AGP Executive Report

Football & Drama: Egypt’s AFCON qualifier trip to South Sudan (5-0) was rocked by a behind-the-scenes delegation row, with Egyptian FA vice-president Khaled El-Darandaly blaming an “administrative and organisational error” after players and technical staff arrived late and tensions flared mid-flight. Sports & Spotlight: Mohamed Salah remains out of Egypt’s friendly vs South Africa, with Egypt citing artificial turf concerns and reports saying he’s rested and returned to club duties. Humanitarian Pulse: The UN released US$160m emergency aid for severe crises across 12 countries/regions, including South Sudan, as food insecurity threatens millions of children. Local Community & Safety: A former youth leader in Yei River County says residents are growing fearful over rising murder, robbery, and rape, criticizing the lack of public condemnation by community and rights groups. Arts & Storytelling: A new documentary, Mangok, follows a South Sudanese man’s decade-long search for kidnapped nieces and nephews, turning personal survival into a film journey. Business & Women’s Growth: Ecobank commits $2bn to women-owned businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including South Sudan, using digital onboarding to expand access to credit.

South Sudan in the spotlight: A South Sudanese man’s new documentary, Mangok, follows Mangok Bol’s decade-long search to rescue nieces and nephews kidnapped in 2014 sectarian violence, with the film now reaching wider audiences. Politics & elections: Opposition parties have boycotted President Salva Kiir’s national dialogue ahead of the December election, while a special court ordered tighter security in the Machar case. Sports & entertainment crossover: Mohamed Salah remains sidelined for Egypt’s friendly and AFCON qualifier plans after “artificial turf” concerns, keeping South Sudan football talk buzzing. Regional business & culture: Ecobank expands credit for women-owned businesses, including in South Sudan, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands of enterprises. Community life: A former youth leader in Yei Town is calling out rising insecurity—murder, robbery and rape—and the silence of key stakeholders. Humanitarian headlines: The UN released $160m emergency aid funding, including for South Sudan.

Sports & Culture: Egypt confirmed Mohamed Salah will miss the 4 October friendly vs South Africa after his earlier AFCON qualifier absence over “artificial turf” concerns, with reports also linking his camp exit to rest ahead of club duties. Local Security & Community: A former youth leader in Yei River County says fear is growing as residents report murder, robbery, and rape, and he questions why community leaders and rights groups are not speaking out. Arts & Faith: Pope Leo XIV joined hundreds of children at the Vatican Gardens to launch a weeklong “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” for peace, including reconciliation in South Sudan. Business & Women’s Empowerment: Ecobank says it will expand credit to women-owned businesses in South Sudan and across Africa, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands of enterprises by 2030. Development & Education: South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction received World Bank support for rehabilitation of the Wau Teachers’ Training Institute. Media & Skills: Female journalists in South Sudan say certificates are not enough and are urging UJOSS and partners to offer real professional opportunities.

Football & AFCON buzz: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Mohamed Salah rested amid “artificial turf” concerns—while Egypt’s camp drama continues as Salah and others reportedly leave camp and miss upcoming friendlies. Sports development: The NBA has closed its only elite Africa training academy in Senegal, a blow to young players as training shifts to a new global setup in Abu Dhabi. Local security & community pressure: A former youth leader in Yei River County says residents are facing rising murder, robbery and rape, but community leaders and rights groups are staying silent. Media & women’s careers: Female journalists in South Sudan say certificates aren’t enough after training, urging UJOSS and partners to offer real platforms, mentorship and fair selection for opportunities. Standards & trust-building: South Sudan’s national bureau of standards joins ISO talks in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and integration into regional markets. Music meets politics: Lady Kola signals a move into electoral politics, eyeing the Warrap governorship and calling on women to claim their share.

Crime & Safety in Yei: A former youth leader, Johnson Poru Hillary, says murder, robbery, and rape are rising in Yei Town and accuses community leaders and rights groups of staying silent. Food Security & Ideas: Shannon Fernando’s TEDxBeverlyGrove talk “The Permission Principle” is now live, arguing hunger is a permission problem and highlighting her work bringing enset to Kenya through trust-building. Standards & Quality: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards chief Oiylang Dominic Kanuto attends ISO’s General Assembly in Paris to strengthen the country’s standards infrastructure and market integration. Media & Women’s Work: Female journalists in South Sudan say certificates aren’t enough—UJOSS and partners should offer real platforms, mentorship, and fair selection for trained reporters. Sports & Spotlight: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in AFCON qualifiers in Juba, with Mohamed Salah rested over concerns about the artificial pitch; the pitch debate keeps dominating the football conversation. Music Meets Politics: Lady Kola signals political ambition, calling on women to lead and eyeing the Warrap State governorship. Regional Security Talk: Uganda hosts a conference on military operations beyond war, with South Sudan among confirmed participants.

Football & Identity: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in Juba, but the bigger talking point was Mohamed Salah’s absence—Egypt rested him over fears of injury on the “tartan”/artificial turf, and another Egypt camp player, Mohamed Abdelmonem, also left Nice said it was to protect fitness and safety. Media & Careers: South Sudanese female journalists are pushing back on “certificates only,” urging UJOSS and partners to offer real chances—workshops, mentorship, and fair selection—so trained reporters can apply skills and mentor others. Human Rights: Human Rights Watch condemned the UAE’s year-long detention without charge of South Sudanese commentator Samuel Peter Oyay, saying authorities have not explained the legal basis for his arrest. Elections & Politics: Ramaphosa urged South Sudan to uphold the 2018 peace deal as December elections approach, while SPLM launched its election campaign in Eastern Equatoria. Community Protection: Chiefs in Central Equatoria were urged to act against child marriage and keep girls in school, turning commitments into local action.

AFCON 2027 Football: Egypt sent a loud message in Juba, thrashing South Sudan 5-0 as Omar Marmoush ended a six-month scoring drought with two goals; Mostafa Ziko, Ibrahim Adel and Hamza Abdelkarim also netted, while Mohamed Salah was rested over fears of the artificial pitch. Regional Upsets: Ghana and Nigeria both crashed in qualifiers—Ghana lost 4-2 to Gambia after leading, and Nigeria were stunned 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau—adding pressure on coaches and teams heading into the next matchday. Politics & Peace: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Sudan’s leaders to uphold the 2018 peace deal as December elections approach, stressing the agreement as the “paramount legal instrument.” Media & Training: UJOSS called on female journalists to step up as trainers and mentors to build the next generation of South Sudan’s media workforce. Local Governance: The government pledged to tackle operational challenges facing the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control ahead of elections. Arts & Culture: A tribute to Joseph Abuk Diori highlights the late South Sudanese theatre pioneer’s legacy as actor, dramatist, poet and cultural activist.

Sports—AFCON 2027: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in Juba as Mohamed Salah sat out over concerns about the artificial pitch, with Hossam Hassan later saying it was for “personal reasons” and that Egypt doesn’t rely on one player. Media & Community—Training: UJOSS urged female journalists to step up as trainers and mentors for the next generation during a training-of-trainers programme. Politics & Governance—Security: The government pledged to tackle operational challenges facing the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control ahead of elections. Arts & Culture—Remembering a theatre legend: Tributes continue for Joseph Abuk Diori, described as a father of theatre in South Sudan. Elections—Party mobilization: SPLM launched its election campaign in Eastern Equatoria, calling on cadres to mobilize voters from the grassroots. Civic Education—Radio: Access Radio announced a weekly on-air civic education programme for Greater Yei counties starting Saturdays.

AFCON 2027 (South Sudan vs Egypt): Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, with Mohamed Salah rested over concerns about the artificial pitch; coach Hossam Hassan later insisted the decision was for “personal reasons” and said Egypt doesn’t rely on one player. Local Sports Buzz: South Sudan coach Christian N’ Sengi-Biembe is still backing a possible upset, while the wider qualifiers delivered shocks as Ghana and Nigeria were stunned in group play. Community & Peace: Abyei’s Amiet Common Market reopened after deadly border violence, with Ngok Dinka and Misseriya peace committees agreeing on shared security steps. Arts & Culture: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to open with works by Arab artists, spotlighting modern and contemporary art across West Asia, North Africa and South Asia. Civic Media: Access Radio announced a weekly “On-Air Civic Education” programme for Greater Yei to boost public participation ahead of elections. Health Skills: Chinese doctors at Juba Teaching Hospital are training local health workers in acupuncture and cupping therapy. Fashion & Lifestyle Commerce: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra, expanding a pan-African retail network for African brands.

AFCON Drama: South Sudan coach Christian N’Sengi-Biembe says his side can spring a historic upset against Egypt in Juba, even as Egypt’s Hossam Hassan insists they’re ready—while Mohamed Salah is rested over concerns about the artificial turf at Juba National Stadium. Media & Culture: Oxfam and YWCA trained 50+ journalists in Juba to strengthen reporting around South Sudan’s Localization Agenda, pushing communities to be heard and led. Health Skills Exchange: Chinese doctors at Juba Teaching Hospital are teaching acupuncture and cupping through hands-on training with South Sudanese health workers. Fashion & Retail: AfroQuality opened its flagship store in Accra, linking African brands to wider markets across the continent. Civic Pressure: An activist urged AU C-5 to ensure South Sudan’s elections are credible, peaceful, and legally compliant. Public Health Watch: WHO warns Ebola in DR Congo has expanded into new provinces, raising the risk of spread toward neighbors.

Football & Culture: Egypt’s Mohamed Salah has been left out of the AFCON qualifier against South Sudan in Juba, with the Egyptian Football Association saying it’s a precaution due to concerns over the artificial turf at Juba Stadium—an issue that has also sparked fresh debate inside the Pharaohs camp after his Angola substitution. Sports Update: Egypt coach Hossam Hassan moved to calm rumours around Salah’s relationship with the national team, stressing Salah’s importance while reiterating the pitch-surface decision. Arts & Lifestyle Business: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra to help African fashion, lifestyle and literary brands reach wider markets across the continent, with South Sudanese brands among those featured. Local Entertainment & Community: South Sudan-focused media push continues as UJOSS urges journalists to intensify climate and environmental reporting, highlighting how floods and extreme heat are shaping everyday life. Regional Human Interest: A Lusaka-based report highlights how Turkish Airlines’ route changes can affect tourism and connectivity—an angle that also matters for travel to events and performances.

AFCON Football: Mohamed Salah will miss Egypt’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Juba against South Sudan after the Egyptian Football Association said the decision was agreed with the player to “protect” him from the artificial turf at Juba Stadium. Salah started Egypt’s 0-0 draw with Angola but was substituted around an hour in, and reports of dressing-room tension were met with the federation’s pitch-safety explanation. Squad Update: Egypt also left out Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem from the trip, citing medical concerns tied to his recent cruciate ligament surgery and warnings about artificial turf. Politics & Elections: South Sudan’s transition debate heats up as President Salva Kiir dissolves the unity government and moves toward a caretaker setup ahead of December elections, with supporters calling it a path to polls and critics warning conditions for credible voting aren’t ready. Arts & Brands: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra to boost African fashion, lifestyle and literature, including South Sudanese brands.

Football & Spotlight: Mohamed Salah will miss Egypt’s AFCON 2027 qualifier in Juba against South Sudan, with the Egyptian Football Association saying the decision is to protect him from the match’s artificial turf at Juba Stadium; the call was reportedly agreed before the Angola game, and Egypt have already named a replacement, with Osama Faisal drafted into the travelling squad. Sports Drama: Egyptian media also stirred fresh talk of tension in the Pharaohs camp after Salah was substituted in the 60th minute during Egypt’s 0-0 draw with Angola, though the federation insists the rest plan is purely precautionary. Local Sports Context: South Sudan head into the qualifier after a 2-1 loss to Malawi in their opening match, setting up a high-stakes clash where pitch conditions could become a talking point as much as the lineup. Politics & Power (background): Separately, President Salva Kiir’s moves to dissolve government and install a caretaker administration ahead of December elections continue to dominate headlines.

Football (AFCON Qualifiers): Egypt have confirmed Mohamed Salah will miss the Tuesday clash in Juba against South Sudan, with the Egyptian FA citing Juba Stadium’s artificial turf and saying the decision was agreed with Salah to protect his fitness. Football (Camp Drama): Former Egypt striker Mido criticised Salah’s exit from camp, calling it a sign of “chaos” and urging an apology from coach Hossam Hassan. Sports (South Sudan Football Context): South Sudan’s opener in AFCON qualifying ended in a 2-1 defeat to Malawi, setting up a tough follow-up against the Pharaohs. Local Security (Travelers Missing): Western Equatoria reports over 20 people missing after two attacks and abductions along the Lui–Juba road, with vehicles reportedly burned. Arts & Culture (Pan-African Retail): AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra bringing together African fashion, lifestyle and literary brands, including South Sudan’s KELAM. Public Life (Bank Statement): The Bank of South Sudan denies social media recruitment allegations as false and urges people to rely on official sources.

AFCON Spotlight: Egypt have confirmed Mohamed Salah will miss the South Sudan qualifier in Juba on Sept. 29, with the Egyptian Football Association saying the decision is to protect him from the match’s artificial turf after he was substituted in the 0-0 draw vs Angola. Football Drama: The call has sparked fresh talk inside the Egypt camp, with former star Mido calling Salah’s exit “a disaster” and urging an apology from coach Hossam Hassan amid reports of tension. South Sudan Politics & Elections: President Salva Kiir dissolved the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and moved the country into a caretaker arrangement ahead of the Dec. 22 vote, after electoral law changes removed links to a permanent constitution and national census—opposition says consultation was lacking. Culture & Faith: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin urged the UN to “restore trust” through dialogue, justice and respect for international law, warning against reliance on force. Arts & Lifestyle (Pan-Africa): AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra bringing together African fashion, lifestyle and literary brands, including South Sudanese producer KELAM.

AFCON Qualifiers (South Sudan vs Egypt): Mohamed Salah will miss Egypt’s qualifier in Juba because the match is on artificial turf, with the Egyptian FA saying the decision was made to protect the player after the Angola game. AFCON Qualifiers (Malawi vs South Sudan): Malawi kicked off AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 2-1 win over South Sudan, but the big story in Lilongwe was the poor turnout at Bingu National Stadium. Local Football Buzz: Egypt’s camp also faced drama after Salah’s substitution in the Angola draw, while Celtic winger Haissem Hassan was reported to be sidelined for Egypt due to intensive treatment. Arts & Culture (Film): Rotten Tomatoes highlighted its best-reviewed films to watch at home, giving movie fans a fresh watchlist. Church & Community (South Sudan): ACI Africa spotlighted Bishop Caesar Mazzolari’s long service among South Sudanese, including his role in supporting a priest’s vocation. Politics & Integration (EAC): South Sudan launched national consultations in Juba on the proposed EAC Political Confederation constitution, inviting citizens to shape how the region will be governed.