Elections & Civic Space: South Sudan’s Cabinet has approved a constitutional amendment bill to clear the way for December 2026 elections, delinking voting from the permanent constitution process and postponing the national population and housing census—while critics warn it could turn elections into a rushed procedure without the security, institutional and civic conditions for credibility. Voter Education Push: Lakes State launched a voter education campaign in Rumbek with NEC support, urging citizens to register and vote freely, including young voters, and to choose leaders by ability rather than family ties. NEC Health Update: NEC Secretary General Gabriel Bol Deng Majok is recovering in Nairobi after successful surgery for a leg injury sustained during preparations for the civic and voter education launch. Rights Monitoring: South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network rolled out independent election monitoring covering the full electoral cycle, including online communications, hate speech, intimidation and election-related rights violations. Sports & Youth: Central Equatoria’s culture, youth and sports ministry says its budget rose nearly 400% to expand youth empowerment, sports and cultural programmes, while Greater Oronyo won the Monyiemiji tournament in Torit with a 4-0 final win. Public Health & Media: DRC Ebola updates show rising deaths and cases, and in Sudan, Radio Nyala journalists remain incommunicado amid threats—raising alarm for media safety across the region.