AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Diaspora: US federal judges cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals, following a Supreme Court move that sharply limits lower-court challenges—meaning hundreds of South Sudanese could lose work authorization and face deportation risk. Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s election clock is ticking, but UN and RJMEC warnings say December polls may not be credible or inclusive due to unresolved legal reforms, security gaps, and weak political consensus; the opposition NDM and UPA are pushing for inclusive dialogue, with UPA calling for talks outside the country. Education & Youth: The Ministry of General Education launched teacher professional development modules (with Oxfam support) and the country is also rolling out play-based learning to boost literacy and numeracy. Health & Safety: In Juba, Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital’s newborn unit was renovated and powered with solar to stabilize oxygen generation. Gender & Rights: Twic County police arrested five over an alleged forced elopement of a 16-year-old schoolgirl, with officials warning against forced marriage. Humanitarian Protection: UK officials urged South Sudan to protect humanitarian workers and investigate attacks, backing international safeguards for aid personnel.

Education & Skills: South Sudan launched new teacher professional development modules, aiming to boost classroom quality using gender-responsive, inclusive, conflict-sensitive methods—plus a separate push for play-based learning to strengthen literacy and numeracy. Elections & Civic Space: UNMISS warned December polls may lack key conditions, while RJMEC said preparations are far behind schedule; the NDM argues elections aren’t possible now and calls for inclusive dialogue, with the UPA also seeking talks outside Juba. Health & Community Care: Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital newborn unit in Juba was renovated and powered by solar to keep oxygen generation running; meanwhile, Apirin community leaders in Warrap appealed for urgent health services after maternal deaths tied to lack of facilities. Culture, Faith & Memory: Yei held an ecumenical prayer for victims of the April Luri plane crash, urging accountability and annual remembrance. Public Safety: Police arrested suspected tramadol dealers in Aweil, including women, as authorities step up anti-drug enforcement. Women & Leadership: Women in uniform marked Women in Uniform Day in Aweil, highlighting women’s roles in peace and security. Local Governance & Infrastructure: EU officials visited Yei to assess recovery work, including housing, education and land administration.

Water & Health: China has handed over a completed borehole-drilling and water-supply project in Central Equatoria and Lakes, delivering 47 boreholes to improve safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Climate & Disaster Preparedness: El Niño forecasts are raising flood fears across East Africa, with Uganda issuing an early warning for above-normal rains and humanitarian risks. Education & Literacy: South Sudan launched the four-year Play Matters project in Juba, pushing play-based learning to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, with plans to embed it in teacher training. Elections & Civic Space: Western Equatoria and Jonglei are rolling out civic and voter education drives, while civil society in Western Equatoria calls for open political space and professional security ahead of the December 2026 polls. Women, Peace & Security: Women in uniform marked Women in Uniform Day in Aweil, highlighting leadership and mentorship through the Security Sector Women’s Network. Maternal Health Urgency: In Apirin (Twic County), residents are demanding urgent health services after maternal deaths linked to lack of nearby facilities and long travel for childbirth care. Public Service Milestone: President Kiir appointed Lt. Gen. Achol Cyier Rehan as the first woman to head the civil registry, immigration, passports and nationality directorate.

Education & Youth: South Sudan launched the PlayMatters Phase Two play-based learning programme in Juba, aiming to boost literacy and numeracy for conflict-affected children, while officials warned weak foundations still leave many students unable to read or count well. Women & Livelihoods: A new push urges more women to use banking and mobile money to grow businesses, alongside Women in Uniform Day in Aweil, spotlighting women’s leadership in the security sector. Elections & Civic Life: Jonglei and Western Equatoria rolled out civic and voter education drives ahead of December 2026 polls, as MPs warned insecurity could derail campaigning and voting. Governance & Public Service: President Kiir appointed Lt. Gen. Achol Cyier Rehan as the first woman head of Civil Registry, Immigration, Passports and Nationality. Culture & Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape remains in the UNESCO spotlight, reinforcing the country’s growing cultural and natural profile. Security & Community: Eastern Equatoria SPLM convoy ambush killed a driver; Juba saw arrests in a nightclub gang clash, and Western Equatoria reopened parliament after a six-month recess.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan is set to turn its new UNESCO World Heritage listing, the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, into tourism and jobs while pushing wildlife conservation and community protection. Education & Youth: The country launched “Play Matters Phase Two,” a four-year, $14.5m play-based learning programme for conflict-affected children, with psychosocial support reaching 420 schools. Elections & Civic Life: Western Equatoria kicked off a civic and voter education drive ahead of the 2026 polls, with officials urging peace and participation; the state also plans to recruit and deploy 1,200 police to keep order. Local Governance: President Kiir reshuffled Upper Nile State leadership through decrees, including new appointments across ministries and county administrations. Public Safety: Juba police arrested 50 suspects in an Atlabara nightclub gang clash, including a breastfeeding mother, as part of a youth violence crackdown. Health & Borders: With Ebola accelerating in eastern DR Congo, IOM continues screening and awareness at South Sudan border posts, reporting no confirmed cases among crossers so far. Culture & Identity: A teacher in Central Equatoria criticized plans to recruit volunteer teachers, arguing better pay and working conditions are the real fix for shortages. Faith & Communication: Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic communicators in Rwanda to use digital platforms to promote human dignity and truth, warning against algorithm-driven culture.

Education & Youth: South Sudan launched the Play Matters Phase Two programme, a four-year, $14.5 million play-based learning and psychosocial support effort for conflict-affected children, targeting 420 schools across 12 counties in seven states and aiming to lift literacy and numeracy outcomes. Elections & Civic Life: Western Equatoria kicked off a state-wide civic and voter education campaign ahead of the Dec. 22, 2026 general elections, with Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa also announcing plans to recruit and deploy 1,200 police officers to protect voters and election staff. Culture, Heritage & Tourism: South Sudan celebrated UNESCO’s inscription of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, with officials urging communities around the parks to use the new status to grow eco-tourism, create jobs, and reduce cattle raiding and communal conflict. Local Governance: EU Ambassador Per Enarsson visited Yei River County to assess recovery and development projects, including efforts to reopen Yei University and rehabilitate the Yei electricity power station. Public Services & Work: A Central Equatoria teacher criticized a proposal to recruit volunteer teachers, arguing the real fix is better pay and working conditions to keep qualified teachers in public schools. Social Protection: The Shabaka Meisha project reassured beneficiaries that delayed cash transfer payments under the World Bank-funded SNSOP programme have not been cancelled. Health & Safety: Northern Bahr el Ghazal police arrested 11 people and seized 14 cartons of tramadol in a targeted drug crackdown. Disaster & Community Life: Flood damage reports from Freetown highlight how heavy rains can overwhelm drainage and boreholes—an urgent reminder for water safety and preparedness.

UNESCO & Tourism: South Sudan celebrated the inscription of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as its first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with officials saying it can boost eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, jobs, and peacebuilding. Local Governance & Services: Central Equatoria launched school-based national ID registration for Primary Eight and Senior Four candidates to cut travel costs and keep learners in class. Elections & Civic Education: Western Equatoria kicked off a civic and voter education campaign ahead of the Dec. 22, 2026 general elections, stressing peaceful voting and security for educators and polling staff. Education & Teachers: Central Equatoria is considering recruiting volunteer teachers as public schools struggle with staff shortages driven by economic hardship. Social Protection: The Shabaka Maisha project reassured beneficiaries that delayed cash transfer payments under the World Bank-funded SNSOP program have not been cancelled. Public Safety & Youth: Police in Juba arrested 60 suspected gang members, targeting drug abuse and youth delinquency. Culture & Identity: Parliament Speaker Joseph Ngere warned that indigenous names are disappearing as foreign names replace traditional ones. Health & Rights: Activists and church-linked groups renewed warnings about evolving human trafficking risks, including online scams.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan celebrated UNESCO’s inscription of the Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape, calling it a historic win for conservation and national pride. Diplomacy & Media: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen as its new official spokesperson to strengthen public communication. Elections & Civic Life: Political parties and civil society signed a declaration rejecting hate speech and election violence, while Greater Pibor residents complained there’s still no election office as Dec. 22 nears. Culture & Youth: President Salva Kiir urged Miss World South Sudan to showcase the country’s culture and resilience in Vietnam, and pledged support for basketball development after meetings with the federation. Women & Health: GIZ’s ResPEct programme distributed 1,822 dignity kits to support menstrual health and keep girls in school. Education & Daily Life: Northern Bahr el Ghazal education officials warned teachers against extorting exam fees from learners. Food & Protection: Hunger pressures are worsening for vulnerable families, including refugee children in Rhino Camp who skip school to attend funerals for food. Sports & Community: Eastern Equatoria set the Monyiemiji Football Tournament final for Torit on 8 August, framed as peace and unity through sport. Justice & Governance: A study on post-conflict democratic consolidation urges constitutional overhaul, security unification, and stronger civic education to reduce electoral violence.

Cultural pride in the spotlight: President Salva Kiir met Miss World South Sudan Nyandeng Kerubino Kuanrin Bol ahead of the Vietnam pageant, urging her to represent South Sudan’s culture, diversity, and resilience and to inspire young women through compassion and leadership. Elections and civic readiness: Greater Pibor still lacks an election office as Dec. 22 polls near, while Eastern Equatoria launched its State High Election Committee office and a statewide voter education push in Torit. Women’s health and dignity: GIZ’s ResPEct programme distributed 1,822 dignity kits to partners to support menstrual health management and keep girls in school. Youth, skills, and jobs: Central Equatoria’s culture and youth ministry plans vocational training, agriculture projects, and better recreational spaces to empower young people. Sports as diplomacy: Kiir praised South Sudan’s national basketball teams, including preparations for women’s Olympic qualifying and men’s World Cup qualification. Heritage recognition: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Bomabadingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, including under emergency protection. Community pressures: Rhino Camp refugee children in Uganda are skipping school to attend funerals for food amid shrinking aid. Public safety: Northern Bahr el Ghazal reported a fatal suspected rabies dog bite of a five-year-old returnee child in Aweil North.

Elections & Civic Readiness: Eastern Equatoria launched its State High Election Committee office and a statewide voter education drive ahead of the December 22 polls, with officials promising community-led registration and updated polling-centre checks. Peace & Political Culture: South Sudanese parties and civil society signed a Declaration of Essential Principles pledging to reject hate speech, intimidation, and election violence. Local Governance Gaps: In Greater Pibor, residents say no election office has been established despite NEC appointing coordinators, raising fears that voter education and registration may lag. Women & Youth Lifestyle: GIZ’s ResPEct programme distributed 1,822 dignity kits to support menstrual health and keep girls in school, while Central Equatoria’s culture ministry outlined plans for vocational training and agriculture projects to empower youth. Sports & Pride: President Kiir praised South Sudan’s national basketball teams after international achievements, including preparations for Olympic qualifying. Health & Safety: Northern Bahr el Ghazal reported a rabies-linked death of a five-year-old returnee child after a stray dog bite, and teachers in Aweil were warned against extorting unauthorized fees from learners. Culture & Community Events: The 10th Monyiemiji Football Tournament final is set for Torit on 8 August, framed as a peace and unity event. Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Bomabadingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, including an emergency listing for sites under threat.

Education & Youth Protection: Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials warned teachers in Aweil against extorting money from learners for exams, saying unauthorized fees will face legal action. Public Health & Children: A five-year-old returnee child in Aweil North County died after a suspected rabid stray dog bite, highlighting gaps in quick medical access for vulnerable families. Youth Skills & Livelihoods: Central Equatoria’s culture, youth and sports ministry says it’s planning vocational training, agriculture projects, and the rehabilitation of recreational spaces to help young people earn income. Veterans’ Healthcare Crisis: Wounded veterans in Juba appealed for urgent government medical support, saying 300 colleagues died over the past year due to lack of treatment and that many children can’t attend school. Peace, Politics & Youth: At Martyrs’ Day events, youth were urged to reject “destructive politics,” choose education and skills, and protect the future through unity and dialogue. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, using an emergency procedure amid conflict and climate threats. Elections Watch: Peace monitors warn that preparations for December polls are moving ahead while institutions remain weak and civic education is still lacking. Culture & Community: A new WAAS executive election in Juba elected Adv. Basfila Baniso-Loro as president, reflecting growing civic leadership among women advocates.

Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has kicked off preparations for the December 22 vote after amendments to the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, but peace monitors warn the country still lacks key institutions like a permanent constitution and an integrated joint army—raising fears the process could deepen political splits. Women’s Rights & Civic Life: In Juba, Advocate Basfila Baniso-Loro was elected President of the Women Advocates Association of South Sudan (WAAS), winning the most votes in the 2026 executive election—an encouraging sign for organized legal advocacy ahead of polls. Heritage & Identity: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, using an emergency procedure that also signals how conflict and instability threaten cultural and natural treasures. Youth & Peacebuilding: UNESCO and IOM launched initiatives to support 6,000 young people with psychosocial help, livelihoods, digital empowerment, and peacebuilding, while UN Women-backed work targets women’s leadership in Western Equatoria. Migration & Safety: Ocean Viking rescued 14 migrants off Libya, including people from South Sudan and the Horn of Africa—another reminder of how displacement risks lives long before anyone reaches safety. Justice & Accountability: A South Sudanese refugee in the U.S., Ruben Marier, was arrested by ICE over allegations including child sexual assault and domestic abuse, while another South Sudanese man, Yien Dak, was arrested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, over the killing of his wife.

UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors that support the Great Nile Migration ecosystem. Women & Youth Peacebuilding: UNESCO and IOM launched projects to back 6,000 young people with psychosocial support, livelihoods, digital skills, and peacebuilding, while UN Women’s initiative targets 2,100 women and girls to strengthen leadership in conflict prevention and recovery. Elections & Civic Trust: CEPO says South Sudanese confidence is slipping ahead of December 2026 polls, blaming delayed election funding, stalled voter education, and worsening insecurity. Legal/People on the Move: A major rescue off Libya saw Ocean Viking save 14 migrants, including people from South Sudan, after a boat breakdown. Health & Borders: India reported no Ebola cases so far but says it screened nearly 10,974 arrivals from Ebola-affected countries, including South Sudan, as surveillance tightens. Women’s Rights Leadership: Advocate Basfila Baniso-Loro was elected President of the Women Advocates Association of South Sudan (WAAS) after winning the 2026 executive election in Juba. Livelihoods: In Juba, women were trained to make liquid soap to boost household income and strengthen savings groups. Political Space: The National Patriotic Movement accuses Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil of blocking a rally in Lainya County despite approvals.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors that support the Great Nile Migration ecosystem. Women & Youth Peacebuilding: UNESCO and IOM are rolling out programs for 6,000 young people in Jonglei, GPAA, and Western Equatoria, while UN Women and UNESCO back women’s peacebuilding efforts for 2,100 women and girls in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal. Local Governance & Civic Space: CEPO says election preparations for December 2026 are losing public trust due to delayed funding for voter education and worsening insecurity. Women’s Leadership: WAAS has elected Advocate Basfila Baniso-Loro as president after the 2026 executive election in Juba. Sports & Inclusion: Light for the World convened a Juba workshop to expand inclusive sports for visually impaired people, highlighting progress in blind football. Health & Rights: A Vision Spring dialogue in Osun focused on strengthening sexual and reproductive health services and ensuring vulnerable groups aren’t left behind. Politics & Rallies: The NPM accuses Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil of blocking a rally in Lainya despite approvals.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Bandiglo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo parks and the Great Nile migration system. Women & Youth Peacebuilding: UNESCO and IOM will support 6,000 young people with psychosocial help, livelihoods, digital skills and peacebuilding, while UN Women backs women’s leadership and economic empowerment in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal. Inclusive Culture & Sports: Light for the World convened a Juba workshop to expand sports for visually impaired people, highlighting blind football progress. Livelihoods for Women: In Jebel Yesua, women were trained to make liquid soap for home-based income and savings-group support. Civic Space & Elections: CEPO says delayed funding and insecurity are eroding public confidence in December 2026 elections, while NPM accuses a governor of blocking an approved rally. Martyrs’ Day Politics: President Kiir and other leaders marked Martyrs’ Day in Juba, with debate continuing over how national commemoration is tied to party messaging. Regional Health Cooperation: IGAD countries, including South Sudan, are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks. Visa Shock (Regional Impact): The U.S. is shifting routine visa processing in parts of Africa to regional hubs from August 1, affecting travel plans for South Sudanese and neighbors.

Martyrs’ Day in Juba and Torit: President Salva Kiir and SPLM leaders marked July 30 with tributes to civilians and fallen heroes, calling on South Sudanese to protect peace and unity as the country heads toward December elections. Women’s livelihoods in Jebel Yesua: In Juba, more than 20 women were trained to make and sell liquid soap, aiming to turn home-based work into income and stronger savings groups. Inclusive sports for the visually impaired: A Juba workshop backed expanded blind football and other para-sports, with officials urging states to identify and train visually impaired athletes. Digital skills push in Central Equatoria: The DISK programme was unveiled to set up digital skills centres in Juba and Yei for over 8,000 youth, women, civil servants and entrepreneurs. National Holidays Bill debated: Lawmakers discussed a draft bill to clearly define national and religious public holidays and how they should be observed across South Sudan. Elections and civic space debate: Commentary and statements continue to frame December polls as either a needed break from transition or a risk if peace and freedoms aren’t fully in place. Regional policy shock for South Sudanese abroad: US visa processing is being shifted to regional hubs, and US courts cleared the way for ending TPS for South Sudanese—both likely to affect mobility and family plans.