AGP Executive Report

South Sudan Youth & Skills: STEMpower South Sudan has graduated 180 students from a four-month Digital Skills Program across Juba, Aweil, Yambio, Abyei, Rumbek and Wau, teaching basics of ICT plus Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet navigation, with leaders saying the goal is economic independence. Local Youth Enterprise Push: In Bentiu, Active Citizen South Sudan and Norwegian People’s Aid trained youth on creating a youth enterprise development fund, with organizers urging the state to reserve at least 20% of its budget for youth jobs. Sports & Culture: South Sudanese entertainer Longonyo has graduated from California Film School, adding to the growing wave of South Sudan talent abroad. Music Release: DESIREE and South Sudanese-Canadian vocalist Emmanuel Jal dropped new single “Macho,” blending Afro house with Jal’s Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic and English vocals. World Cup Backdrop (South Sudan angle): Fans and communities across Africa are reacting to the 2026 World Cup through the lens of migration and xenophobia, with South Sudan supporters in Juba reportedly staying loyal to Bafana Bafana despite online trolling.

South Sudan in the spotlight (film & TV): South Sudanese entertainer Longonyo (Alex Taban) has graduated from Los Angeles City College with a Film and Television Production qualification, marking a new step for his comedy-and-music career and adding momentum to local creative training. Digital skills push: STEMpower South Sudan awarded certificates to 180 students after a four-month Digital Skills Program across Juba, Aweil, Yambio, Abyei, Rumbek and Wau, teaching core ICT tools and expanding into areas like robotics and AI. Music collaboration: DESIREE and South Sudanese-Canadian vocalist Emmanuel Jal released the Afro-house single “Macho,” blending Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic and English vocals. Sports (youth & identity): South Sudanese fans and athletes are also in the wider football conversation as World Cup coverage highlights African diaspora stories and migration-linked tensions. Youth enterprise focus: In Bentiu, youth groups trained on creating a youth enterprise development fund aimed at jobs and steering young people away from harmful activities. Ebola watch (regional health): Reports from the DRC say Ebola cases and deaths are rising, with WHO warning of wider spread—an issue that could affect travel and public events across the region. Call for entertainment writers: Talentz MEDIA is recruiting volunteer entertainment writers across Africa, including South Sudan.

South Sudan Entertainment & Culture: South Sudanese comedian and musician Longonyo (Alex Taban) has graduated from Los Angeles City College in Film and Television Production, marking a new step for his media career. Digital Skills & Youth: STEMpower South Sudan awarded certificates to 180 students after a four-month Digital Skills Program across Juba, Aweil, Yambio, Abyei, Rumbek and Wau, training learners in core ICT tools and internet navigation, with plans to support more youth into jobs and entrepreneurship. Music: South Sudanese-Canadian vocalist Emmanuel Jal teamed up with DESIREE for the Afro house single “Macho,” sung in Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic and English. Sports (Diaspora Spotlight): Two refugee-born football talents, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Touré, are highlighted as the next faces of Australia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 push. Community Youth Enterprise: In Bentiu, youth groups trained on creating a youth enterprise development fund, urging the state to reserve at least 20% of its budget for youth-led jobs.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 689 and 139 deaths, as it spreads across eastern provinces including Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu; health workers also cite community resistance to testing, limited care capacity, shortages of infection-prevention supplies, weak surveillance, and a funding gap. World Cup & Fans: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already tangled in controversy, from empty-seat claims by FIFA to U.S. entry barriers affecting referees, team staff and fans—while African supporters’ online reactions to South Africa’s opening loss reflect wider anger over xenophobia reports. South Sudan Entertainment: South Sudanese comedian-musician Longonyo (Alex Taban) has graduated from Los Angeles City College in Film and Television Production, marking a new step for his media career. Youth & Business: In Bentiu, Unity State, youth groups trained on creating a youth enterprise development fund, pushing for job creation and a bigger youth budget share. Tech & Daily Life: Facebook users worldwide reported major outages affecting logins, feeds and Messenger, disrupting media and public information access in South Sudan.

South Sudan in the spotlight: South Sudanese entertainer Longonyo (Alex Taban) has graduated from Los Angeles City College in Film and Television Production, marking a new step for his comedy and music career. Music & culture: Afro house star DESIREE has teamed up with South Sudanese-Canadian vocalist Emmanuel Jal on the new single “Macho,” blending Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic and English. Football, but with politics: FIFA’s “chill and relax” message came as the U.S. denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, sparking fresh debate over racism and travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup. Regional tensions: South Africa’s World Cup opener loss to Mexico triggered xenophobia-linked trolling across Africa, with some fans openly backing Mexico over concerns about migrant treatment. Local news with human stakes: The family of abducted businessman Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit says he is being held in military intelligence detention at Giada in Juba. Sports community in exile: A New York mutual aid football club is using soccer to support refugee and asylum players, even as ICE presence fears hang over the tournament.

South Sudan Entertainment: Longonyo (Alex Taban) celebrates a big career step after graduating from Los Angeles City College with a Film and Television Production qualification, signaling more training for South Sudanese creatives in media and film. Music & Culture: DESIREE teams up with South Sudanese-Canadian star Emmanuel Jal on the Afro house single “Macho,” blending Kiswahili, Nuer, Arabic and English—an ode to love and village call-and-response traditions. Sports & Society: At the 2026 World Cup opener, South Africa’s 2–0 loss to Mexico sparked continent-wide trolling tied to anger over xenophobia reports in South Africa, while some South Sudanese fans in Juba backed Bafana Bafana. Community & Health: Les Mills launches “Workout for the World” on 20 June to raise support for UNICEF, with clubs and a streamed masterclass helping turn fitness into aid. Local Governance: The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission orders registered associations to stay out of politics, pushing them back toward humanitarian mandates.

World Cup Buzz: FIFA president Gianni Infantino told fans to “chill and relax” as the 2026 tournament kicks off amid visa chaos, ticket-price backlash, and immigration tensions—highlighted by Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the U.S. South Sudan Watch: The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission ordered registered associations to stay out of politics, warning that partisan activity could breach NGO rules. Juba Courts: A police officer trial in Juba heard testimony in a video-recorded assault case, with investigators describing the incident and internal inquiry. Sports & Talent: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana squad guide is out ahead of their World Cup opener, spotlighting key players and experience. Tech & Culture: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African users. Public Health: Ebola fears continue to dominate headlines as the outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda rises, with new funding and travel-screening debates spilling into World Cup planning. Local Economy: South Sudan’s economic cluster endorsed a proposed 11.335 trillion SSP budget for 2026/27, prioritizing agriculture, mining, and livestock.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged to 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths, with WHO warning contact tracing is lagging and a major funding gap remains—while two babies died at a church-run orphanage in Bunia as the virus spreads into new areas. World Cup Buzz: FIFA’s Gianni Infantino urged fans to “chill and relax” amid visa and ticket chaos as the biggest-ever 2026 World Cup kicks off, with African referee Omar Artan denied entry to the US. Tech & Media: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African users, including South Sudan. Local Arts & Culture: Aurora’s Mango House is spotlighted as a restaurant incubator where immigrant chefs run stalls and share Sudanese and other cuisines. South Sudan Justice & Rights: UNDP and the Judiciary launched a 30-day GBV and Juvenile Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison to clear backlogs and bring survivor-centered justice closer to communities. Sports in the States: Western Equatoria’s WES Athletics push for the 2026 Republican Championship gets renewed support from the deputy governor, with hopes of producing international stars. Economy & Entertainment-Adjacent Growth: The Economic Cluster endorsed an SSP 11.335 trillion budget for 2026/27, prioritizing agriculture, mining and livestock—key for livelihoods that feed into local creative and entertainment industries.

South Sudan Arts & Film: At Encounters, Truck Mama follows Kenyan long-haul driver Evaline as her independence collides with the emotional cost of motherhood on dangerous East African roads, in a close-but-observant documentary that shifts from raw struggle to perseverance. Football & Culture: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino told fans to “chill and relax” ahead of the World Cup, defending ticket and visa problems and shrugging off criticism—while also reacting to Somali referee Omar Artan being denied U.S. entry. Sports Spotlight: South Sudan’s athletics scene gets a boost as WES officials back plans to host the 2026 Republican Championship, with hopes that local athletes can break into international stars. Justice & Community: UNDP and South Sudan’s Judiciary launched a GBV and Juvenile Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison to clear backlogs and bring survivor-centered hearings closer to communities. Security Watch: The National Security Service warned the public against unauthorized manufacture and use of NSS military uniforms and insignia, citing risks of impersonation and public harm. Public Health: With Ebola fears rising around the World Cup, South Sudan is flagged as high risk in WHO-linked guidance, keeping travel and health precautions in focus.

Banking & Business: Stanbic Bank (Standard Bank) is weighing a greenfield push into Ethiopia, even with the 49% foreign-ownership cap, arguing it can build from scratch like Kenyan telecoms did. Public Health & Travel: The Trump administration is urging Europe to consider tighter Ebola travel limits ahead of the World Cup, challenging WHO’s stance on broad bans. Ebola Risk for South Sudan: WHO’s Ebola emergency push has put South Sudan on a high-risk list, with enhanced screening at points of entry highlighted. Security & Identity: South Sudan’s National Security Service warns people against unauthorized manufacture, sale, possession, or wearing of its uniforms and insignia. Humanitarian Hardship: Jonglei families are reportedly surviving on leaves and water lilies as violence disrupts aid and schooling. Sports Spotlight: South African sprinter Sinesipho Dambile faces teen sensation Gout Gout in Oslo’s Diamond League 200m. Trade & Creative Economy: ITC and Equity Group sign an MoU to expand East Africa value chains, including coffee, leather, and the creative economy. Local Media & Climate: The Humanitarian ministry plans a National Climate Outlook Forum to share seasonal forecasts. Music & Culture: World Refugee Day concert will premiere “Songs of Resilience,” supporting immigrants detained at Delaney Hall. Crime & Fear: A South Sudanese man abducted in Nairobi has his family fearing forced return to Juba.

Humanitarian Crisis in Jonglei: Save the Children says families in eastern Jonglei are surviving on leaves and water lilies as escalating violence suspends aid, schools close, and children face labour or early marriage. Ebola Update (DRC): In the Democratic Republic of Congo, confirmed Ebola cases hit 550 with 101 deaths, while contact tracing and follow-up rates lag behind containment targets. Local Governance & Youth Protection: A South Sudanese lawyer urges the police and Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners after videos show minors (about 11–15) entering clubs, despite a ban on under-18 entry. Sports Spotlight (Track): South African teen sensation Gout Gout headlines a Diamond League 200m in Oslo, while South Sudan’s own Sinesipho Dambile lines up against top sprinters. Security & Identity: South Sudan’s NSS warns people and businesses against unauthorized manufacture, sale, possession, or wearing of NSS uniforms and insignia. World Cup Travel Politics: A Somali referee was denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup, adding to concerns about tougher visa rules for Africans.

Sports & Identity: South Sudan’s track fans get a big international moment as Sinesipho Dambile lines up at the Oslo Diamond League against teen sensation Gout Gout, with Dambile chasing a top-200m clash featuring Letsile Tebogo and other fast men. Public Safety & Youth Protection: Juba’s nightlife spotlight turns serious after a South Sudanese lawyer urged the National Police Service and Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners over reports of minors entering clubs, citing a government decree banning under-18s and calling for ID checks. National Security: The National Security Service warns the public that anyone manufacturing, selling, possessing, or wearing its uniforms or insignia without authorization will be arrested and prosecuted, targeting tailors and shops. Health & Preparedness: South Sudan’s media training on early warning systems pushes the message that hazard alerts only help if communities and institutions act fast—especially as climate-related floods keep recurring. Ebola Watch: Regional coverage continues to track Ebola risks across East Africa, with renewed focus on cross-border surveillance and response funding.

South Sudan Nightlife Under Scrutiny: A South Sudanese lawyer, Josephine Adhet Deng, has urged the police and Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners after online videos allegedly showed minors (about 11–15) entering Juba clubs. She says a government decree bars under-18s from nightclubs and discos, and wants strict ID checks—plus an end to venues posting minors’ footage online. Juba Teaching Hospital Needs More Support: The medical director of Juba Teaching Hospital, Dr. Maker Isaac, appealed for greater backing, saying many patients are “the poor of the poor” and often arrive without food or medicine. Donations of cleaning and waste-management supplies were handed over for World Environment Day. South Sudan Politics, Detention Claims: A youth group in Aweil East petitioned President Salva Kiir to release three former senior officials, alleging they’ve been held for months without charge or due process. Ebola Response Spillover: Regional and international coverage continues to focus on Ebola in Congo and Uganda, with new funding and travel restrictions affecting movement across the region—an issue that also touches South Sudan through cross-border health planning. Sports & Culture: Arsenal fans in Maridi celebrated the Premier League title and local leaders pledged monthly support for the fan group.

Ebola Watch: The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is still accelerating, with WHO calling it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and new US modeling warning cases could reach 20,000+ without strong public health action; Regional Response: East African Community health ministers met to push cross-border surveillance and harmonised protocols, but the plan is hitting a funding wall; Travel Rules: Mauritius has tightened entry for travellers linked to DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, while other countries are also ramping up screening and quarantine measures; Local Health Support: Juba Teaching Hospital’s medical director appealed for more help for poor patients as donations target cleanliness and waste management; Nightlife Accountability: A South Sudanese lawyer urged police and the Juba City Council to summon hotel and nightclub owners over reports of minors entering venues, calling for ID checks and enforcement of the under-18 ban; Court Update (Nasir): A court heard denials in the Nasir attack case as a digital forensic expert alleged intelligence-sharing by a close associate of Dr. Riek Machar.

Hospital Support Push: Juba Teaching Hospital’s director, Dr. Maker Isaac, says the country’s main referral facility needs more help as many patients arrive without food or medicine, after Nile Petroleum and Jetman Nile Services donated cleaning supplies for World Environment Day. Youth & Politics: Aweil East County Youth Union petitioned President Salva Kiir to release three detained former senior officials—Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Kuol, Garang Majak Bol, and Deng Lual Wol—claiming they’ve been held for months without charge. Football Fans & Community: In Maridi, Ibba County’s commissioner pledged SSP 2,000 monthly to support Arsenal supporters, urging fans to register and organize for stronger community cohesion. Sports Spotlight: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars swept CAVB Zone Five qualifiers with a perfect record, beating South Sudan 3-0, and now head to the African Nations Championship in Kinshasa. Ebola Watch: Regional travel curbs tied to the Central Africa Ebola outbreak keep spreading, with Mauritius announcing entry restrictions and quarantine rules for travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. AI Debate for South Sudan: An opinion piece argues South Sudan’s AI ambitions must start with basics—education and healthcare—citing huge out-of-school numbers and high maternal mortality.

South Sudan Politics: Aweil East County Youth Union has petitioned President Salva Kiir to order the release of three detained former senior officials—Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Kuol, Garang Majak Bol, and Deng Lual Wol—held for months without charge. Ebola & Public Health: Mauritius has tightened entry rules over Ebola, temporarily restricting foreign nationals who recently traveled to, transited through, or stayed in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, with a mandatory 21-day quarantine for those allowed in. Local Health Support: Juba Teaching Hospital’s director, Dr. Maker Isaac, appealed for more support for poor patients, highlighting shortages of food and medicine even as donations of cleaning supplies and bins arrive for World Environment Day. Sports: Kenya’s Wafalme Stars swept CAVB Zone Five qualifiers, beating South Sudan 3-0 and booking a spot in the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kinshasa.