AGP Executive Report

South Sudan Music: AfroZouk and dancehall star Jaki has officially rebranded, retiring “Queen Hustler Official” as her stage name and keeping it as a slogan while she moves forward under the name Jaki. Juba Community & Youth: The Aweil Youth Union plans a community dialogue forum in Juba on 7 June to address internal grievances, promote unity, and encourage reconciliation through talks involving elders, women, youth, and peace advocates. Local Wildlife Watch: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities say a hyena spotted roaming a residential area in Juba is privately owned and will be relocated to its natural habitat after officers traced it from a widely shared video. Sports (Regional): Kenya’s Wafalme Stars volleyball team is pushing for a 2026 CAVB Nations Championship ticket after beating Uganda in the Zone Five qualifiers, with matches still to come including South Sudan and Burundi. Arts/Entertainment Abroad (World Cup buzz): Ebola concerns are already disrupting football plans, with DR Congo’s friendly vs Chile in Spain cancelled as teams adjust ahead of the World Cup.

Ebola Watch: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is still accelerating, with WHO calling it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as cases and deaths climb and health teams investigate possible spread beyond Africa. Humanitarian Funding: Aid groups warn that stretched services and funding gaps are making containment harder, while calls grow for faster support and better public communication. South Sudan & Travel Scrutiny: Kenya’s public debate over a proposed US-backed Ebola isolation facility continues after government officials admitted shortcomings in explaining the plan. Juba Community & Youth: Aweil Youth Union says it will hold a community dialogue forum in Juba on 7 June to address grievances, reduce tensions, and push reconciliation. Music Rebrand: South Sudan’s AfroZouk/dancehall star Queen Hustler rebrands as Jaki, shifting her former name into a slogan as she enters a new chapter. Wildlife in Juba: Authorities say a hyena spotted in a residential area will be relocated after tracing it to a private owner. Media & AI Skills: South Sudan’s Media Authority urges journalists to use AI responsibly, verify AI content, and protect newsroom integrity. Sports Broadcast: ESPN Africa secures exclusive English pay TV rights for NBA Finals across sub-Saharan Africa. Local Business: South Sudan’s mining minister tells foreign investors to follow mining laws and safe practices as interest in the sector grows.

AI in South Sudan Media: The South Sudan Media Authority has approved the use of AI in newsrooms, urging journalists to use it responsibly, verify AI content, and keep human judgment at the center. Ebola Travel Rules: WHO is pushing countries to lift recent travel restrictions tied to the Ebola outbreak, after Canada paused visas and imposed 21-day self-isolation for people arriving from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Ebola Hits Sports: DR Congo’s World Cup preparations take another hit as a friendly against Chile in Spain is cancelled over Ebola health concerns. Education Spotlight: South Sudan’s top 2025 S4 candidate says he wants to study Economics to build homegrown solutions for the country’s economic challenges. Media & Journalism Integrity: A Juba forum brought editors and regulators together to discuss how AI can boost efficiency without damaging public trust. Peacekeeping Recognition: Over 550 Indian UN peacekeepers were honoured in South Sudan with UN Medal of Honour awards.

AI in South Sudan Media: The South Sudan Media Authority has given the green light for artificial intelligence use in newsrooms, urging journalists to apply it responsibly, verify AI content origins, and keep human judgment at the center. Ebola Disrupts Sport: DR Congo’s World Cup preparations took another hit as a friendly against Chile in Spain was cancelled by local authorities over Ebola health concerns. Education Update: South Sudan released 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate, and NEC nullified Nimule Model Secondary School results for cheating—87 candidates affected. Health & Tech for Care: MTN launched its Yellow Care campaign with Juba Teaching Hospital, including solar power for the neonatal ward, CT scan repairs, and voice/SMS health messaging for mothers. Trade & Creative Jobs: ITC and Equity Group signed a deal to expand finance and trade support for coffee, leather, and creative industries across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Peacekeeping Recognition: Over 550 Indian UN peacekeepers received the UN Medal of Honour in South Sudan for protecting civilians and supporting peacebuilding.

Ebola Watch: South Sudan’s borders are under fresh pressure as police and health authorities urge tighter monitoring amid the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda, with the WHO calling it a Public Health Emergency. Health Tech Boost: MTN South Sudan’s Yellow Care campaign is supporting Juba Teaching Hospital with solar power for the neonatal ward, repairs for its CT scan machine, and voice/SMS health messaging for mothers. Education Spotlight: South Sudan releases 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate, led by Darling Wisdom Academy in both arts and science top scores. Arts & Culture: A new film, “Pressure,” highlights the behind-the-scenes meteorologists who helped decide the D-Day invasion timing. Sports & Health: DR Congo’s friendly in Spain is cancelled over Ebola concerns, showing how the outbreak is disrupting football plans. Trade & Creative Jobs: ITC and Equity Group sign a deal to expand finance and market access for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, starting with Kenya.

Health Tech & Maternal Care: MTN South Sudan launched its Yellow Care campaign with Juba Teaching Hospital, promising solar power for the neonatal ward, repairs for the CT scan machine, and voice/SMS health messaging for mothers (June 1–21), with public donations via MTN MoMo. Education Spotlight: South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education released the 2025 CSE results: 45,776 candidates sat, 36,950 passed for an 80.7% pass rate, with Darling Wisdom Academy topping arts and science positions. Cyber Safety: A legal expert urged police investigators and prosecutors to be trained and equipped to handle cybercrime cases, especially online sexual abuse videos, warning of long-term harm to victims. Ebola Watch: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus said community trust is key as the DRC’s evolving Ebola outbreak spreads across provinces and into Uganda, with no approved vaccine/treatment for the Bundibugyo strain yet. Sports & Community: Vipers SC confirmed they’ll play the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali, with El Merriekh SC Bentiu listed among expected South Sudan teams. Governance & Elections Prep: Russia-funded training sent three NEC officials to Moscow to strengthen preparations for South Sudan’s December 2026 elections. International Recognition: UNMISS honoured over 550 Indian peacekeepers in Malakal with the UN Medal of Honour for protecting civilians and supporting peacebuilding.

UN Peacekeeping Honors: Over 550 Indian Blue Helmets (including 53 women) and 464 Rwandan peacekeepers received the UN Medal of Honour in Malakal, recognized for patrols, community engagement, women’s self-defence training, and combating gender violence. Ebola Focus: WHO chief Tedros visited Bunia as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo accelerates; Africa CDC says 1,100+ suspected cases across DR Congo and Uganda, while WHO urges countries to reconsider travel bans that may discourage transparency. South Sudan Safety & Society: VP Hussein Abdelbagi Akol urged Warrap communities to cease hostilities and resolve disputes through dialogue ahead of elections. Youth & Politics: Central Equatoria’s culture minister warned politicians against interfering in the 3rd state youth convention, calling for fair, independent leadership selection. Digital Rights: Qurium Media Foundation warned that opaque web-scraping systems are draining resources from public-interest journalism. Trade & Business: South Sudan’s Trade Ministry met businesses over high taxation, FX instability, border delays, unreliable power, and counterfeit goods.

Ebola & Travel Disruptions: Canada blocked a Congolese student in Montreal from returning after Ebola-related document suspensions affecting people from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda, while musicians and families in the community say costly plans are being derailed. Regional Health Response: The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Bunia in eastern DR Congo, urging countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures that he says discourage transparency, as the outbreak climbs with 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths reported, and Uganda confirms additional cases. South Sudan Online Safety: A South Sudanese activist urged enforcement of cybercrime laws after reports of sexual abuse videos of South Sudanese women circulated online, calling for investigations and prosecutions. Youth & Politics: Central Equatoria’s culture minister asked politicians to stop interfering in the upcoming youth convention, warning manipulation could undermine fair leadership elections. Sports (Local Interest): Uganda’s Vipers SC confirmed it will play in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali, with South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu listed among expected teams.

Ebola & Travel Rules: The UAE has issued a public health travel advisory telling UAE nationals and residents to avoid travel to Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan unless absolutely necessary as the Ebola situation evolves. WHO Update: WHO says the Congo outbreak is serious but not like COVID-19, stressing Ebola spreads through close contact with bodily fluids and that global risk is low while regional risk remains high. Regional Response: East African Community health ministers are set to hold an emergency virtual meeting to coordinate actions, including harmonizing rules for possible vaccines, therapies, and diagnostics. World Cup Fallout: Mexico’s airlines (Aeromexico, Viva, Volaris) have imposed emergency entry restrictions on travellers from Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with similar screening and isolation measures rolling out in other host-nation hubs. Local Safety & Accountability: A South Sudan cyber-advocacy push is calling for enforcement of cybercrime laws after reports of online sexual abuse videos involving South Sudanese women. Health Financing Focus: An op-ed argues South Sudan’s maternal and adolescent health needs sustained funding and midwifery and emergency care support, warning that commemorations without financing become empty gestures. Press Freedom Watch: A media watchdog warns opaque web-scraping systems are threatening public-interest journalism.

Ebola & World Cup Travel: Three Mexican airlines (Aeromexico, Viva, Volaris) have imposed emergency entry bans on passengers who visited Uganda, DR Congo, or South Sudan in the last 21 days, just weeks before the 2026 World Cup—while the CDC has expanded Ebola screenings at JFK and other major US airports for arrivals from the same countries. WHO on the Ground: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in eastern DR Congo, urging countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures that he says discourage transparency, as the outbreak is reported with hundreds of suspected cases and no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Response: East African Community health ministers are set for an emergency virtual meeting to coordinate actions, including work on harmonizing rules for possible vaccines, therapies, and diagnostics. South Sudan Online Safety: Yakani is calling for enforcement of South Sudan’s cybercrime laws after videos of sexual abuse of South Sudanese women circulated online, urging investigations and prosecutions. Maternal Health Funding: An advocacy review warns South Sudan’s maternal and adolescent health gains are at risk as global financing shrinks, calling for sustained investment in midwifery and emergency obstetric care. Agroforestry for Climate: A new intra-Africa mobility project links Juba University with partners to train students and staff in agroforestry research and education for climate mitigation.

Public Health: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in eastern DR Congo, saying the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than the response, with 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths reported, and urging community trust, safe burials, and reconsideration of travel bans that “discourage transparency.” Travel & Sport: As FIFA World Cup 2026 nears, the US, Canada and Mexico tightened Ebola-linked entry rules, with CDC expanding enhanced screenings at major airports including JFK for travelers from DR Congo, South Sudan and Uganda, while Mexico’s airlines announced air-entry restrictions for recent visitors. South Sudan Rights & Governance: Amnesty welcomed the UN Security Council’s extension of South Sudan’s arms embargo for another year, warning that weapon flows and ongoing violence keep threatening civilians. Peacekeeping Remembrance: The UN and Nigeria mourned Lt Gen Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, a former UN Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations, who also led boards of inquiry including on conflicts in South Sudan. Entertainment (Global): Netflix horror fans get a fresh list of underrated picks, while a coffee feature spotlights Excelsa as a climate-resilient bean.

World Cup Health Protocols: The U.S., Mexico, and Canada rolled out coordinated Ebola travel rules for FIFA World Cup 2026 fans and teams, with airport screenings and tighter entry checks for travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan as the WHO warns the outbreak can be stopped but remains complex. Airport Screening Push: JFK in New York joined other major hubs with enhanced Ebola checks, while Mexico’s airlines announced 21-day restrictions for arrivals from affected countries. Kenya Quarantine Plan Blocked: A Kenyan court temporarily halted a U.S. plan to set up an Ebola quarantine unit for Americans exposed to the virus, after public backlash. WHO in Congo: WHO chief Tedros arrived in Kinshasa to back response efforts against the rare Bundibugyo strain, citing equipment shortages, distrust, and conflict-linked delays. South Sudan Peace Focus: R-ARCSS stakeholders welcomed government moves to preserve key peace agreement provisions, urging credible, inclusive elections amid insecurity. Humanitarian Pressure in Akobo: WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition support in Akobo East as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen.

Ebola & Travel Rules: The WHO chief arrived in Congo to back efforts against a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak as distrust, conflict, and limited supplies slow containment. World Cup Impact: With FIFA World Cup 2026 days away, the US, Canada, and Mexico rolled out aligned Ebola travel measures, including Canada’s 90-day entry ban for residents from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan and 21-day quarantine rules for arrivals. Airport Screening: The US expanded “layered” Ebola checks, adding JFK to the list of airports screening passengers from affected countries. Kenya Court Clash: Kenya’s court temporarily blocked a US plan to run an Ebola quarantine facility for exposed Americans, after public concern and a legal challenge. South Sudan Humanitarian Focus: In Akobo East, WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition support as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen amid insecurity. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Pakistan marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by praising its “Blue Helmets,” including deployments in South Sudan and the DRC. Sports Note: Arsenal fans gear up for Champions League action after a Premier League title celebration.

Ebola & World Cup Travel: The US, Mexico, and Canada have aligned Ebola travel rules for FIFA World Cup 2026 arrivals, with Canada banning entry for 90 days to residents of DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan and requiring 21-day quarantine for arrivals. Airport Screening: The US will start Ebola screening at New York’s J.F.K. Airport, adding to checks already running at Dulles, Atlanta, and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental. Quarantine in Kenya: US officials say Americans exposed to Ebola abroad will be sent to a new Kenya facility for quarantine and care, with plans to expand capacity. Public Health Messaging: Canada’s health minister said the travel ban was precautionary for World Cup safety, while other countries like the Bahamas announced 30-day entry bans tied to Ebola risk. Sports Spotlight: In football news, Egypt beat Russia 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up, with South Sudan listed among AfCON qualifier group rivals.

Ebola & World Cup Watch: Mexico, the U.S., and Canada have aligned Ebola travel and screening rules for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding airport checkpoints, reviewing passengers’ last 21 days of travel history, and tightening isolation and case-management plans as the Bundibugyo outbreak in DR Congo worries WHO and threatens other countries. Vaccine Hope: Africa CDC says an Ebola vaccine and medicine for Bundibugyo should be ready by the end of 2026, while WHO warns the crisis is worsening amid conflict. Community Response: UNICEF highlights that risk communication and community engagement are key, as misinformation and low trust are hampering efforts in Congo’s hardest-hit areas. Cross-Border Pressure: Uganda has closed its border with Congo, and more countries are adding quarantine or travel bans. South Sudan Angle: A senior South Sudan diplomat rejects claims that tribalism drives arrests and political actions, saying power targeting opponents cuts across ethnic lines. Sports Fallout: DR Congo has asked FIFA for World Cup ticket refunds after Ebola-related entry restrictions blocked some fans.

Ebola Watch: The U.S. says Americans exposed to Ebola abroad will be sent to a temporary quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, not flown back home, as officials expand airport screenings and countries tighten travel rules. Regional Pressure: Uganda ordered an immediate border closure with Congo over rising cases, while WHO warns conflict in eastern DRC is making containment “nearly impossible” and calls for a ceasefire to protect health workers. Public Panic & Misinformation: In Liberia, a nurse was suspended after a fake Ebola audio sparked nationwide panic, and in Congo, conspiracy theories and attacks on hospitals show how mistrust can derail response. Local Health Precaution: India quarantined four people in Gujarat after a Congo businessman developed fever, with tests pending and officials urging calm. Mental Health Spotlight: South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi delivered a keynote at a regional mental health workshop that includes South Sudan among participating countries. Sports & Culture: Uganda’s Ghetto Kids dance troupe will perform with Shakira at the World Cup final halftime show.