AGP Executive Report

Basketball Spotlight: South Sudan’s Bright Stars opened the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Tunisia with an 81-71 win over Guinea, leaning into pace, spacing and outside shooting under coach Royal Ivey. Sports Schedule: FIBA Africa released the full 2027 qualifiers window (Aug 27-30), with South Sudan in Group E alongside Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, Tunisia and Cape Verde. UN Security: Two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in Jonglei while UNMISS called for a prompt joint investigation; South Sudan also condemned the attack and demanded accountability. Travel & Health: The US Embassy in Kenya issued an Ebola-related advisory for travellers denied boarding due to flight restrictions, directing them to contact DHS for help. Money & Tech: South Sudan is pushing digital payments, but a key question remains: will new systems improve tracking of public funds and curb misuse? Arts & Talent: Brizzy De Dancer says he’s preparing for Britain’s Got Talent Series 20 and has been invited to an audition meeting on Sept 6. Local Governance: Lakes State Governor Gen. Madhang Majok Meen swore in new cabinet, commissioners and culture/youth sports leadership.

Digital Payments & Accountability: Bank of South Sudan Governor Addis Ababa Othow met British Ambassador David Ashley to push faster digital payments, banking upgrades, and the National Payment System—while warning that tech must also strengthen oversight so public money can’t be misused. UNMISS Attack in Jonglei: South Sudan condemned an ambush that killed two Ethiopian “blue helmets” and injured seven, calling for a joint investigation and accountability under the law. VP Nyandeng Kenya Trip Row: Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior’s office says she never reached Juba airport; her Kenya travel was cancelled due to missing presidential authorization, not a physical block. Immigration Crackdown Paused: Authorities put on hold a credentials-check operation (“Silence Search”) pending coordination with security and diplomatic bodies. Sports & Youth Spotlight: FIBA released the 2027 African qualifiers schedule, with South Sudan in Group E; meanwhile, South Sudanese Catholic leadership urged women’s participation ahead of the first-ever general election. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up border screening, facility readiness, and public awareness as the DRC outbreak continues.

UN Security & Accountability: South Sudan has condemned the ambush that killed two Ethiopian UN “blue helmets” in Jonglei and injured seven others, calling for a joint, thorough investigation and warning that those responsible will be held accountable. Sports (Basketball): FIBA Africa released the 2027 World Cup qualifiers schedule for the next window, with South Sudan drawn in Nigeria’s Group E alongside Cameroon, Guinea, Tunisia and Cape Verde. Education & Youth: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced 15 fully funded Algerian TVET scholarships for 2026/2027, with applications starting at MoHEST headquarters in Juba. Local Culture & Identity: A Hausa-language and culture message from Kano State highlights International Hausa Day’s theme “Our Culture, Our Future,” spotlighting language preservation and diaspora participation. Public Life (Travel Rumours): Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior’s office says she was not blocked at Juba airport from traveling to Kenya; it was an authorization delay, not a physical stop. Health Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up Ebola readiness due to cross-border risk from the DRC, including screening, training, and support for border health response.

TVET Opportunities: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education has announced 15 fully funded TVET scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year in Algeria, with applications collected and submitted at MoHEST headquarters in Juba (Atalabara). Sports Preview: The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Group D tips off in Berlin, with USA set as favorites and early tests against China, plus Italy and Czechia chasing a breakthrough. UN & Security: South Sudan condemned an August 24 ambush in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian UNMISS peacekeepers and injured seven others, calling for a joint investigation. Elections & Youth: South Sudan’s VP Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior denied social media claims she was stopped at Juba airport, saying her Kenya trip was cancelled due to missing presidential authorization. Football Governance: The South Sudan Football Federation warned that unauthorized community tournaments in Juba are siphoning fans and revenue from official competitions. Humanitarian & Health: South Sudan is stepping up Ebola preparedness as the virus threat remains linked to ongoing risk from the DRC, while UN agencies warn food aid cuts could endanger 650,000 refugees in the country.

Health & Humanitarian Crisis: WHO says it recorded 10,400 attacks on health care since 2018, with 2026 alone seeing 914 attacks—leaving hospitals, ambulances, and supply chains shattered, including in South Sudan. Sports & Talent: Juba’s SSFF warns that unauthorized community football tournaments are draining fans and revenue from official competitions, urging clubs to stick to federation rules. Music/Performance Spotlight: Brizzy De Dancer (Moses Soma) says he’s preparing for Britain’s Got Talent Series 20 and has been invited to an organizer meeting on Sept 6 after earlier travel setbacks. Elections & Media: South Sudan’s VP Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior denies viral claims she was blocked at Juba airport, saying her Kenya trip was cancelled due to missing presidential authorization. Security: UN reports two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers killed in an ambush in Jonglei, with seven others injured, calling for investigations and accountability. Fashion/Modeling: Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 scouting begins Aug 29 in Kenya and will include South Sudan among eligible countries.

Elections & Public Life: South Sudan’s presidential press secretary Arek Aldo Ajou urged citizens not to fear the December elections, saying people—not elites or social media voices—should decide at the ballot box. Football Governance: The South Sudan Football Federation warned that unauthorized community tournaments in Juba are draining fans and revenue from official competitions, threatening the survival of national football. Ebola Preparedness: Health authorities are stepping up readiness for a possible Ebola spillover from the DRC, boosting surveillance, screening, facility prep, and training, with UN partners supporting. UN Security Incident: UN chief António Guterres condemned an ambush in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian “blue helmets” and injured seven others, warning attacks on peacekeepers may amount to war crimes. Travel Clarification: VP Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior denied reports she was blocked at Juba airport, saying her Kenya trip was cancelled because presidential authorization wasn’t granted in time. Arts & Culture: Shades Crest Arts and Crafts Fair is accepting applications for Oct. 3, spotlighting local makers and community activities. Fashion Spotlight: Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 scouting kicks off Aug. 29 in Kenya, with South Sudan among countries expected to send talent.

Football Governance: South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) warns that unauthorized community tournaments in Juba are siphoning fans and revenue from official national competitions. Diplomacy & Travel: VP Rebecca Nyandeng’s Kenya trip was delayed after her office said presidential clearance was not granted, rejecting claims she was stopped at Juba airport. Elections Talk: President Salva Kiir’s office and spokesperson Arek Aldo Ajou urged South Sudanese not to fear the December elections, saying democracy is for the people to decide. Security & UN: UNMISS reported an ambush in Jonglei that killed two UN peacekeepers and injured seven, with India also condemning the attack and calling for accountability. Sports & Talent: Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 scouting begins in Kenya on Aug. 29, with South Sudan among countries expected to send candidates. Local Life: Juba City Council mayor announced reforms aimed at better services and transparent revenue use. Roads & Economy: A worsening Juba–Nimule highway is blamed for major delays and economic losses. Church Affairs: A Juba court dismissed a criminal case involving six Moru Congregation members in a long-running church dispute.

Local Governance: Juba City Council Mayor Christopher Sarafino Wani says reforms are underway to rebuild trust—more resident consultations, tighter financial controls, and better delivery of core services. Infrastructure & Economy: A policy analyst warns the Juba–Nimule road’s collapse is turning a 3-hour trip into 7–8 hours, choking trade and draining government revenue. Politics & Accountability: Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng’s funeral remarks accusing leaders of harming South Sudanese people sparked fresh debate, with critics calling it political theatre. Elections Watch: SPLM-IO rejects Kiir’s December election plan, saying constitutional changes risk undermining the 2018 peace safeguards amid insecurity. Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir heads to South Africa to discuss election preparations and progress on the 2018 peace agreement. Sports: Nigeria’s D’Tigers unveil their 12-man roster for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers window, with calls for unity and discipline. Religion: A Juba court dismisses a criminal case involving six Moru Congregation members in a long-running church administration dispute. Regional Integration: South Sudan’s Interior Ministry orders police to stop illegal fees collected from EAC citizens at entry points.

Elections & Dialogue: South Sudan’s leaders are stepping up talks ahead of the Dec. 22, 2026 vote, with President Salva Kiir heading to South Africa for discussions on election preparations and peace-agreement implementation, while fresh opinion pieces push for broader dialogue and warn against rushing elections without safeguards. Legal & Rights: A Juba court dismissed a criminal case against six Moru Congregation members in a long-running church dispute, and Riek Machar’s defence team argued in court that defendants should be allowed to choose their lawyers. Regional Cooperation: Parliament approved a South Sudan–Saudi Arabia cooperation accord covering areas like agriculture, education, mining and infrastructure. Sports & Inclusion: South Sudan Blind Football was named a finalist for a global “Football Without Limits” award, and local governors backed peacebuilding through regional football events like the Ateker Cup of Nations. Public Life: The Interior Ministry ordered police to stop illegal fees targeting EAC citizens at entry points. Health Watch: The DRC Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with new vaccine doses and continued pressure on response efforts.

Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is now past 100 days, with the death toll surging and the virus spreading faster than response teams can keep up, as WHO and MSF warn the epidemic is growing “exponentially.” Elections & Peace: An opinion piece argues South Sudan can’t rush into December 2026 elections without real peace, broad inclusion, and safeguards that citizens can trust. Court & Church Affairs: A Juba court dismissed a criminal case against six Moru Congregation members in a long-running church administration and property dispute. Sports & Inclusion: South Sudan Blind Football has been named among finalists for the Eli Wolff Football Without Limits Award, highlighting the growth of blind football teams and league play in Juba. Women in Politics: Women leaders and journalists call for safe, equal participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities ahead of the 2026 elections after an election-focused training in Juba. Regional Football: Governors Lobong and Adil backed cross-border football events like the Ateker Cup of Nations, using sport for unity and peacebuilding.

Court & Faith: A Juba court has dismissed a criminal case against six Moru Congregation members in a long-running dispute with the Episcopal Diocese of Juba over church administration, worship and property. Sports Spotlight: South Sudan Blind Football has been named among the three finalists for the Eli Wolff Football Without Limits Award, with the ceremony set for Madrid on September 15—an inspiring rise from a two-player training start to a national league in Juba. Elections & Inclusion: Women leaders and journalists are calling for safe, equal participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 elections, following a three-day election and media training in Juba. Regional Football: The Ateker Cup of Nations is wrapping up in Soroti, Uganda, with South Sudan’s Governor Lobong attending, using football and cultural exchange to push unity and peace. Legal Drama: Dr. Riek Machar’s defence team challenged a proposal to replace their lawyers, arguing the accused have the right to choose counsel.

South Sudan Blind Football: The national team has been named among the three finalists for the Eli Wolff Football Without Limits Award, with the ceremony set for Madrid on September 15—an inspiring rise from two players training under a tree to a growing league in Juba. Women’s Political & Media Training: Women leaders and journalists are pushing for safe, equal participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 elections, following a three-day workshop in Juba that ended with a joint communique. Courtroom Update (Riek Machar): Machar’s defence team is challenging a proposal to replace their lawyers, arguing the accused have the constitutional right to choose counsel and none requested a change. Sports (Regional): Nigeria’s D’Tigers unveiled their 12-man roster for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with Josh Okogie leading a strengthened squad—Nigeria will face South Sudan in the second round. Diplomacy: Armenia and South Sudan signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations. Music Buzz: Diamond Platnumz’s “Katam” keeps trending across East Africa, with fans across the region including South Sudanese listeners.

Sports Spotlight: South Sudan Blind Football has been named a finalist for the Eli Wolff Football Without Limits Award, with the ceremony in Madrid on September 15, 2026—an inspiring rise from two players training under a tree to five teams and about 50 players in the 2026 league in Juba. Women in Politics & Media: Women leaders and journalists are pushing for safe, equal participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in South Sudan’s 2026 elections after a three-day election workshop at the University of Juba. Courtroom Update: Dr. Riek Machar’s defence team challenged a proposal to replace their lawyers, arguing the accused have the constitutional right to choose counsel. Local Sports & Inclusion: D’Tigers’ World Cup qualifier push is in focus regionally, with Nigeria unveiling a 12-man roster and urging a decisive run in the next window. Cross-Border Tensions: SSPDF denies abducting Ugandan truck drivers in Bor, saying armed civilians were responsible, while drivers report trucks and colleagues were released after diplomatic pressure. Health Alert: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses delivered to support the response.

Youth Sports: Kenya will host the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi (Aug 24–28) with about 300 athletes from 11 countries, including South Sudan, competing in athletics, swimming, 3x3 basketball, judo, cycling, tennis and beach volleyball—aimed at spotting talent for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Basketball: Nigeria’s D’Tigers kick off the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers second round in Tunisia, with Josh Okogie leading a strengthened squad that includes players with NBA and G League experience, and South Sudan listed among their group opponents. Football: South Sudan Football Federation issues a lifetime ban to an unnamed individual accused of firing a handgun and causing chaos after the Super Cup final in Juba, barring him from all SSFF-affiliated stadiums. Sports Governance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil urges SPLA-IO and NAS to end violence ahead of elections, linking security to a peaceful sporting and civic environment. Media & Culture: A Miss Universe Kenya profile highlights pageant business rebuilding and the humanitarian roots of its national director, while a World Humanitarian Day mural by MSF calls out attacks on healthcare workers. Public Life: NCRC says public consultations will shape South Sudan’s first draft permanent constitution.

Child-Friendly Cities: A new push for safer, cleaner public spaces is gaining momentum across Africa, with planners arguing that designing for kids (like accessible toilets and play areas) makes cities better for everyone. Humanitarian Protection in Focus: On World Humanitarian Day, Médecins Sans Frontières unveiled a powerful mural in Geneva highlighting how attacks on aid and healthcare workers leave “protection written on paper” far from reality. Ebola in Congo: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with miners and hard-to-reach communities complicating monitoring as cases and deaths rise. Sports—South Sudan in the Spotlight: Nigeria’s D’Tigers set for FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Tunisia, with South Sudan listed among their key opponents in the second-round group. Football Discipline: South Sudan Football Federation issues a lifetime ban over gunfire and pitch unrest after the Super Cup final in Juba. Security Update: SSPDF denies abducting Ugandan drivers, saying armed civilians were responsible for alleged truck seizures in Bor. Constitution Process: South Sudan’s NCRC says public consultations will shape the country’s first draft permanent constitution. Local Crackdown: Aweil authorities arrest two illegal loggers and seize cutting machines as part of a timber harvesting crackdown.

Refugee Funding Crunch: Uganda’s relief minister Sam Engola urged South Sudanese refugees to consider voluntary return as humanitarian support shrinks, thanking Uganda for hosting amid tough times. Football Shockwaves: South Sudan Football Federation handed a lifetime ban to an unnamed person accused of gunfire and chaos after the Super Cup final in Juba, while Central Equatoria temporarily suspended community sports tournaments in Juba after violent incidents at Munuki and Buluk playgrounds. Constitution-Making: The National Constitutional Review Commission says public consultations will shape the first draft permanent constitution, with civic education and workshops underway in Juba. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s D’Tigers named NBA guard Josh Okogie to lead a strengthened squad for FIBA World Cup African qualifiers in Tunisia, with Yei Joint Star FC also listed among CECAFA qualifier teams. Humanitarian Day: UN chief António Guterres paid tribute to fallen humanitarian workers, noting South Sudan among places facing major risks.