AGP Executive Report

Elections & Civic Life: The NEC has set 22 December 2026 as South Sudan’s general election date, urging citizens to vote and calling for urgent funding to close a huge electoral budget gap. Sports & Community Identity: Digitel launched the Independence Marathon 2026 in Juba, pitching running as a unity and “green future” celebration. Health & Maternal Care: MTN South Sudan wrapped up its 21 Days of Y’ello Care with support for Juba Teaching Hospital, including solar power for maternity units and repairs to its CT scan. Rights & Governance: Civil society is pushing for urgent amendments to the National Security Service Act after arrests of youth leaders, warning it chills civic space. Education & Opportunity: Minister Madut Biar says scholarship students abroad—especially in science—are underperforming, despite strong exam results at home. Women & Protection: A women’s rights activist marks International Widows’ Day by calling for stronger widow protections, affordable education, and skills support. Violence & Safety: Coverage highlights South Sudan’s sexual violence crisis as more than a wartime issue, with new patterns including youth-gang attacks and online circulation. Youth & Skills: The South Sudan National Youth Union opens applications for TVET training across trades, tech, and creative fields.

Youth & Skills: South Sudan National Youth Union has opened applications for TVET training across the country, offering practical tracks from plumbing and electrical work to digital marketing, video editing, AI, sign language, and news production—aimed at jobs, entrepreneurship, and livelihoods. Elections & Civic Life: NEC Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol urged citizens to vote and confirmed December 22, 2026 as the first post-independence general election date, while noting legal and funding gaps still threaten readiness. Civic Space: Civil society groups condemned the detention of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor by the National Security Service, warning that NSS powers to arrest and detain without judicial oversight shrink political freedoms. Culture & Memory: She Stands Women’s Museum opened in Juba to preserve and celebrate South Sudanese women’s roles in liberation, family life, and nation-building through galleries, oral histories, and regional exhibitions. Faith & Peacebuilding: A Catholic bishop in Bentiu urged Christians to move from passive faith to active discipleship for reconciliation and hope. Community Leadership: Lasu community leaders were sworn in in Yei River County, pledging unity, youth empowerment, and development.

Elections & Civic Space: NEC Chair Prof. Abednego Akok Kacuol urged South Sudanese to vote as a constitutional right and confirmed Dec. 22, 2026 for the first post-independence general election, while civil society renewed pressure to amend the National Security Service Act after the detention of youth leader Willy Angok Ngor. Community & Culture: In Yei, the Lasu community swore in new leadership pledging unity and youth empowerment, and the ICRC urged journalists to use survivor-centered reporting on sexual violence. Women’s Heritage: She Stands Women’s Museum opened in Juba to preserve and celebrate South Sudanese women’s roles in liberation and nation-building. Faith & Peacebuilding: A Catholic bishop in Bentiu called Christians to move from passive faith to active discipleship for reconciliation. Economy & Daily Life: A civil society activist suggested redesigning the South Sudanese Pound to ease liquidity problems, and a trade forum highlighted barriers like weak infrastructure, multiple taxation, and low domestic production. Health & Safety: MSF reported Akobo clashes left at least 15 health facilities looted and deserted, collapsing services. Infrastructure: Juba Airport’s new Terminal 3 (ROCO) is set to open July 9, timed with Independence Day.

Trade & Jobs: South Sudan’s Second National Trade Forum in Juba flagged weak infrastructure, multiple taxation, limited access to finance, low domestic production, and informal trade as key barriers to growth and regional integration, with calls to tackle smuggling, illegal checkpoints, overlapping taxes, and skills gaps while boosting women, youth, and persons with disabilities in economic activity. Elections & Civic Life: The NEC says the $5 million allocated for December 2026 preparations will be distributed to states and administrative areas this week to fund grassroots voter work, as the commission prepares to publish the electoral timetable. Currency & Daily Survival: A civil society activist urged redesigning the South Sudanese Pound to pull cash back into banks, pointing to delayed salaries and cases where people can’t withdraw notes because branches run out. Health & School Hygiene: A Vietnamese field hospital supported cholera and Ebola prevention at a Bentiu primary school, training teachers and students on handwashing and hygiene and donating supplies for Day of the African Child. Conflict Impacts: MSF reports Akobo clashes in Jonglei left at least 15 health facilities looted and deserted, halting vaccination services and collapsing the local health system. Sports & Youth Culture: South Sudan’s Bright Starlets exited the CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship after a 4-0 semi-final loss to Tanzania, while Uganda’s Teen Cranes booked the final after beating Kenya 3-0. Language & Identity: A regional push for Kiswahili in the AI era is set for Burundi’s World Swahili Language Day celebrations and KAKAMA conference, with South Sudan among participating countries.

Currency & Everyday Life: A South Sudan civil society activist says redesigning the South Sudanese Pound could pull cash back into banks and ease liquidity problems, after people reportedly can’t withdraw salaries because branches run out of notes. Women’s Youth Football: South Sudan’s Bright Starlets exited the CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship after a 4-0 semi-final loss to Tanzania, but the run still marked a milestone for reaching the knockouts for the first time. Local Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony launched construction of Kajo-Keji County headquarters, pledging $10,000 and urging community support ahead of December 2026 elections. Health & Conflict Impacts: MSF reports Akobo clashes in Jonglei left at least 15 health facilities looted and deserted, disrupting vaccination and collapsing local healthcare. Language & Culture: Burundi will host World Swahili Language Day and a regional Kiswahili conference, with South Sudan among partner states discussing Kiswahili’s future amid AI. Refugees & Education: UNESCO’s Qualifications Passport is expanding across countries including South Sudan, helping displaced people access study and work even without full documents.

TV & Identity: Jodie Turner-Smith says she studied Arabic and worked with a Sudanese cultural consultant to “honour” her Sudanese character Samia in Paramount+’s The Agency Season 2. Constitution-Making & Media: South Sudan’s constitutional review body urged journalists in Juba to shape the permanent charter through civic education and public consultations. Trade & Jobs Beyond Oil: At a Juba trade forum, officials pushed for regional market access and less dependence on crude oil, arguing South Sudan must compete in East African trade. Local Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony launched construction of Kajo-Keji County headquarters, pledging $10,000 to bring services closer ahead of December 2026 elections. Refugees & Education: UNESCO’s Qualifications Passport is expanding in South Sudan to help displaced learners access study and work despite missing documents. Community Peacebuilding: In Juba County, YWCA and Oxfam trained quarter council and peace committee leaders to improve dialogue and conflict resolution. Sports & Youth: The FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying draw sets South Sudan in Group A with Brazil, Argentina, and New Zealand. Elections & Rights: A youth leader detained after criticizing “SPLM OYEE” campaign materials was released, highlighting tensions around political messaging.

Local Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony launched construction of Kajo-Keji County headquarters, pledging $10,000 and urging communities to help fast-track the project ahead of December 2026 elections. Refugee Life & Education: World Refugee Day coverage highlights how funding cuts are pushing displaced children toward hunger, school dropout, child labour, and early marriage, while UNESCO’s Qualifications Passport is helping refugees in South Sudan and beyond get recognized education and training. Humanitarian Crisis: Reports mark World Refugee Day with UNHCR data on displacement and warn that Africa’s refugee crisis is deepening as solutions lag behind need. Culture & Community: A Cairo drums festival under “Drums Dialogue for Peace” features South Sudanese performers, using rhythm to promote dialogue and belonging. Sports & Youth: The FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying draw sets South Sudan in Group A with Brazil, Argentina, and New Zealand, keeping 2028 Olympic hopes alive. Church & Care: South Sudan’s ambassador to Egypt met Pope Tawadros II to discuss humanitarian support for South Sudanese refugees. Infrastructure & Mobility: Yei River County leaders back the Kanjoro Bridge project as a trade and service-delivery boost. Politics & Tension: A South Sudan minister said detained opposition leader Riek Machar will “die in jail,” adding heat to an already tense legal and political standoff.

Humanitarian Crisis: World Vision warns that a 40% drop in humanitarian funding in 2025 is pushing refugee children toward hunger, child labour, and early marriage, with 72% of needs still unmet and most households relying on aid. Refugee Education & Skills: UNESCO’s Qualifications Passport is expanding across South Sudan and other countries, helping displaced people prove learning and work history even without documents. Local Livelihoods: In Dadaab camps, a loan helped refugee mum Hafso Mursal Abdi restart her shop, turning daily food and school costs from struggle into stability. Sports & Youth Culture: South Sudan’s women’s basketball team is drawn into Group A for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026, setting up key matchups as they chase a 2028 Olympic spot. Faith & Learning: Bishop Hiiboro expands digital education in Western Equatoria with a new e-learning initiative at a Catholic institute. Community Peacebuilding: In Juba County, YWCA and Oxfam train quarter council and peace committee leaders to handle disputes through dialogue. Border Life: A peace conference in Aweil brings together Misseriya, Rizeigat, and Dinka Malual communities to reduce tensions along the South Sudan–Sudan border. Church Support for Refugees: South Sudan’s ambassador to Egypt meets Pope Tawadros II to discuss humanitarian help for South Sudanese refugees. Politics & Rights: A detained SPLM youth leader who criticized “SPLM OYEE” campaign materials is released after brief National Security custody.

Cultural Diplomacy: Cairo’s International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts opened with “Drums Dialogue for Peace,” bringing troupes from Egypt, Palestine, Yemen, Sudan and South Sudan to celebrate rhythm as a bridge in a conflict-heavy world. Sports & National Pride: South Sudan’s women’s basketball team learned its FIBA Olympic pre-qualifying groups—South Sudan in Group A with Brazil, Argentina and New Zealand—setting up a high-stakes run in Guadalajara. Education & Faith Tech: Bishop Hiiboro launched an e-learning push at St. John Paul Institute of Philosophy in Yabongo, aiming to expand digital resources while keeping values-based formation at the center. Community Peacebuilding: In Juba, YWCA peace committees trained on mediation and early warning, flagging youth gangs and drug abuse as rising threats. Local Development: Yei River County leaders and communities backed the Kanjoro Bridge project, urging faster delivery of materials. Humanitarian & Rights: UN says record child-conflict violations last year were driven mainly by government forces, while WHO warns Ebola in eastern DRC is spreading regionally—raising alarms for South Sudan’s border health preparedness. Politics & Tensions: A South Sudan minister said detained Riek Machar will “die in prison,” adding fuel to an already tense opposition case. Refugees & Families: South Sudan repatriated a Vietnamese man deported under the US “third-country” program, and the embassy in Egypt appealed for the release of a detained father of three on humanitarian grounds.

Elections & Governance: UK warns South Sudan leaders that “status quo is not an option,” urging real political reforms ahead of December 2026 polls. Peace & Security: In Juba, peace committees say youth gangs, drug abuse, and insecurity are already showing early warning signs that must be handled before violence spreads. Border Relations: Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi calls for cooperation among Misseriya, Rizeigat, and Dinka Malual border communities to protect shared grazing, water, and trade routes. Human Rights & Accountability: UN reports nearly 25,000 child violations in conflict last year, with government forces named as main perpetrators for the first time. Culture & Youth: Bishop Hiiboro Kussala urges parents and leaders to guide young people in the digital age, warning social media can shape values and identity. Civic Participation: Yei trains 30 stakeholders on civic education and electoral preparedness. Justice & Beliefs: Nine people go on trial in Magwi over an alleged witchcraft killing, as prosecutors argue beliefs can’t justify murder. Health & Community Life: Health ministry investigates alleged sale of free mosquito nets in Western Equatoria, raising concerns about accountability in public health supplies. Sports & Representation: FIBA sets draw principles for the Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, with South Sudan in Pot 4.

Children in Conflict: A new UN report says nearly 25,000 children were harmed by record violations in conflict last year, with government forces named as the main perpetrators for the first time. Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council endorsed an Election Code of Conduct and plans for coordinators and inspectors, while Yei hosted civic education and electoral preparedness training for 30 stakeholders. Health & Accountability: Western Equatoria authorities are investigating alleged sale of free mosquito nets meant for malaria prevention. Justice & Beliefs: A Nimule court began hearing a witchcraft-related murder case involving nine accused in Magwi County. Gender & Peacebuilding: Eastern Equatoria wrapped up training for women leaders on transformational leadership and peacebuilding, and a separate programme strengthened community responses to gender-based violence. Culture & Community: Roots of Generation launched a 2025–2029 plan focused on resilience and peaceful coexistence, including support for women, girls, refugees, and vulnerable communities. Humanitarian Pressure: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen in major hot spots, including South Sudan, as funding gaps bite.

Education & Youth Voices: Children in Juba marked African Child Day by urging lower school fees, better teacher welfare, and more investment in education, linking delayed civil-servant salaries to families’ inability to keep kids in class. Juvenile Justice: Juba’s juvenile prison is holding 314 children against a 100-capacity design, with many waiting years for trial amid overcrowding, malnutrition, and court delays. Peace & Community Cohesion: A South Sudanese civil society activist condemned the killing of a county commissioner as politically motivated, warning against inflaming tensions between Jie, Murle, and Toposa communities. Women in Peacebuilding: UNDP trained 20 women leaders in Eastern Equatoria on transformational leadership and peaceful conflict resolution to strengthen community cohesion. Humanitarian Pressure: UN food agencies warned acute hunger will worsen in hotspots including South Sudan as funding shortages and conflict push more people toward famine risk. Sports & Culture: South Sudan’s U-17 women’s team thrashed Djibouti 6-0 in CECAFA, boosting momentum for the knockout race. Regional Stability: IGAD and the African Development Bank launched an early-warning project (SECURES-IGAD) covering South Sudan and neighboring states.

Security & Elections: A new push is urging South Sudan to fully implement the revitalised peace agreement’s security arrangements, warning that delays keep violence, displacement, and insecurity alive as voters head toward 2026. Community Peacebuilding: Communities are urged to reject division and misinformation, with calls for dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution by chiefs, faith leaders, youth, and women. Humanitarian Resilience: Roots of Generation (ROG) launched a 2025–2029 strategic plan in Juba to strengthen community resilience, improve food production, and reduce dependence on aid, citing ongoing local conflicts as a major barrier. Education & Child Rights: Juba schoolchildren marked African Child Day by demanding lower school fees, better teacher welfare, and more education investment, while another report highlights severe overcrowding at the Juba juvenile prison, with children waiting years for trial. Women & Youth Sports: South Sudan’s U-17 women’s team crushed Djibouti 6-0 in the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship, boosting hopes for the knockout stage. Regional Stability: IGAD and the African Development Bank launched SECURES-IGAD to strengthen early warning and crisis prevention across the Horn, including South Sudan. Refugees & Inclusion: South Sudanese refugees in Uganda say they are ready to vote in 2026 if the process is free, fair, and transparent.

Refugee Week & World Cup message: South Sudanese-refugee Awer Mabil, a Socceroos player born in Kakuma to South Sudanese parents, told displaced people they’re “with you” on the world stage and that “everything is possible.” Public health & Ebola fears: Clinicians and officials in East Africa warned Ebola cases may be missed as outbreaks spread in the DRC, while Israel reversed a Kenya travel ban after protests. Constitution-making momentum: IGAD and UN officials backed South Sudan’s constitution-making process, stressing inclusivity and real civic participation for women, youth, and marginalized groups. Elections prep: The National Elections Commission secured $6m for voter education and bought a permanent headquarters, aiming to make the 2026 polls more credible. Reintegration & tradition: 46 former LRA returnees repatriated from South Sudan to Uganda will undergo Acholi cleansing rituals to reconnect with communities. Local life & infrastructure: Yei authorities inspected the proposed Kanjoro bridge site to improve safety and movement in the county.

Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) says it has received US$6 million for nationwide civic and voter education, and it’s also completed the purchase of the Aida Hotel as its permanent headquarters—while the NEC plans to announce the election date on June 22, with preparations moving “stage by stage.” Constitution-Making: Partners and UN officials reaffirmed support for the constitution-making process, stressing inclusivity and meaningful representation of women, youth, and marginalised groups rather than “box-ticking.” Local Infrastructure & Community: Yei River County authorities inspected the planned Kanjoro Bridge, with leaders urging durable design and local worker recruitment to improve safety and transport. Rights, Faith & Community Safety: A prominent human rights prize went to jailed lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha for advocacy work; meanwhile, reports of assaults tied to religious identity underline how fragile safety is for displaced communities. Conflict’s Human Cost: Returnees in the Madi corridor again demand withdrawal of SSPDF soldiers from occupied homes and farmlands, saying military presence blocks peaceful resettlement. Youth & Violence: A policy piece warns that unemployment, poverty, and trauma are pushing some young people toward gangs and violence.

Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s NEC says it will announce the 2026 general election date on June 22, while also rolling out civic and voter education after receiving US$6 million—still a small slice of the overall election budget. Governance & Daily Hardship: An activist reports a banking liquidity crisis in Juba, where civil servants are told salaries are deposited but can’t withdraw cash, forcing repeated trips and partial payments. Child Protection & Services: The Gender ministry marks African Child Day by urging families to protect children and improve access to WASH, warning against leaving kids to loiter and face abuse. Conflict’s Human Cost: In Jonglei, residents describe hunger so severe families survive on leaves and water lilies, as schooling and health systems struggle. Community Safety & Faith: A church in Gorom Refugee Camp was attacked after a man left Islam for Christianity—highlighting how sacred spaces can become targets. Culture & Sports: The South Sudan Wrestling Federation appoints former Radio Jonglei journalist Mabang Kur Lual as program coordinator, betting on media experience to grow wrestling.