AGP Executive Report

STEM Skills & Youth Jobs: STEMpower South Sudan awarded certificates to 180 students after a four-month Digital Skills Program across Juba, Aweil, Yambio, Abyei, Rumbek and Wau, aiming to turn training into economic independence. Community Service & Survival: A customary chief in New Site, Juba, urged national leaders to prioritize citizen survival, warning insecurity and lack of opportunities are pushing people into crowded towns where criminals thrive. Local Reconciliation for Stability: Five prominent Gogrial leaders concluded a months-long reconciliation in Warrap, a step welcomed as a way to reduce divisions that spill into community life. Gender & Rights in Focus: South Sudan’s wider push to tackle gender inequality includes an assessment of unpaid care work, while in the region Israel proposes Ebola-related entry bans that include South Sudan. Culture, Faith & Justice: Moru Congregation Church welcomed the acquittal of its chairperson, calling for government intervention in the ongoing dispute with the Diocese of Juba and Juba City Council. Refugees as Entrepreneurs: UNHCR and partners urged South Sudan to invest in programs that help displaced people build livelihoods, stressing refugees contribute as employers and business owners, not only beneficiaries.

Elections & Service Delivery: As South Sudan’s December 2026 race heats up, communities in places like Twic are pushing back on “Oyee” campaign theatre, saying voters want medicines, working schools, electricity, and roads—not just red T-shirts and caps. Youth & Jobs: In Bentiu, youth groups trained on creating a youth enterprise development fund, arguing it can pull young people away from cattle raiding and crime by funding real livelihoods. Refugees as Entrepreneurs: UNHCR and partners in Juba urged South Sudan to treat refugees as business owners and investors, calling for finance, skills, and market access to turn displacement into shared economic growth. Community Leadership & Peace: Gogrial leaders in Warrap wrapped a months-long reconciliation process, aiming to restore stability and reduce divisions that spill into everyday life. Church & Justice: Moru Congregation Church welcomed the acquittal of its chairperson after a closure dispute, while still calling for government intervention in the wider conflict. Health & Borders: Israel proposed temporary entry restrictions tied to Ebola risk, explicitly naming South Sudan among affected countries. Culture & Music: DESIREE and Emmanuel Jal released “Macho,” blending Afro house with Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic, and English—rooted in Jal’s South Sudanese journey. Sports & Identity: The Socceroos’ World Cup spotlight on refugee-born players like Mohamed Touré and Nestory Irankunda is fueling a broader conversation about migration and belonging.

Refugee livelihoods in focus: In Juba, UNHCR and government officials urged South Sudan to see refugees as entrepreneurs and investors—not just beneficiaries—pushing for finance, skills, and market access to turn displacement into local economic growth. Youth enterprise push in Bentiu: Unity State youth trained to create a youth enterprise development fund, with young people demanding at least 20% of the state budget go to youth jobs instead of fueling cattle raiding and crime. Elections and services, not slogans: A Twic County youth leader told politicians that “our Oyee” should mean medicines, functioning hospitals, equipped schools, electricity, and roads—especially as election campaigning heats up. Child labour warning: On World Day Against Child Labour, an advocate warned that poverty and displacement are driving children into mines, farms, and conflict zones, pulling them out of school and into exploitation. Community reconciliation in Warrap: Five prominent Gogrial leaders completed a months-long reconciliation process, aiming to restore stability and reduce divisions affecting young people. Church dispute update: Moru Congregation Church welcomed the acquittal of its chairperson after a court found no evidence in a closure-related case, while calling for government intervention. Cultural music link: DESIREE and Emmanuel Jal released “Macho,” blending Afro house with vocals in Nuer, Kiswahili, Arabic, and English.

Care Economy & Gender: South Sudan’s Gender Ministry and UN Women launched an assessment of the care economy to measure how unpaid childcare, eldercare and domestic work by women and girls fuels gender inequality. Elections & Youth Demands: A Twic County youth leader told politicians “our Oyee” should mean medicines, schools, electricity and roads—not campaign slogans—amid election preparations. Child Labour Day: A child rights advocate warned that poverty and weak protection push children into mines, farms and conflict zones, pulling them out of school and into exploitation. Community Remembrance: Yei River County mourned 102-year-old elder Paul Kuba Lukadi, urging youth to reject violence and build peace. Church Court Update: Moru Congregation Church welcomed the acquittal of its chairperson after charges tied to a city-ordered church closure were dismissed. Detention in Juba: The family of abducted South Sudanese businessman Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit confirmed he is held in military intelligence detention at Giada in Juba. Culture & Music: DESIREE and Emmanuel Jal released “Macho,” blending Afro house with vocals in Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic and English. Refugee Entrepreneurship: INKOMOKO marked World Refugee Day in Juba by spotlighting refugee-led businesses and shifting the focus from aid to enterprise.

Care Economy & Gender Equality: South Sudan’s Gender Ministry and UN Women launched an assessment of the care economy, looking at how unpaid childcare, eldercare, and domestic work limit women’s education, jobs, and decision-making. Cross-Border Safety & Detention: A South Sudanese whistleblower and businessman, Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit (Gadafi Athorbey Guet), has been confirmed by family as held in military intelligence at Giada in Juba after abduction in Nairobi. Education Under Pressure: Central Equatoria private schools say a cash shortage is trapping funds in banks, disrupting exams and basic operations. Exam Integrity: The state education minister vowed to overhaul invigilation after allegations of coordinated cheating involving security personnel. Hunger in Jonglei: Save the Children warns conflict and insecurity are pushing families in Jonglei toward famine, with children surviving on leaves and water lilies. Community Resilience & Early Warning: Media and disaster-risk partners trained in Juba to improve disaster risk communication and early warning reporting. Oil Transparency Push: Activist Edmond Yakani welcomed higher crude output but demanded disclosure of revenue from the increased production. Ebola Preparedness: The U.S. announced extra Ebola preparedness funding for South Sudan and neighbors as WHO says World Cup-related spread risk remains low.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan’s Minister of Culture Sarah Nyanath says the country will submit the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to UNESCO next month, with France backing the push for international recognition. Humanitarian Crisis: Save the Children reports hunger is deepening in Jonglei, with children surviving on leaves and water lilies as conflict disrupts aid and education. Ebola Preparedness: WHO says Ebola risk in World Cup host countries is low, while the U.S. adds $20 million to support Ebola preparedness in South Sudan and neighboring countries. Education & Daily Life: A cash shortage is disrupting private schools in Central Equatoria, leaving exam prep and basic operations stuck when banks release only limited funds. Rights & Safety: A South Sudanese man abducted in Nairobi has been deported to Juba and held in military detention, raising fears of forced return and lack of access to legal help. Community & Economy: Refugee traders in Maaji-Adjumani demand urgent road rehabilitation after rains made the route nearly impassable, driving up costs and prices. Governance & Accountability: Oil activist Edmond Yakani welcomes higher crude output but urges full disclosure of revenue from the increased production.

UNESCO Bid: South Sudan’s Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath says the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape will be submitted to UNESCO next month, with France pledging continued cultural heritage support. Justice & GBV: UNDP and the Judiciary launched a 30-day GBV and Juvenile Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison to cut case backlogs and speed survivor-centered hearings. Local Youth Leadership: Advocate Aggrey Duku Arkanjelo was elected Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Youth Union for 2026–2030, promising stronger youth advocacy. Community Tensions: In Greater Pibor’s Jebel Boma County, seven residents were arrested amid anger over a proposed land lease and gold mining transparency. Security & Rights: A South Sudanese graft whistleblower was abducted in Nairobi, with activists warning he may be forcibly returned. Culture & Food: Aurora’s Mango House in the U.S. spotlights immigrant-run stalls like a Sudanese kitchen, showing how food turns into community. Ebola Preparedness: The U.S. added $20 million for Ebola readiness in South Sudan and neighboring countries, focusing on screening, surveillance, and emergency response. Sports: Bright Starlets were knocked out of CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers after a late loss to Madagascar.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan’s Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath says the country will submit the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to UNESCO next month, with France backing the push for global recognition of the wildlife corridor. Justice & GBV: UNDP and the Judiciary launched a 30-day GBV and Juvenile Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison to cut case backlogs and speed up survivor-centered hearings for women, girls, and children. Youth Leadership: Central Equatoria’s Electoral Committee named Advocate Aggrey Duku Arkanjelo as Youth Union Chairperson for 2026–2030 after a competitive vote. Local Governance & Sports: Western Equatoria’s deputy governor pledged stronger support for athletics as the state prepares to host the 2026 Republican Championship. Conflict & Food Security: Save the Children reports families in Jonglei surviving on leaves and water lilies as violence suspends aid and schools, pushing children toward labour and early marriage. Human Rights in the Region: A South Sudanese graft whistleblower was abducted in Nairobi, with activists fearing forced return and harm; authorities are urged to use due process. Community Safety: Civil society in Jonglei calls for urgent intervention as rival communities mobilize over disputed fishing grounds in Duk and Twic East.

Political Transparency: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani is pressing South Sudan’s Political Parties Council (PPC) to publish party registration compliance details, including the $75,000 fee and proof that no parties are linked to military wings. Women’s Sports: South Sudan’s Bright Starlets were knocked out of the CAF Women’s Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Qualifiers after a late 1-0 loss to Madagascar, despite a 1-1 first-leg draw. Hunger & Child Protection: Save the Children warns that escalating violence and flooding in Jonglei are pushing families toward famine-level survival, with children reportedly eating leaves and water lilies as aid suspensions cut services and schools. Local Governance & Peacebuilding: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil urged unity and peaceful participation ahead of December 2026 elections, while also highlighting dialogue efforts to ease border concerns. Youth & Climate Justice: A faith-based Climate Youth Ecumenical Summit (Climate YES) launched in Juba to mobilize young people across states for climate justice and community resilience. Security & Community Relations: A two-day civil-military dialogue in Loa (Magwi) is bringing civilians and SSPDF representatives together, with the Catholic Diocese of Torit helping rebuild trust after past violence. Humanitarian Crisis Watch: Families of two abducted children on the Lirya road say they’re losing hope as authorities provide no clear updates on searches. State Leadership: Warrap Governor Bol Wek Agoth urged President Kiir to intensify action on insecurity, citing delayed forces deployment and ongoing disarmament challenges. Sports & Society: (Global context) World Cup travel barriers and Ebola-related health disruptions abroad are affecting African participation and movement, echoing wider pressures on mobility and safety.

Hunger in Jonglei: Save the Children reports families in Akobo and Walgak surviving on leaves, water lilies, and seeds as insecurity cuts off aid and children face severe malnutrition, school dropouts, and rising child labour or early marriage. Youth leadership: YPLS Africa kicked off its 13th cohort in Liberia with 200 young leaders, including South Sudanese participants, pushing ethical governance and youth-led transformation. Peace and elections: UK Ambassador David Ashley urged dialogue among Revitalized Peace Agreement signatories to end the transition consensually, keep the ceasefire (including in Jonglei), and hold credible elections. Civil-military trust: A two-day dialogue in Loa, Magwi County brings civilians and SSPDF representatives together, facilitated by the Catholic Diocese of Torit, to review 2025 resolutions and rebuild relations. Child protection in public life: A South Sudanese lawyer urged police and Juba City Council to enforce a decree banning under-18s from nightclubs after videos showed minors entering entertainment venues.

Youth Leadership & Governance: More than 50 young leaders, including South Sudanese participants, began the 13th YPLS Africa cohort in Liberia, pushing democratic renewal and ethical, youth-led leadership. Child Protection & GBV: Western Equatoria officials warned of rising gender-based violence, child neglect, and forced early marriages, urging parents to keep children within the family and denying claims of systematic child recruitment. Local Enforcement & Youth Safety: A Juba lawyer urged the police and Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners over videos showing minors (about 11–15) entering venues, calling for ID checks and respect for the under-18 ban. Health & Community Response: UNICEF scaled up Ebola supplies in the DRC, shipping over 100 metric tons of protective gear, medicines, and WASH materials as cases and deaths climb amid armed access constraints. Elections & Politics: Analysts read President Salva Kiir’s Bahr el Ghazal tour as early election positioning ahead of December 2026, aimed at reinforcing loyalty networks. Jobs, Food, and Daily Life: Yei farmers asked for tools, storage, and transport support to boost production, while the Yei commissioner called for fair employment practices and better oversight of recruitment by organizations. Oil Transparency: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani demanded South Sudan disclose oil revenue figures, arguing transparency should include what the country earns—not just production volumes.

Ebola Response: UNICEF says it has rushed over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies—PPE, medicines, and WASH materials—to the DRC as the rare Bundibugyo strain spreads, warning the world is “in a race against time” and urging more donor funding. Public Health & Travel: With Ebola fears tied to major travel, the CDC is expanding airport screening in the US, while a US doctor treated in Germany has tested negative—signals of progress, but not calm. Youth Protection: In Juba, a lawyer is pushing police and the Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners after online videos allegedly show minors (about 11–15) entering venues, calling for strict ID checks under a 2025 decree. Gender & Substance Abuse: South Sudan’s Gender Ministry undersecretary urges tighter market regulation to curb youth access to drugs and alcohol, citing cases involving children as young as 14. Local Livelihoods: Farmers in Yei ask for tools, storage, and transport support to boost food production and fight rising food insecurity. Governance & Accountability: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani demands the Ministry of Petroleum disclose oil revenue figures, not just production, and calls for investing earnings in agriculture. Diplomacy & Skills: Ethiopia concluded a five-day training for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, covering negotiation, peacekeeping, and transboundary resource management. Politics in the Regions: Analysts read Kiir’s Bahr el Ghazal tour as early election positioning ahead of December 2026. Sports & Community: A South Sudan-linked Eritrea marathon report notes athletes from South Sudan participated in Asmara Marathon 2026.

Renewable Energy & Daily Life: A new analysis from Uganda’s borderlands shows how solar micro-systems are becoming “living infrastructure,” keeping shops, communication, and commerce running after dark—an energy lesson South Sudan can’t ignore. Humanitarian Supply Chains: The UN warns that the Strait of Hormuz crisis is still disrupting aid routes and driving up costs, with children hit hardest as recovery may not come until 2027. Peace & Memory: The UN marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers, honoring thousands of fallen blue helmets and posthumously awarding the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to Cambodian peacekeepers who served in South Sudan. Ebola Preparedness: Ebola fears are reshaping travel and screening plans around major events, while the US and WHO push funding and response measures as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda—relevant for South Sudan’s cross-border health planning. Local Governance & Youth: In Warrap, VP Hussein Abdelbagi publicly backs President Salva Kiir ahead of December elections, urging unity and rejecting communal violence. Culture & Faith Education: Kajo-Keji Christian College calls for ethical leadership and stronger Christian education as South Sudan prepares for another school term. Digital Lifestyle & Inclusion: DigiCash and Inkomoko expand mobile finance for small businesses in Juba and Bor, aiming to reduce cash shortages and widen access. Wildlife & Public Space: Juba’s hyena is set for relocation to Bandingilo National Park after delays, with authorities stressing controlled reintegration away from homes.

Ebola & Public Health: The CDC says enhanced Ebola airport screening is expanding in the U.S., adding a second mandatory hub in Atlanta for travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan—while World Cup travel ramps up health worries across North America. Civic Inclusion: South Sudan’s NEC, with UN support and JICA, ran civic engagement for persons with disabilities in Juba, pushing the message that “disability is not inability” ahead of elections. Local Wildlife & Community Life: Juba residents are watching as wildlife authorities relocate a hyena spotted roaming in the city to Bandingilo National Park, with plans to acclimatize it away from settlements. Culture, Faith & Education: Kajo-Keji Christian College calls for ethical leadership and stronger Christian education, training future pastors and teachers despite national challenges. Money & Everyday Business: DigiCash and Inkomoko partner to expand digital finance for small businesses in Juba and Bor, aiming to reduce cash shortages and make payments and withdrawals easier. Politics & Unity: VP Hussein Abdelbagi Akol publicly endorsed President Salva Kiir as the ruling coalition’s sole candidate in December 2026, urging communities to reject communal violence.

Church & Faith: Archbishop Charles Balvo’s farewell Mass in Australia marked his retirement as Apostolic Nuncio, with tributes to his decades of service including time in South Sudan. Reconciliation & Culture: Fourteen former LRA captives and fighters returned from Juba to Uganda for rehabilitation, welcomed with Acholi Bwola dances and community-led cultural ceremony. Wildlife & Community Life: Juba residents’ hyena sighting is set for relocation to Bandingilo National Park after wildlife authorities kept the handler’s identity private, aiming to protect both people and the animal. Local Economy & Inclusion: DigiCash and Inkomoko launched a partnership to expand digital finance for small businesses, using mobile wallets to reduce cash shortages and improve access to loans and payments. Civic Participation: NEC, UN partners and JICA ran civic education for persons with disabilities in Juba, pushing the message that “disability is not inability” ahead of elections. Peacekeeping Remembrance: UN ceremonies posthumously honored Cambodian peacekeepers who served in South Sudan, underscoring the human cost of peace work. Public Health Watch: Ebola response funding and updates continue as global health agencies warn outbreaks can surge without strong measures.

Ebola Response in Focus: The U.S. says it added nearly $38 million to its Ebola effort as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda, while new CDC modeling warns the outbreak could reach 20,000+ without strong public health action. Public Health & Travel Reality: With World Cup travel underway, officials flag disease risks and note screening routes that can pass through places like South Sudan-linked travel corridors, alongside a separate measles surge in Virginia. Inclusive Democracy: In Juba, the NEC, UN partners and JICA ran civic education for persons with disabilities ahead of elections, stressing “disability is not inability.” Wildlife & Urban Safety: Authorities declined to name a “well-known” hyena handler in Juba, saying the animal will be relocated to Bandingilo after technical delays. Digital Life & Small Business: DigiCash and Inkomoko launched a partnership to expand mobile finance for small businesses, easing cash shortages. Culture & Faith Education: Kajo-Keji Christian College called for ethical leadership and stronger Christian education as it prepares for a new semester. UN Peacekeeping Remembrance: UN ceremonies honored fallen peacekeepers, including South Sudan-linked UNMISS personnel, with Dag Hammarskjöld Medals.