AGP Executive Report

Sports & Youth: South Sudan’s Bright Stars basketball team had its Victory Celebration in Juba cancelled without a new date, despite recent wins that brought them closer to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Politics & Elections: South Sudan’s parliament and President Salva Kiir have moved to clear constitutional hurdles for the 22 December 2026 elections by delinking the permanent constitution process and the National Population and Housing Census from the vote timeline. Security & Community Impact: A deadly attack on a Warrap State army barracks killed at least 26 people, including soldiers, police, and civilians, as authorities declared a state of emergency and launched investigations. Culture & Heritage: Nationals in Juba marked Eritrea’s independence struggle anniversary with an embassy event featuring student performances. Wildlife & Land Policy: Juba lawmakers and wildlife officials urged parliament to fold conservation and Protected Areas laws into the national land policy, pushing for faster wildlife legislation. Regional Focus: SPLA-IO says it will not descend into armed infighting amid leadership turmoil, insisting the dispute is administrative.

Music & Politics: Amb. Dr. Yusuf Noah (Refigah) has urged Kenya’s President William Ruto to avoid blanket bans on foreign hawkers, arguing for smart identification and taxation instead, warning that outright exclusions could backfire economically and diplomatically. Film & Diplomacy: South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung heads to France for the Lumiere Summit, co-chairing talks with Emmanuel Macron and discussing wider cooperation, with the Strait of Hormuz also flagged. Sports & Culture: South Sudan’s Bright Stars basketball team had its Tunisia celebration canceled in Juba, even as the squad’s recent wins keep momentum toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Wildlife & Land Policy: South Sudan’s wildlife lawmakers in Juba are pushing for the National Land Policy to better protect protected areas and wildlife legislation. Media & Training: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort, including South Sudanese journalists, to strengthen digital-era reporting. Security & Elections: The AU says South Sudan’s transitional period must end in February 2027, while parliament has advanced constitutional changes to clear the way for December elections. Arts in Community: Nationals in Juba marked Eritrea’s independence anniversary with student performances at the Eritrean Embassy. Violence Watch: A deadly attack on a Warrap military barracks and worsening drought are deepening South Sudan’s crisis ahead of elections.

Warrap Violence: At least 26 people were killed and eight wounded in an early-morning attack on a South Sudan People’s Defense Forces barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap State, with authorities declaring a state of emergency and launching investigations. Climate Strain: The same period brought an emergency drought declaration, with severe rainfall deficits damaging crops, grazing land and livestock—raising fears of worsening food insecurity. Wildlife & Land Policy: In Juba, the Land Use Planning committee urged parliament to fold conservation and protected areas laws into South Sudan’s national land policy, pushing for stronger enforcement and protected-area demarcation. Sports & Youth: South Sudan’s Bright Stars had their planned victory celebration in Juba cancelled after Tunisia results, while the team’s momentum continues ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Education & Media: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar held a convocation welcoming its largest incoming class, including first-ever students from South Sudan; MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme also welcomed its first cohort with South Sudan among participating countries. Elections Roadmap: The AU says the transitional period must end in February 2027 without extensions, citing election funding and administrative gaps.

South Sudan Elections Push: President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, delinking the permanent constitution-making process and the national population census from the December 2026 polls—aimed at keeping the vote on track. SPLA-IO Leadership Tension: SPLA-IO’s spokesman says the current leadership crisis won’t trigger armed infighting, framing it as an administrative and constitutional dispute. Basketball Spotlight: The Ministry of Youth and Sports cancelled the Bright Stars victory celebration in Juba after Tunisia wins, with no new date announced. Regional Politics & Peace Debate: An opinion piece argues South Sudan needs a “third path” toward a fixed, inclusive five-year settlement that federalizes governance and professionalizes security ahead of credible elections. Sports (Regional): FIBA rankings report Nigeria’s D’Tigers rising to 52nd globally, with a loss to South Sudan in qualifiers. Media & Culture: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort, including South Sudanese media practitioners.

Eritrean Independence Celebrations in Juba: Nationals in Juba marked the 65th anniversary of Eritrea’s armed struggle for independence at the Eritrean Embassy on 1 September, with speeches calling for stronger organization and a cultural performance by students from the Eritrean community school. SPLM-IO Leadership Tension: In Unity State, SPLM-IO governor Dhoal Koryom Lingling says the suspension of acting chairman Oyet Nathaniel was ordered directly by detained SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar, adding Oyet remains a member and could return if he accepts the decision. South Sudan Elections Update: President Salva Kiir assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, delinking the permanent constitution-making process and the national population census from the December 2026 polls to keep voter registration on track. Basketball Spotlight: The Ministry of Youth and Sports cancelled the planned Victory Celebration for the Bright Stars in Juba, despite the team’s recent wins as they push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Media Training Boost: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and the African Editors’ Forum welcomed the first cohort of the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, including South Sudanese media practitioners. Sudan Conflict Spillover: Reports from Sudan’s South Kordofan say clashes tied to SPLM/N-Al Hilu and RSF allies killed at least 21 people, while UN-backed investigations warn foreign support networks are fueling violence and drone attacks.

South Sudan Elections Update: President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, removing the census and permanent constitution-making process as pre-conditions for the December 2026 general elections—aiming to keep voter registration on track. Basketball Spotlight: The Ministry of Youth and Sports cancelled Bright Stars’ planned Juba victory celebration after the team’s Tunisia run, even as the squad’s three straight wins against Nigeria, Guinea and Tunisia keep them in the spotlight ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Sports & Media Development: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and the African Editors’ Forum launched the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme’s first cohort, including South Sudanese media practitioners, to strengthen journalism in a fast-changing digital era. Regional Health Watch: Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak is being mapped using anonymized mobile-phone data to predict spread, as cases and deaths continue to rise. Sudan Conflict: A UN-backed probe says foreign fighters and external support are fueling Sudan’s war and worsening attacks on civilians. Community & Culture: Ottawa’s Sudanese festival is set to celebrate Sudanese culture, food, music and community ties in Canada’s capital. Faith & Safety: Two Carmelite members survived a bandit ambush on the Juba–Torit highway, five years after sisters were killed on the same route.

South Sudan Elections Update: President Salva Kiir has assented to Constitutional Amendment No. 13, removing the census and permanent constitution-making process as hurdles for the 22 December 2026 polls—clearing the way for voter registration to move faster. Basketball Spotlight: The Bright Stars’ planned Juba victory celebration was cancelled at short notice, even as the team’s Tunisia run keeps them edging closer to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Sports Community: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated sports playground in Terekeka to support youth sport, skills, and peaceful, inclusive community life. Media & Tech for Creatives: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and the African Editors’ Forum launched the first cohort of the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, bringing 42 journalists (including from South Sudan) into a six-week push to strengthen digital-era journalism. Football Talk: Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor says his side are ready for CAF Champions League qualifiers against Egypt’s Pyramids FC. Regional Sports Note: South Sudan’s basketball momentum also echoes in wider FIBA rankings news, with Nigeria’s D’Tigers climbing to 52nd globally.

Basketball Spotlight: South Sudan’s Bright Stars will be celebrated in Juba on Thursday, Sept. 3, after sweeping Tunisia with wins over Nigeria, Guinea and the host nation in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, bringing them closer to the 2027 tournament. Sports for Development: The EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports playground in Terekeka, aiming to give young people a safer space to play, build skills and promote peaceful, inclusive community life. Football Inclusion: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support to develop deaf football nationwide, including plans to improve coaching, refereeing and access to equipment and grounds. Media & Training: MTN Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort of 42 journalists and editors from 10 countries, including South Sudan, to strengthen journalism in a digital era. Politics & Rights: Parliament ordered journalists out of constitutional amendment proceedings in Juba, while President Kiir signed Constitutional Amendment No. 13 to help clear legal hurdles for December 2026 elections. Local Economy & Tech: Economic reform talks pushed for further fuel price reductions and ordered telecom operators (Zain, MTN, Digitel) to pay government revenue in cash.

Sports Spotlight: South Sudan’s Bright Stars will be celebrated in Juba on Sept 3 after sweeping Tunisia, Nigeria and Guinea to edge closer to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Community Sports: The EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports playground in Terekeka, backing Sport for Development and youth inclusion. Inclusive Football: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support to the Deaf Football Federation to grow deaf football nationwide, including training, referees and equipment. Health & Care: Ahead of World Hydrocephalus Day, a cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants reach brain surgery in Uganda through MAF, CURE Uganda and Usratuna. Security & Church Life: Two Carmelite members survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway, five years after sisters were killed on the same route. Tech & Learning: A South Sudanese software engineer is urging AI lessons in the national education curriculum to help students spot AI-made content. Policy & Media: Parliament ordered journalists out during a constitutional amendment debate, while the government dismissed circulating documents as fake and fraudulent. Telecom Costs: Telecom operators were ordered to pay government revenue in cash as citizens complain about rising internet bundle prices.

Parliament & Media: South Sudan’s RTNLA Speaker Joseph Ngere ordered journalists and the public out of constitutional amendment proceedings in Juba, approving the bill behind closed doors—prompting sharp criticism that democracy is being suffocated. Government & Telecoms: The Economic Reform Committee ordered MTN, Zain and Digitel to pay government revenue in cash, while also cracking down on “unlawful tax exemptions” as prices and market pressures rise. Information Minister Pushback: Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed circulating online documents as fake and fraudulent, including claims tied to a $15 million payment and a senior appointment, and said he does not know who owns one named firm. Tech & Education: A South Sudanese software engineer urged AI lessons in the school curriculum so students can spot AI-generated images and misinformation. Sports Inclusion: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support for Deaf Football Development, backing a nationwide program and talent identification efforts. Health & Tobacco Control: South Sudan is preparing to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with a stakeholder meeting in Juba to strengthen prevention and protections for children. Arts & Culture (Regional): Sharjah announced its 2026/27 programme of 40+ festivals and forums, including the Sharjah Narrative Forum starting Sept 8. Streaming Buzz: Gerard Butler’s action thriller “Machine Gun Preacher” continues gaining traction on streaming.

Parliament & Media: South Sudan’s parliament ordered journalists and the public out of constitutional amendment proceedings in Juba, approving the bill behind closed doors—sparking fresh calls for transparency. Sports Inclusion: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support for Deaf Football Development, backing a nationwide structured program after talks with the Deaf Football Federation in Juba. Tech & Learning: A South Sudanese software engineer urged AI lessons in the national education curriculum so students can spot AI-made images and misinformation. Legal Community: South Sudanese lawyers are in Cairo for the Pan African Lawyers Union conference, with discussions on AI in justice and governance. Public Accountability: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed social-media documents alleging a $15 million influence payment and a linked appointment, calling them fake and promising investigation. Health & Tobacco Control: South Sudan is pushing to ratify the WHO tobacco control treaty with a stakeholder meeting in Juba. Telecom Reform: Telecom operators were ordered to pay government revenue in cash as part of economic reforms. Humanitarian Nutrition: Japan pledged about $2.2m to WFP for lifesaving nutrition support for women and children in hard-hit areas. Culture & Identity: A feature highlights Tupac Shakur’s enduring influence across Africa, including South Sudanese street culture.

AI & Education: South Sudanese software engineer Chol Daniel Deng urges the government to integrate basic AI lessons into the national curriculum so learners can spot AI-made images and content online. Public Health & Policy: South Sudan is pushing to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with a Juba meeting bringing together ministries, parliament, law enforcement, health institutions, civil society and UN partners to build support for stronger tobacco-control laws. Security & Governance: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny dismisses an alleged coup plot as “non-existent,” saying the claims are rumor-based and unverified. Opposition Update: SPLM/A-IO acting leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino suspends the interim secretary-general and seven senior officials, accusing them of trying to create parallel structures while Riek Machar remains detained. Health Media: WHO launches a health journalism award in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health information into simple language for the public. Community Health: NBTS urges regular blood donations, highlighting urgent needs for mothers during childbirth and for accident and gunshot victims. Sports Buzz: Tickets are on sale and the BNZ Breakers head to the NBL Blitz Loggins-Bruton Cup in Bendigo as they prepare a new-look roster. Culture & Faith: A report highlights South Sudanese doctors continuing the dream of late Father Lee Tae-seok through a scholarship program in Korea.

Basketball Spotlight: FIBA has released its top 20 players to watch at the 2026 Women’s World Cup, with global stars like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark headlining the list, plus names including Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu and Mali’s Sika Kone. South Sudan Health & Media: WHO launched health journalism awards in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health info into simple, public-friendly language. Humanitarian Support: Japan pledged about USD 2.2 million through WFP for lifesaving nutrition for vulnerable women and children in South Sudan, targeting hard-hit areas. Community Life: South Sudan’s NBTS urged regular blood donation, saying mosques are key sources for restocking the blood bank as demand rises. Sports & National Pride: Eye Radio highlighted the “Bright Stars” as a fresh narrative for South Sudan beyond conflict—built on talent, discipline, and hope. Security Update: SSPDF said increased Juba patrols are meant to maintain stability and counter rumors, stressing presidential authorization. ICT & Trust: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny rejected “fake” Crawford documents circulating online and said he doesn’t know the firms’ owners. Opposition Shake-up: SPLM-IO acting leader Oyet suspended its interim secretary-general and seven senior officials amid internal power struggles.

Media & Migration: South Sudanese journalists were urged to use accurate, balanced and dignified language when reporting on migrant workers, after rights advocates warned that careless wording can fuel stigma and misinformation. Public Health Media: The WHO launched Health Journalism Awards in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health information into simple, public-friendly language. Blood Donation Drive: The National Blood Transfusion Service called for regular blood donations, warning demand is high for mothers in childbirth complications, accident victims and other emergencies. Sports & Pride: The Bright Stars’ national basketball push is being celebrated as a fresh, hopeful story for South Sudan beyond conflict headlines. Travel & Tourism Buzz: Jettofly was named South Sudan’s Leading Travel Agency 2026 at the World Travel Awards, while travel features spotlight luxury safari stays and the Serengeti’s big-five appeal. Security Update: SSPDF says increased Juba street patrols are meant to maintain stability and counter rumors. Ebola Watch: Health agencies warn Ebola could spread from eastern DRC across the border, with screening and community education underway. Humanitarian Funding: Japan pledged about USD 2.2m to WFP to tackle malnutrition for vulnerable women and children in hard-hit South Sudan communities.

Health Journalism: WHO launched Health Journalism Awards in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health info into simple, public-friendly language. Blood Donation Drive: NBTS urged South Sudanese to donate regularly, saying blood demand is rising for mothers in childbirth complications, accidents, gunshot injuries, and severe illnesses. Community Sports: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated sports ground in Terekeka to promote youth engagement, teamwork, and peaceful coexistence. Ebola Preparedness: WHO and partners stepped up screening and public education at a DRC border crossing in Western Equatoria as Ebola risk grows across the frontier. Security Update: SSPDF said increased Juba street patrols are meant to show stability and counter rumors, with presidential authorization confirmed. Entertainment & Film: Gerard Butler’s real-story action drama Machine Gun Preacher is climbing streaming charts again on Paramount+. Model Search: Kenya’s tourism ministry endorsed Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 as scouting begins in Nairobi, with casting planned across communities. Sports (Basketball): South Sudan’s Bright Stars beat Guinea 81-71 in FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers, keeping their pace-and-shooting style on track.

Modeling & Youth Culture: Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism has endorsed Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 as nationwide scouting kicks off in Nairobi, with casting set to reach Turkana and Maasai communities and the contest open to women aged 18–26 across Kenya and 10 other African countries, ending in a Nairobi grand finale on 21 Nov 2026. Security & Public Trust: SSPDF says increased security deployments and street patrols in Juba have “no bad intentions,” pointing to a stability-focused assessment and presidential authorization to counter rumors during President Salva Kiir’s travel. Sports & Community Life: The EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports ground in Terekeka to boost youth engagement and peaceful coexistence, with football highlighted as a unifier. Health & Giving: South Sudan’s NBTS commended the Muslim community in Juba for driving voluntary blood donations, urging more support as national collection levels remain below WHO targets. Film Buzz: Gerard Butler’s true-story action drama Machine Gun Preacher is climbing streaming charts again, now ranking among the most-watched titles on Paramount+ in the US.