AGP Executive Report

Roland Garros on TV: The French Tennis Federation and beIN Media Group have extended their exclusive Roland-Garros broadcasting deal across MENA and Asia for 2027–2031, with coverage spanning 34 territories via beIN SPORTS and OTT platforms. South Sudan visas clarified: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Interior Ministry have dismissed social media claims of new visa-free entry for Egypt and Tanzania, saying immigration rules remain unchanged and only official channels can announce changes. Cyber law watch: CEPO says it will monitor how South Sudan’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act is enforced, warning it must not be used to silence dissent or restrict free expression. Women’s football milestone: The South Sudan Football Federation has finalized plans for the 2026–2027 season, including the launch of the country’s first Women’s Premier League. Juba court delay: A verdict in a May viral police assault case has been postponed to 24 July after a power outage disrupted proceedings. Peace deal tensions: Machar’s co-accused testified that a former army chief undermined the 2018 peace deal by failing to implement key security arrangements. UNMISS support renewed: New Zealand’s NZDF deployment to UNMISS has been extended for two years from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028, with personnel based in Juba. Ebola ripple region: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is reported at 2,423 cases and 967 deaths, with Save the Children warning children in Ituri need urgent psychosocial support.

Women’s Football: South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) has finalized plans for the 2026–2027 season, including the historic launch of the country’s first-ever Women’s Premier League, with officials in Juba agreeing on the women’s competition calendar and nationwide collaboration. Sports (Regional): Tusker FC say the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali is the right test as they build momentum for their CAF Confederation Cup return. Health (Ebola): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 2,423 confirmed cases with 967 deaths; WHO says some areas in Ituri show stabilization while transmission continues, and cross-border surveillance with Uganda is being strengthened. Local Governance & Media: CEPO says it will monitor how South Sudan’s Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act is enforced, warning it must not be used to silence free expression. Immigration Rumours: The Ministry of Interior dismisses social media claims of new visa-free entry rules for Egyptians and Tanzanians, saying immigration policy is unchanged. Humanitarian: China delivers the final consignment of emergency food aid to South Sudan—3,256 metric tons of rice and wheat—completing 148 containers. Youth & Digital Life: Youth and Sports Minister Atong Kuol Manyang urges South Sudanese to use social media responsibly to promote unity and a positive national image.

Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has climbed to 2,423 confirmed cases with 967 deaths, as WHO warns transmission is still active and new areas in Ituri are affected. Health & Travel: A UK resident potentially exposed to Ebola has been evacuated to a London hospital for isolation monitoring, while the U.S. issued a worldwide caution alert for Americans amid regional tensions. South Sudan Sports: The South Sudan Football Federation has finalized plans for the 2026–2027 season and launched the country’s first-ever Women’s Premier League. Cyber & Expression: CEPO says it will monitor enforcement of South Sudan’s Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, warning it must not be used to silence dissent. Local Justice: A Juba police assault verdict has been postponed to 24 July after a power outage disrupted court proceedings. Immigration Rumours: The Interior Ministry denies claims of new visa-free entry rules for Egypt and Tanzania, saying the policy is unchanged. Culture & Youth: Youth and Sports Minister Atong Kuol Manyang urged responsible social media use to promote unity and a positive image of South Sudan.

Women’s Football: The South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) has finalized plans for the 2026–2027 season, including the historic launch of the country’s first-ever Women’s Premier League, with committees set to coordinate nationwide competition activities. Sports & Youth: The National Minister of Youth and Sports, Atong Kuol Manyang, urged South Sudanese—especially young people—to use social media responsibly to promote unity and a positive national image. Cyber & Rights: CEPO says it will monitor how South Sudan’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act is enforced, warning it must not be used to silence dissent. Court Update: A Juba court postponed the verdict in the May viral police assault case, rescheduling the ruling for 24 July. Humanitarian & Health: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 2,423 confirmed cases (967 deaths), with 47 health zones affected and 46 still under active transmission. Food Aid: China delivered the final consignment of emergency food assistance to South Sudan in Juba, completing 3,256 metric tons of rice and wheat. Immigration Clarification: The Interior Ministry dismissed social media claims of visa-free entry for Egypt and Tanzania only, saying no official visa changes were approved. Arts & Impact: Cure Blindness Project released its 2025 Impact Report, citing 315,000+ sight-restoring surgeries across its global network.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 2,423, with 967 deaths, as 734 patients remain in quarantine or treatment and 469 have recovered; the outbreak has now reached the Adja health zone in Ituri, with 46 of 47 affected zones still under active transmission, while DRC and Uganda also assessed a mobile lab near the border to boost cross-border surveillance. Youth & Media: South Sudan’s Youth and Sports minister Atong Kuol Manyang urged young people in Juba to use social media responsibly to promote unity and a positive national image, warning against divisive content. Abyei & Elections: Tensions rise as South Sudan defends including Abyei residents in the December 22 polls despite Sudan’s objections, with both sides trading public statements over the 2005 Abyei Protocol. Visa Rumours: The Ministry of Interior denied claims of a new visa-free policy for Egypt and Tanzania, calling the reports false and urging people to rely on official channels. Cyber Rights: Civil society warned that South Sudan’s Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act enforcement could be used to curb freedom of expression ahead of elections. Sports Spotlight: Czechia returns to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup stage, with a notable past run that included a silver-medal finish in 2010.

Cyber & Elections: South Sudan has started enforcing the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, drawing sharp warnings from civil society that it could be used to curb freedom of expression ahead of the December 2026 elections. Digital Rights Watch: Activist Bol Deng Bol says tackling harmful online content is needed, but constitutional freedoms for media, assembly, and association must be protected. Voter Prep Pressure: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani warns voter registration could be hit by delayed funding and insecurity, threatening staffing, materials, and the smooth rollout across 204 constituencies. Football Development: South Sudan Football Federation president Francis Amin Michael met FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to push faster football growth, including preparations for the country’s first Women’s Premier League. Church & Youth Culture: At AMECEA youth events in Nairobi, Catholic leaders urged young people to “build bridges” through music, cultural performances, and fellowship—turning entertainment into faith and governance talk. Regional Health Alert: Canada announced temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions for foreign nationals coming from the DRC, as the outbreak death toll climbs above 930.

Cybercrime Law Watch: South Sudan has started enforcing its Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, and civil society leaders say the timing could be used to silence voices ahead of the December 2026 elections—while officials insist it’s meant to strengthen cybersecurity and protect the digital space. Election Prep Pressure: Civil society group CEPO’s Edmund Yakani warns voter registration could be hit by delayed funding and insecurity, threatening staffing, materials, and payments across the country’s constituencies. Media Freedom Push: UJOSS is calling for stronger protection for journalists, warning that censorship, intimidation, and vague “national security” interpretations could damage the credibility of elections. Football Development: South Sudan Football Federation president Francis Amin Michael met FIFA’s Gianni Infantino to speed up football infrastructure and talent development, including plans for the country’s first Women’s Premier League. UNESCO Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO is set to consider adding South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo migratory landscape to its World Heritage lists under threat, alongside other endangered sites worldwide.

Cybercrime & Media Freedom: South Sudan has started implementing the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, with authorities saying it will strengthen cybersecurity ahead of the December 2026 elections—while civil society warns vague wording and harsh penalties could curb freedom of expression and intimidate journalists. Elections Prep Under Pressure: Civil society leader Edmund Yakani says voter registration may be hit by delayed funding and insecurity, threatening recruitment, materials procurement, and staff payments across the country’s constituencies. Football Development: South Sudan Football Federation president Francis Amin Michael met FIFA chief Gianni Infantino in New York to push for faster football growth, including plans for the country’s first Women’s Premier League. Sports Spotlight: D’Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric says Nigeria is targeting a 2027 FIBA World Cup spot, with South Sudan listed among rivals in the next qualifying window. Health & Safety: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health says 10 suspected Ebola cases tested negative, but stresses the risk of importation remains high in border counties. Culture & Commemoration: The Ministry of Culture says there will be no government budget for this year’s Martyrs’ Day (30 July), urging candlelight vigils and prayers instead.

Football Development: South Sudan Football Federation president Francis Amin Michael met FIFA boss Gianni Infantino in New York to push faster football growth, including plans for the country’s first Women’s Premier League and new infrastructure and talent programmes. Cyber & Media Freedom: South Sudan has started enforcing its controversial Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, with officials saying it will protect digital systems, while journalists’ groups warn it could be used to curb free expression ahead of December elections. Health Update: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health says all 10 suspected Ebola cases tested negative, but stresses the risk of importation remains high for border counties. Local Arts & Culture: The Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage says there will be no government budget for this year’s Martyrs’ Day (30 July), urging candlelight vigils and prayers instead. Sports Spotlight: China’s women’s team eyes a repeat of their Sydney success as they head to Berlin for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, with South Sudan noted in their qualifying run. Humanitarian Accountability: Save the Children confirms vehicles branded with its name were seized in Jonglei and are being misused by armed actors, saying they’ve been out of its control since January.

Football Development: South Sudan Football Federation president Francis Amin Michael met FIFA boss Gianni Infantino in New York to push faster growth of the sport, including plans to launch the country’s first Women’s Premier League, with FIFA pledging continued technical and financial support. Media Freedom: UJOSS is calling for stronger protection for journalists ahead of December 2026 elections, warning that censorship, intimidation and vague “national security” interpretations could damage election credibility. Cyber Law & Speech: South Sudan has started enforcing the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, with officials saying it will improve cybersecurity, while critics fear it could be used to curb legitimate online expression. Health Update: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health says 10 suspected Ebola cases tested negative, but stresses import risk remains high for border counties. Culture & Commemoration: Martyrs’ Day (30 July) will proceed without a government budget, with the Culture Ministry urging candlelight vigils and prayers despite economic constraints. Humanitarian Accountability: Save the Children says vehicles branded in social media images used by armed actors in Jonglei were seized from the NGO earlier this year and have not been under its control since.

Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets in Busan next week and may fast-track South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape for “in danger” status, citing insecurity, poaching, development pressure and legal protection gaps. Press Freedom & Elections: Journalists in Juba are calling for stronger media protection ahead of December 2026 polls, warning that censorship and vague “national security” rules can weaken election credibility. Cybercrime Law Starts Biting: South Sudan has begun enforcing its controversial Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, with officials saying it will curb online crime, while critics fear it could be used to restrict free speech. Humanitarian Reality Check: Save the Children says a branded vehicle seen with armed actors in Jonglei was seized from the charity earlier this year and has been out of its control since. Digital Skills for Youth: In Yei, the Internet Society trained youth on responsible internet use, digital communication and spotting misinformation. Music Buzz: AFRIMMA 2026 nominees are out, with Davido leading the pack and other big names like Burna Boy and Tyla also in the mix.

Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,100 confirmed cases, with conflict, insecurity, and community resistance slowing response and even attacks on treatment sites reported. South Sudan Health Update: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health confirms the country remains Ebola-free after 10 suspected cases tested negative, but warns import risk stays high for border counties. Media & Civic Space: South Sudan’s journalists’ union (UJOSS) calls for stronger protection and clearer rules ahead of December 2026 elections, warning censorship and intimidation could damage credibility. Press Freedom (IPC): International Press Centre boss Lanre Arogundade is elected to IFEX’s 2026–2029 council, highlighting ongoing work on journalist safety and information integrity. Culture & Commemoration: The Ministry of Culture says there’s no government budget for Martyrs’ Day this year, urging candlelight vigils instead. Digital Skills (Yei): Internet Society trains youth in Yei on responsible internet use and spotting misinformation. Humanitarian Accountability (Jonglei): Save the Children denies links to a branded vehicle seen with armed actors, saying it was seized earlier and has been out of its control. Music (AFRIMMA): AFRIMMA 2026 nominees are out, with Davido leading the pack and other big names like Burna Boy and Tyla also in the mix. Elections & Security (Western Equatoria): Governor Badagbu orders county commissioners to prioritize security and election preparations for 22 December 2026.

Humanitarian Accountability: Save the Children says a branded vehicle seen with armed actors in Jonglei was seized from it in January and has been out of its control since, after attacks looted and burned its Walgak office and destroyed a health centre. Digital Skills for Youth: In Yei River County, Internet Society South Sudan trained youth and community leaders over three days on responsible internet use, digital communication, and spotting misinformation and hate speech. Ebola Update (DRC): WHO warns the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing response, with cases now above 2,000 and insecurity and community resistance slowing access to affected areas. Music Spotlight (AFRIMMA): AFRIMMA 2026 nominees are out, with Davido leading the pack and the awards set to return in Dallas on September 12, 2026. Sports & Talent: Photos and coverage highlight 7’6” South Sudanese-Australian basketball prospect Jongkuch “JK” Mach, drawing NCAA interest. Aviation Milestone: President Salva Kiir is set to commission Juba Airport’s new Terminal 3, aimed at boosting international travel and connectivity.

AFRIMMA Music Buzz: Davido leads the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards nominations with five nods, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for 5ive, while Burna Boy, Black Sherif and Diamond Platnumz follow with four each and Tyla tops the female contenders with three; the awards return after a two-year break and will include a Dallas music festival on Sept 12. Digital Skills for Youth: The Internet Society trained 48 young people in Yei River County on responsible internet use, digital communication, and safe social media—aiming to cut misinformation and cyber-related harm. Media Freedom Ahead of Elections: UJoSS urged stronger protection for journalists ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 polls, warning that censorship and intimidation could weaken a credible vote. Aviation Upgrade: President Salva Kiir is set to inaugurate Juba Airport’s new Terminal 3, a push to modernize travel and boost connectivity. Sports Spotlight: Photos and reports are circulating about 18-year-old South Sudanese-Australian basketball prospect Jongkuch “JK” Mach, measured at 7 ft 6 in.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Transport Minister Rizik Zakaria Hassan says President Salva Kiir will inaugurate Juba International Airport’s new Terminal 3 on Thursday, after briefings on final readiness—another push to boost international connectivity. Border & Security: Clashes between SSPDF and UPDF erupted in Kajo-Keji’s Nandejo area after Uganda’s Yumbe RDC demanded troop withdrawal from disputed spots, with fighting reported to have lasted into the evening. Elections & Media: AMDISS and Norwegian People’s Aid launched a three-day Bor workshop training journalists on ethical, conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive election reporting ahead of South Sudan’s 2026 polls. Music & Entertainment: AFRIMMA 2026 nominees are out after a two-year break, with Davido leading on five nods; the awards and new Dallas music festival are set for September 12. Oil & Economy: A partial settlement between South Sudan and BB Energy eases a London court restriction tied to a US$140m oil-backed debt dispute, highlighting how much the country still depends on future crude value. Sports: D’Tigers’ rebound in FIBA World Cup qualifiers drew attention as regional basketball action heats up.

Juba Airport Upgrade: Transport Minister Rizik Zakaria Hassan says President Salva Kiir will commission the new Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport on Thursday, a push to boost international travel and trade links. Border Tensions: Clashes between SSPDF and UPDF erupted in Kajo-Keji over a disputed border area, with Uganda demanding troop withdrawal and fighting reported around Nandejo. Music Spotlight (AFRIMMA): AFRIMMA returns after a two-year break with Davido leading nominations and a new Dallas music festival plus fashion and food showcases; South Sudan’s Single Dee is listed among East Africa nominees. Media for Elections: AMDISS and NPA launched a three-day ethical election reporting training in Bor, urging journalists to stay fair, conflict-sensitive, and gender-responsive. Regional Cooperation: South Sudan and Kenya met in Nairobi to strengthen border security and improve immigration processes for smoother movement of people and goods. Education & AI: Prof. Isaac Ayii warns South Sudan’s education system must adapt to AI or risk producing graduates who can’t find work. Security Update: SSPDF says it has recaptured Lankien in Nyirol County after fighting with SPLA-IO, with residents beginning to return.