AGP Executive Report

UN Human Rights & Elections: UN experts warn South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 elections face renewed violence, shrinking civic space, and stalled peace-agreement safeguards, with impunity still blocking real change. Civilian Protection: In a separate UN human rights update after a Juba visit, Yasmin Sooka says families keep reporting displacement, insecurity, and women and girls facing serious violations while basic services remain out of reach. Culture & Heritage Diplomacy: South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs and Culture ministries agree to strengthen coordination for cultural diplomacy and better protection of South Sudanese heritage abroad. Digital Youth Skills: MTN South Sudan launches an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people in digital skills, support innovation, and create local opportunity. Community Support & Faith: A South Sudan ministry effort continues through church-led Bible college modules, women and youth conferences, and a new school dedication. Humanitarian Pressure from El Niño: Drought and hunger risks are rising as El Niño deepens, with communities in Eastern Equatoria describing failed harvests and shrinking water sources. Health Crisis Context: UN-linked reporting highlights how Ebola outbreaks in the region are pushing preparedness and community engagement efforts.

UN Human Rights: UN experts say South Sudan’s December 22 elections still face unfavorable conditions, with violence, shrinking civic space, corruption, and impunity putting civilians at risk. Elections & Politics: Analysts note party splits and internal rivalries are deepening as the country heads toward the ballot, raising doubts about democratic readiness. Humanitarian & Protection: The UN Commission reports displacement and serious abuses, including violations against women and girls, as protection failures persist. Culture & Faith: A South Sudanese bishop urged believers to keep peace and honor the legacy of Bishop Gasi through prayer and community activities. Diaspora & Lifestyle: A South Sudan native studying in the US was arrested by ICE at Tweed New Haven Airport, sparking concern from the university and local community. Community Support: NDMA and the LDS Church provided emergency relief to 150 flood-affected households, including food and shelter items. Youth & Skills: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek to train young people in digital skills and innovation. Women & Pride: Miss Nyadeng returned to a big Juba welcome after Miss World, celebrated for representing South Sudan on the global stage. Local Livelihoods: IDPs in Amadi received start-up support to expand small businesses and support children’s education.

Elections Watch: UN human rights experts say conditions for South Sudan’s December 22, 2026 elections remain unfavorable, citing stalled Revitalized Peace Agreement implementation, violence, shrinking civic space, and impunity. Youth & Tech: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train young people and support entrepreneurs with digital skills and innovation. Culture & Identity: Foreign Affairs and Culture ministers agreed to strengthen coordination for cultural diplomacy and protection of South Sudanese cultural properties abroad. Pageantry & Pride: Miss Nyadeng Kurbino Kuanyin Bol returned to a big Juba welcome after Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, with supporters celebrating her national ranking. Budget & Governance: Finance tabled a proposed SSP 11.34 trillion budget for 2026/27, with oil revenue projected at 79.5% and plans to broaden taxes ahead of elections. Civil Society Space: A civil society rights network rated South Sudan’s enabling environment for civic groups as “Weak” (2/5), pointing to barriers for defenders, journalists, and civic actors. Local Livelihoods: IDPs in Amadi (Central Equatoria) received start-up support to expand small businesses, with a focus on women vendors. Education Access: The Higher Education ministry announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese to study in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22. Border Trade: Commentaries urge faster, more transparent clearance at Nimule border to cut delays that raise prices for everyday people. Church & Peace: A South Sudanese bishop called for continuing a predecessor’s legacy of peace, urging unity and prayer ahead of elections.

Cultural Diplomacy: South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs and Culture ministries met to speed up cooperation on cultural diplomacy, protecting South Sudanese cultural properties abroad, and strengthening international cultural representation. Women & Youth in the Spotlight: Miss Nyadeng Kurbino Kuanyin Bol returned to Juba to a huge welcome after placing 10th in online voting at Miss World 2026, with leaders praising her as a global ambassador for South Sudan. Church & Peacebuilding: A South Sudanese bishop urged the faithful to unite in prayer and reflection during “Bishop Gasi” week, linking church activities to peace ahead of elections. Livelihoods for Displaced Families: IDPs in Amadi (Juba) received start-up support to expand small businesses, with special focus on women traders and families seeking to fund children’s education. Elections & Governance Pressure: The government tabled a proposed SSP 11.34 trillion 2026/27 budget, with oil projected at 79.5% of revenue, while the National Elections Commission received nearly SSP 184 billion for December 22 election preparations. Civic Space Under Strain: A civil society environment assessment rated South Sudan “Weak” (2/5), citing gaps in implementation that limit civic actors’ ability to operate freely. Justice in IDP Areas: A temporary court opened inside Bentiu IDP camp to tackle SGBV, drugs, and gang violence, bringing formal justice closer to residents. Trade & Daily Life: Calls to speed up Nimule border clearance aim to cut delays that raise transport costs and market prices. Education Access: The Higher Education ministry announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22. Climate Watch: Coverage highlights El Niño strengthening across Africa, with mixed risks for East and Southern Africa that could affect food, water, and health.

Transitional Justice & Civic Space: The AU’s push for transitional justice implementation is back in focus as South Sudan’s peace process needs real follow-through, not promises. Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s NEC and finance ministry are moving fast on December 22 polls—budgeting nearly SSP 184 billion for voter and election operations, while parties remain fractured and civil society warns the environment for civic work is still “weak.” Civil Society Scorecard: A human rights defenders network rated the enabling environment for civil society 2/5, citing poor implementation, intimidation risks, and barriers for journalists and activists. Justice in Displacement Camps: A temporary court opened in Bentiu IDP camp to handle SGBV, drugs, and gang violence—bringing formal justice closer to residents. Community, Faith & Education: In Yei, church leaders and education officials are urging unity, local recruitment, and partner coordination to strengthen community development and schooling. Regional Life & Mobility: South Sudanese traders in Kenya are urged to secure licenses and register via embassies amid crackdown fears; Ethiopia’s TVET scholarships in Ethiopia (75 places) also open for South Sudanese applicants. Safety & Early Warning: The humanitarian ministry trained journalists on early warning systems, stressing warnings must reach people and trigger action.

Elections & Budgets: South Sudan’s government tabled a proposed SSP 11.34 trillion budget for 2026-2027, with nearly SSP 184 billion earmarked for pre-election work ahead of the December 22 vote. Civic & Community Safety: In Bentiu’s IDP camp, a temporary court opened Sept. 7–26 to speed up cases on SGBV, drugs, and gang violence, with UNMISS and justice partners supporting. Local Education Priorities: Yei education officials urged development partners to hire qualified local youth and avoid discrimination, linking better recruitment to stronger accountability in schools. Faith & Unity in Daily Life: Yei’s county commissioner urged Christians at St. Mark Parish to strengthen unity and community cleanliness, pledging US$200 for church flooring. Heritage Protection in Juba: The Culture Ministry pushed for heritage protection in Juba’s urban planning, calling for controls around historic sites, museums, and culturally significant place names. Media & Disaster Readiness: The Humanitarian Affairs ministry trained journalists on early warning systems, stressing warnings only work when communities understand and act on them. Civil Society Space: A rights panel rated South Sudan’s environment for civil society “weak,” warning activists and journalists still face inconsistent protections and intimidation. Security on the Roads: Catholic nuns were attacked and robbed on the Torit–Juba highway, adding to growing concerns about insecurity for religious workers.

Heritage in Juba: South Sudan’s Culture Ministry is pushing for stronger protection of historic sites, monuments, memorials, cultural landscapes, and public cultural spaces as Juba expands, with ministries agreeing on development controls and shared mapping. Civil Society Under Pressure: A new EU-backed assessment rates South Sudan’s environment for civil society as “weak,” citing inconsistent protection and intimidation risks for human rights defenders and journalists. Juba Airport Revenue Checks: A committee on economic reforms will inspect tax and revenue collection at Juba International Airport, including working conditions and how revenue is managed. Security and Community Life: Police in Northern Bahr el Ghazal investigate the fatal strangulation of two minors in Aweil after a domestic dispute. Religious Workers Attacked: Two Catholic nuns were attacked and robbed on the Torit–Juba highway, adding to growing concerns about insecurity. Culture as Peacebuilding: UPDF’s 3rd Infantry Division commander links discipline and professionalism with support for the Ateker Cultural Gala as a peace and unity platform. Education & Access: A South Sudanese diaspora group in Louisville is raising funds to build the first-ever library in Magwi County, starting with Ayaa Secondary School.

Heritage & Urban Planning: South Sudan’s Culture Ministry is pushing for heritage protection in Juba’s development, urging clear controls to safeguard historic sites, monuments, museums, cultural spaces, and even place names. Church & Education: VP Taban Deng Gai urged the church to invest in education and health for national productivity during a choir reunion in Juba. Security on the Highway: Outrage is growing after two Catholic nuns were attacked and robbed on the Torit–Juba road, with church leaders warning insecurity is worsening. Culture in Community Life: President Salva Kiir joined St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba to celebrate 50 years of its English Choir—music as faith and identity. Food & Peacebuilding: UNMISS handed over a new reservoir in Terekeka meant to ease cattle-farmer water conflict and support farming. Youth & Politics: Former Political Detainees (FDs) rejected VP Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior’s funeral remarks, saying they risk inciting young people. Drought Watch: Aweil East appeals for urgent drought relief after crops died and water sources dried up. Learning Access: A South Sudanese diaspora group in Louisville is fundraising to build the first library in Magwi County, starting at Ayaa Secondary School.

Human Rights Under Strain: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned that wars, tech disruption, climate chaos, and polarization are pushing the world’s human rights system into “particularly dangerous territory.” Conflict Relief in Terekeka: IsraAid delivered a month’s food supply to 5,000+ people displaced by Jor–Kogi fighting in Terekeka, including wheat flour, beans, oil, and salt. Water & Peacebuilding in Terekeka: UNMISS handed over a new reservoir built to ease cattle–farmer tensions by supplying reliable water for crops and reducing grazing pressure. Church & Culture in Juba: President Salva Kiir joined St. Theresa Cathedral in celebrating 50 years of its English Choir. Drought Hits Aweil East: Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials say “all the crops are dead” as a prolonged dry spell dries up water points and threatens food security. Opinion on Governance: A commentary argues South Sudan cannot be governed through fear, division, and endless transition ahead of the December 2026 elections.

Election Readiness Push: South Sudan youth activist Dr. Lukudu Philip Lasu says the government moved fast to amend and assent to constitutional changes for the December 2026 elections, but must match that speed by funding election institutions, guaranteeing security for voters, and ensuring the process is inclusive for young people, women, and people with disabilities. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns funding shortfalls could cut food assistance for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions, with the cuts coming during the rainy season when roads are hardest to reach and malnutrition risks rise. Security & Climate Stress: Reports of a deadly raid on a Warrap military base and severe rainfall deficits point to worsening instability, with crops, grazing, and livestock hit and fears of famine growing as political tensions continue. Church & Community Safety: A Catholic bishop condemned violence after sisters were attacked, urging government action to address insecurity and protect religious communities.

Election Readiness Pressure: South Sudan’s youth activist Dr. Lukudu Philip Lasu says the government moved fast on constitutional amendments for the December 2026 elections, but must match that speed with real funding, security guarantees, and an inclusive, credible electoral framework for young people, women, and people with disabilities. Public Media & Civic Life: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) so the national broadcaster can effectively inform, educate, and entertain ahead of elections. Grassroots Politics: Kiir also endorsed SPLM Youth League plans to reorganize structures from national level down to bomas, with civic and political education built into the mobilisation drive. Crisis on the Ground: Reports from Warrap describe a deadly raid on a military base alongside severe drought and rainfall deficits that are damaging crops, grazing, and livestock—raising fears of famine as instability grows. Aid Watch: WFP warned of funding shortfalls that could cut food assistance for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions, with rainy-season delivery risks making the situation worse for women and children.

Election Readiness Push: South Sudan youth activist Dr. Lukudu Philip Lasu says the government moved fast on constitutional amendments for the December 2026 vote, but must now move just as quickly to fund election institutions, ensure security for voters, and keep the process inclusive and fair. Public Media & Civic Education: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) so the national broadcaster can effectively inform, educate, and entertain ahead of elections. Youth Mobilisation: Kiir also endorsed SPLM Youth League plans for nationwide grassroots reorganisation and civic political education, aiming to reconnect structures from national level down to bomas. Urban Life in Juba: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil declared Saturdays city-wide cleaning days in Juba, calling for better waste systems and more tree planting. Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan launched an Aweil ICT Hub to expand learning, innovation, and digital skills for young people. Gender Justice: A Juba court convicted a father for gouging out his daughter’s eyes over an arranged marriage refusal, underscoring the growing role of GBV courts. Food & Climate Stress: Farmers report worsening rainfall failures across parts of Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, and Eastern Equatoria, raising fears of deeper food insecurity. Humanitarian Warning: WFP warned funding shortfalls could cut food aid for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions.

Election Readiness: Youth activist Dr. Lukudu Philip Lasu says South Sudan moved fast on constitutional amendments for December 2026 polls, but now must match that speed with funding and security guarantees for an inclusive, credible, fair vote. Public Broadcasting & Civic Life: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) ahead of elections, after reported board action against managing director John Madol Panther, stressing SSBC’s role to inform, educate and entertain. Urban Cleanliness & Community Pride: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil declared city-wide cleaning days in Juba every Saturday, calling for better waste systems, tree planting and stronger enforcement to keep the capital clean, green and safe. Digital Skills & Youth Jobs: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to boost learning, innovation and practical digital skills for young people. Gender-Based Violence Justice: A Juba court found a father guilty after he gouged out his daughter’s eyes over an alleged forced arranged marriage, sentencing for severe child abuse and aggravated assault. Food Security Pressure: WFP warned of funding shortfalls that could cut food aid for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions. Climate & Farming Losses: Farmers across Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria report poor, irregular rains threatening harvests and worsening food insecurity into 2027. Church & Insecurity: A Catholic bishop condemned violence after sisters were attacked, urging government action to address insecurity.

Juba City Life & Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil declared every Saturday a city-wide cleaning day, pushing waste control, tree planting, and stronger enforcement to keep Juba “clean, green and safe.” Digital Skills & Youth: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub to train young people in digital skills and support local learning and innovation. Culture, Sports & Community Rules: Juba City Council and stakeholders agreed to regulate Buluk Playground activities—no football during school hours, limits on crowding and noise, and upgrades to sanitation around the school area. Women, Justice & Harmful Practices: A Juba court convicted a father for gouging his daughter’s eyes after she refused an arranged marriage, underscoring how GBV cases are being handled through the Gender-Based Violence Court. Church & Insecurity: A South Sudan Catholic bishop condemned violence after sisters were attacked, urging government action to address insecurity. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warned of funding shortfalls that could cut food aid for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs during the rainy season. Regional Conflict Spillover: Clashes in Sudan’s South Kordofan killed at least 21 people, with reports pointing to ethnic targeting and violations of a ceasefire.

Food Security: WFP warns it may cut food assistance for 400,000 South Sudanese refugees and IDPs after September distributions due to funding shortfalls, with the rainy season making delivery harder and raising malnutrition risks for women and children. Urban Life & Environment: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil declares city-wide cleaning days in Juba every Saturday, calling for better waste management, tree planting, and stronger enforcement to keep the capital “clean, green and safe.” Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan launches the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people in digital skills and support learning and innovation. Media & Elections: President Salva Kiir orders urgent action to fix challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation as the country heads toward the 22 December 2026 elections. Culture & Community Space: Juba City Council and stakeholders agree to regulate Buluk Playground activities—no football during school hours, with limits on crowds and noise—to protect students’ learning, sanitation, and safety. Education Support: UNMISS Chinese Battalion donates learning materials and footballs to Jigomoni Nursery and Primary School in Yei River County, as the school appeals for more support like fencing, water, and computers. Women’s Empowerment: A Kuda Women and Girls Friendly Space is handed over in Dolo Payam with UNMISS support, aiming to offer psychosocial support, skills, and livelihood opportunities.

Broadcast & Elections Readiness: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent action to fix challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) as the board battles managing director John Madol Panther, stressing the broadcaster’s role in informing and educating ahead of the 22 December elections. Constitution & Civic Process: Parliament moved to remove the census and full constitution-making as pre-election requirements, clearing the way for faster voter registration and raising questions about how public participation will be handled. Heritage & Environment: Senior envoy Adut Kiir launched tree planting at the President Salva Kiir Village of Legacy in Ethiopia, with a South Sudan Heritage Project planned to preserve history and strengthen cultural ties. UNESCO World Heritage Celebration: The Ministry of Culture announced preparations for an official celebration of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape after UNESCO listing, aiming to protect and sustainably manage the Great Nile Migration. Local Sports Governance: Juba City Council and partners agreed to regulate Buluk Playground activities—no matches during school hours, and limits on tournaments—to reduce disruption and improve sanitation for students. Women’s Empowerment: UNMISS supported the handover of a Kuda Women and Girls Friendly Space in Dolo Payam, offering skills, psychosocial support, and peacebuilding. Education Support: UNMISS Chinese Battalion donated learning materials and footballs to Jigomoni Nursery and Primary School in Yei River County, as the school also appeals for a fence, water facility, and computers. Connectivity for Communities: SPLM urged telecom expansion in Lafon County after violence displaced families, with many sheltering in schools and churches. Health & Care Pathway: A cross-border lifeline is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach neurosurgery in Uganda via MAF, CURE Uganda, and Usratuna. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warned that El Niño could threaten South Sudan’s children through drought, heat, local flooding, and deeper malnutrition, with urgent anticipatory action still lacking.