AGP Executive Report

South Sudan Elections Update: President Salva Kiir dissolved the Transitional Government of National Unity and removed vice presidents and ministers, appointing a caretaker administration ahead of the December 22, 2026 polls, while Kiir also assented to amendments to the National Elections Act to clear legal hurdles for the vote. Voter Registration Push: The National Elections Commission approved voter registration books, with printing expected to start this week, paving the way for nationwide enrollment. EAC Political Confederation Consultations: South Sudan will hold nationwide consultations on the proposed East African Community political confederation, starting in Juba and moving through several states through October 2026. Sports Spotlight (AFCON 2027): AFCON qualifiers kick off with South Sudan drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Malawi, as 48 teams chase 21 available spots (hosts already qualified). Combat Sports: ANZA MMA Pro Nights 3 in Nairobi delivered eight first-round finishes, with Tanzania’s Rashid Mlegelo extending his unbeaten run and South Sudan fighters among the card’s talent. Finance Rules: The Bank of South Sudan banned currency hoarding and speculative foreign exchange activities, warning such practices could distort exchange rates and fuel inflation. Culture & Faith: Eritrean nationals in Juba marked the Golden Jubilee of Revolution School with performances and a photo exhibition, while Catholic leaders continue debating the Synodal Path’s “tension” across the Church.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir dissolved South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity and vice presidents ahead of the December 22, 2026 polls, while the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was assented into law—keeping the president in office through the election period and clearing the legal path for the vote. Voter Registration: The NEC approved voter registration books, with printing expected to start this week, setting up the next phase of enrollment. Regional Integration: South Sudan will begin nationwide consultations on the proposed EAC political confederation, starting in Juba and rolling through several states with input from political leaders, civil society, women, youth, and academics. Media & Rights: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network condemned the shutdown of Eye Radio’s website, warning it blocks public access to a 23-year news archive. Sports & Culture: Rashid Mlegelo moved closer to an ANZA MMA title after a first-round TKO in Nairobi, as the promotion prepares to introduce championship belts in December. Peace Message: On the International Day of Peace, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala urged South Sudanese to reject violence and rebuild trust through justice and reconciliation.

South Sudan Elections Watch: President Salva Kiir has assented to the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, clearing the legal path for the December polls, with the incumbent leadership staying in office through the election period and vice-presidents set to be relieved within a set window. Caretaker Move: Kiir is also expected to dissolve the transitional government tonight and appoint a caretaker administration to avoid a political vacuum as the election period begins. Human Rights & Media: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network condemned the shutdown of Eye Radio’s website, saying it blocks public access to a 23-year news archive. Peace Message: On the International Day of Peace, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala urged South Sudanese to reject violence, rebuild trust, and leave peace as a legacy. Culture & Fashion: BRICS+ Fashion Summit returns to Moscow (28–30 Sept), with South Sudan Fashion Week among the African voices set to take part. Sports Spotlight: AFCON 2027 qualifying is underway with 48 teams chasing 21 non-host tickets, as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda prepare to stage an expanded East African edition.

South Sudan Elections: President Salva Kiir has assented to the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, clearing the legal path for December polls and allowing the National Elections Commission to proceed without waiting for permanent constitution-making or the national census, while the incumbent leadership stays in office through the election period. Parliament Watch: MPs unanimously passed the amendment after a tense debate, with seat numbers and election administration details set for the National Legislative Assembly and state structures. Media Freedom: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network condemned the shutdown of Eye Radio’s website, saying it blocks public access to a 23-year news archive and weakens citizens’ right to information ahead of elections. Fashion & Culture: The BRICS+ Fashion Summit returns to Moscow (28–30 Sept), with South Sudan Fashion Week co-founder Dawson Deng among African stakeholders set to push cross-border fashion business. Sports Spotlight: ANZA MMA Pro Nights 3 in Nairobi delivered eight first-round finishes, including standout wins by George “The Maverick” Itumo and Daniela Mandanji. Peace Message: On International Day of Peace, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala urged dialogue over confrontation and called for justice, dignity, reconciliation, and rebuilding trust for Sudan and South Sudan.

South Sudan Elections Update: President Salva Kiir has assented to the National Elections Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, clearing the legal path for general elections set for December, while MPs unanimously passed the bill in parliament and the law keeps incumbent leadership in office through the election period. Media Freedom: The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network condemned the shutdown of Eye Radio’s website, saying it blocks public access to a 23-year digital news archive. Peace & Culture: On International Day of Peace, Catholic Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala urged Sudan and South Sudan to invest in peace through justice, reconciliation, and dialogue. Sports & Women’s Football: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu visited South Sudan to hand over a school block and launch the country’s first women’s football league in Juba. Politics & Public Voice: Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth urged leaders opposing the December polls to “let the people decide” and seek a fresh mandate. Regional Context: Egypt says it has agreed to South Sudan’s Fula dam after reviewing project studies.

AU–UN Diplomacy: The AU Commission chair and UN chief Guterres co-chaired talks on peace, security, and Africa’s role in global financial reforms, including debt and mineral resource value. Election Tension & Media: Opinion pieces flag South Sudan’s election countdown as “collapsing” with key preparations still unclear, while Radio Tamazuj faces pressure after Kiir fired the election chief. Juba Hospital Jobs: A China-aided Juba Teaching Hospital expansion is creating nearly 500 local jobs and skills as Phase II nears completion. Women’s Football & School Boost: CAF acting boss Samson Adamu visited Juba to hand over a school block and launch South Sudan’s first women’s football league. UNESCO Conservation Spotlight: Boma and Badingilo parks’ UNESCO World Heritage status puts migratory birds and biodiversity in the spotlight. Media Tools for Journalists: JICA and UJOSS donated 26 audio recorders to strengthen grassroots reporting across South Sudan’s states. Sports Buzz: ANZA MMA Pro Nights 3 in Nairobi delivered eight first-round finishes, featuring fighters from South Sudan among others.

Football & Women’s Sports: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu lands in Juba for a 24-hour visit, handing over a school block in Libya 1 Primary School and officially launching South Sudan’s first women’s football league. Media & Community Reporting: JICA donates 26 audio recorders to UJOSS coordination offices nationwide to help journalists report from remote areas. Politics & Regional Integration: South Sudan begins national consultations on the proposed EAC political confederation, starting in Juba on Sept. 23, with citizens invited to weigh structure, powers, governance and funding. Sports (Malawi vs South Sudan): Under-pressure Flames coach Callisto Pasuwa says his Afcon qualification hopes will decide his job, with Malawi set to open qualifiers against South Sudan on Sept. 25. Nature & Heritage: Boma and Badingilo parks’ UNESCO World Heritage status spotlights the region’s migratory birds and rainy-season spectacle. Arts & Culture: A new women’s Premier League is launched in South Sudan, adding momentum to local sports entertainment. Disaster Readiness: Uganda’s El Niño preparedness plan is ready but awaits funding, leaving limited resources for pre-rain relief supplies.

South Sudan Politics & Governance: With elections set for December 2026, debate is heating up over constitutional reform, inclusion, and how the 2018 peace deal is being implemented—while a new story from Greater Pibor highlights how Murle mothers and grandmothers built political authority through song, dance, public shaming, and community pressure during cycles of youth violence. Arts & Refugee Theatre: In Scotland, the Trojan Women Project brings Euripides’s anti-war classic to life using testimonies from people who have lived through war, pushing the message that “every refugee could be us.” Football & Women’s Sports: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu landed in Juba to hand over a school block and officially launch South Sudan’s first women’s football league, backed by CAF and the Motsepe Foundation. Sports Spotlight: Wajuma FC captain Mary Atong says her team is ready to win the inaugural South Sudan Women’s Premier League opener against Bentiu City. Environment & Heritage: UNESCO World Heritage status for Boma and Badingilo parks is expected to boost conservation for migratory birds, with rains bringing a dramatic avian spectacle. Media & Safety: The National Press Club-South Sudan trained security personnel and journalists in Unity State to strengthen freedom of expression and improve journalist safety. Migration & Human Stories: A South Sudanese teen, Chan Atak, was jailed in the UK for piloting an overcrowded “mega-dinghy” carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel.

Women’s Football & Community Sports: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu landed in Juba for a 24-hour visit, handing over a school block in Libya 1 Primary School and launching South Sudan’s first women’s football league, backed by CAF and the Motsepe Foundation. Women’s Premier League Kickoff: Wajuma FC captain Mary Atong says her side is ready for the inaugural South Sudan Women’s Premier League opener against Bentiu City at Juba National Stadium, calling the league a key pathway for girls to reach regional competition. Sports Investment Push: South Sudan’s Youth and Sports Minister Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk met the Turkish-African business community to pitch a modern National Sports Complex and stadium upgrades that could boost football, broadcasting, entertainment and tourism. Media & Safety Training: The National Press Club-South Sudan trained security personnel and journalists in Unity State on freedom of expression and protecting journalists. Culture & Nature: UNESCO World Heritage status for Boma and Badingilo parks spotlights the region’s migratory birds and rainy-season spectacle. Migration & Justice (Global, South Sudan links): A South Sudanese teen, Chan Atak, was jailed for piloting a record 165-migrant “mega-dinghy” across the English Channel, and UK police detained seven migrants found hiding in a lorry.

South Sudan Football: CAF acting secretary general Samson Adamu landed in Juba for a 24-hour visit, handing over a new school block at Libya 1 Primary School and officially launching South Sudan’s first women’s football league, backed by CAF and the Motsepe Foundation. Women’s Sports: Wajuma FC captain Mary Atong says her team is ready for the inaugural South Sudan Women’s Premier League opener against Bentiu City, calling the league a major step for girls’ football and a pathway to regional competition. Media & Safety: The National Press Club-South Sudan trained 40 security personnel and journalists in Unity State on freedom of expression and protecting journalists while reporting. Arts, Culture & Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks were highlighted after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with conservationists pointing to the region’s huge migratory bird spectacle. Politics & Governance: South Sudan is set to consult citizens on an EAC political confederation, with discussions expected to cover structure, decision-making, governance and funding. Elections Update: The National Elections Act is being amended in parliament, including proposals affecting vice presidents’ roles during the election period.

Migration & Justice: A 19-year-old South Sudanese teen, Chan Atak, has been jailed for two years and three months after piloting an overcrowded “mega-dinghy” carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel, with the court warning he could face deportation back to South Sudan. Regional Security: Violence at the Amiet Common Market in Abyei left at least 26 dead and 82 injured, as UNISFA urged dialogue and accountability to stop retaliation. Local Media & Safety: The National Press Club-South Sudan trained 40 security personnel and journalists in Unity State on freedom of expression and protecting journalists. Sports & Entertainment: South Sudan’s Youth and Sports Minister Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk met the Turkish-African business community to pitch investment in a modern National Sports Complex and stadiums that could also boost events, tourism, and broadcasting. Women’s Football: Wajuma FC’s captain Mary Atong says her team is ready for the inaugural South Sudan Women’s Premier League opener, calling it a major step for girls’ football.

EAC Politics: South Sudan will hold national consultations on the proposed East African Community political confederation, starting in Juba on Sept. 23 before touring states, with citizens asked to weigh structure, governance, decision-making and funding. Media & Safety: The National Press Club-South Sudan trained 40 security personnel and journalists in Unity State on freedom of expression and protecting journalists. Elections Watch: Parliament is moving on amendments to the National Elections Act that would keep the President in office during the election period while removing vice presidents three months before polling, as the country heads toward the Dec. 22 vote. Sports Investment: The youth and sports minister met Turkish-African investors to push a modern National Sports Complex and stadium for major events. Health & Culture: A Chinese medical mission in Juba is treating patients at Juba Teaching Hospital using acupuncture and cupping. Humanitarian Lens: UN chief António Guterres called Sudan’s humanitarian crisis “dire,” warning outside countries are fueling the war. Public Life: Civil society groups question the inclusivity and effectiveness of imminent interparty dialogue.

Sports Investment: South Sudan’s Youth and Sports Minister Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk met the Turkish-African business community to pitch investment in a modern National Sports Complex, including a new stadium and multi-discipline arenas that could also boost hospitality, broadcasting and tourism. Health & Culture Exchange: A Chinese traditional medicine team is treating patients at Juba Teaching Hospital using acupuncture and cupping, with locals reporting improvements in pain and mobility. Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s Justice Minister Wek Mamer Kuol tabled amendments to the National Elections Act ahead of the parliamentary process, while President Salva Kiir recently removed the head of the electoral body months before the December 22 vote. Local Security: Rival SPLA-IO factions clashed in Central Equatoria around the Magoya position, widening an internal leadership dispute onto the ground. Civic Voice: A civil society group questioned the inclusivity and effectiveness of an interparty dialogue meant to tackle transition challenges, warning security threats won’t be solved by talks alone. Arts & Learning: An Egyptian vocational school in Juba is expanding agriculture training and research, including plans for a seed bank and research center to support food security.

Elections Watch: South Sudan’s Minister of Justice Wek Mamer Kuol has tabled amendments to the National Elections Act, 2012, starting the parliamentary process to align the law with the Transitional Constitution, including changes affecting the executive during the election period. Political Shake-up: President Salva Kiir has removed the head of the National Elections Commission, Abednego Akok Kacuol, replacing him with Gabriel Bol Deng Majok just months before the December 22 vote—raising fears of delays and uncertainty. Courts & Media: South Sudan’s High Court in Central Equatoria has halted preparations for elections of the South Sudan Journalists Union, ordering all electoral activities to stop pending a final decision. Everyday Life Online: A 78-year-old Juba man and his wife welcomed triplets, sparking an outpouring of congratulations and a public appeal for support for the newborns. Arts & Culture: South Sudan’s Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny represented the country at UNESCO’s Global Forum in Riyadh, committing to ethical AI development. Community & Skills: An Egyptian vocational school in Juba is pushing food security through agricultural research, a seed bank, and climate-resilient farming training.

South Sudan Elections Watch: President Salva Kiir has fired the head of the National Elections Commission, Abednego Akok Kacuol, replacing him with Gabriel Bol Deng Majok just months before the country’s first-ever elections on December 22—sparking fears of delays and added uncertainty. Press Freedom & Union Politics: South Sudan’s High Court in Central Equatoria has suspended elections for the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) after an administrative review challenge, putting the union’s leadership vote on hold. Civic Space Ahead of Polls: A human rights group says arrests, phone confiscations, and restrictions on media and political activity are rising ahead of December, warning that civic space remains tight. Community Spotlight: A 78-year-old man in Juba has gone viral after his wife gave birth to triplets, with the family appealing for support for the newborns. Regional Human Rights: A UN report warns that people cooperating with the UN on human rights face intimidation and reprisals, citing digital surveillance and shrinking civic space. Health & Food Security: An Egyptian vocational academy in Juba is pushing agricultural research, a seed bank, and climate-resilient farming to tackle food insecurity.

Ethical AI in Focus: South Sudan commits to ethical artificial intelligence development at UNESCO’s 4th Global Forum in Riyadh, with the National Minister of Information representing the country. Elections Under Pressure: South Sudan’s High Court in Central Equatoria halts UJOSS journalists’ union elections over alleged constitutional breaches, ordering a stop to all electoral activities pending a final administrative review. Civic Space Concerns: A human rights group warns that civic and political space remains restricted ahead of December elections, citing arrests and detention of activists and journalists plus media and political activity limits. Community & Culture: A Juba couple’s triplets story keeps going viral as a 78-year-old man and his wife welcome triplets, while the family appeals for support for newborn care. Food Security Skills Boost: An Egyptian vocational school in Juba says it’s launching a seed bank and agricultural research center to strengthen climate-resilient farming and reduce food insecurity. Regional Governance: IGAD ministers meet in Djibouti as the bloc warns of financial strain and urges member states to secure its future amid Horn crises. Security & Integration: SSPDF orders Agwelek forces in Juba to report for screening and assembly, signaling continued integration steps.