria State suspended community football tournaments in Juba indefinitely after violence at Munuki Playground and a firearm-related intimidation incident at Buluk Playground, pending investigations. Church & Social Issues: An Upper Nile Catholic bishop urged tougher action against drug trafficking, calling for stronger monitoring of entry routes and shared responsibility across families, communities, and government. Women’s Health: The Gender minister launched an obstetric fistula treatment campaign at Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital, highlighting a huge treatment gap and urging communities to end early marriage and pregnancy stigma. Regional Movement & Borders: IGAD, with EU support, began training frontline border officers in Juba to strengthen free movement and tackle smuggling, trafficking, and illicit trade. Local Economy & Transport: River transport resumed in Jonglei after authorities cleared a blockage, reopening a key Nile route for traders and passengers. Governance & Digital Access: The Higher Education ministry ordered an official website and permanent social media platforms to curb misinformation and fake scholarship schemes. Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting warns South Sudan’s displaced people face extreme hunger as aid funding runs short.

Humanitarian Safety: Aid workers in Sudan face rising risk of deadly, deliberate attacks, with families and colleagues increasingly caught in the violence. Regional Borders & Mobility: IGAD-ILO training in Juba targets stronger border management as South Sudan moves toward implementing the free movement protocol. Women’s Empowerment: A new IGAD-backed project launched in Torit (Eastern Equatoria) focuses on women’s economic resilience, land rights, and peacebuilding participation. Local Governance & Youth: Juba suspends community sports tournaments indefinitely after violence and intimidation at Munuki and Buluk playgrounds, while Eastern Equatoria’s governor calls for tougher preventive security in Kapoeta East. Education & Digital Trust: The Higher Education Ministry orders an official website and permanent social media platforms to curb misinformation and fake scholarship scams. Displacement & Border Demarcation: Kajo-Keji IDPs urge South Sudan and Uganda to fast-track border demarcation amid recurring tensions. Culture & Faith: Cardinal Ameyu urges newly ordained priests toward humility and service, linking priesthood to accompanying people in suffering. Sports Spotlight: Bright Starlets beat Brazil 63-61 in overtime at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. Diplomacy Watch: Reports say South Sudan’s Nairobi embassy remains closed, raising questions about fiscal strain and transparency. Food Prices: Juba market traders warn rising prices and exchange-rate issues are squeezing households and reducing demand.

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.