AGP Executive Report

Climate Risks: The World Bank warns that strengthening El Niño could bring disrupted rainfall and extreme heat, lowering crop yields in South Sudan and across East Africa; about 62 million people in the region may need urgent food assistance by March 2027. Drought and Food Security: Below-average rainfall has damaged crops, pasture and water supplies. Nearly 1.3 million people in Northern Bahr el Ghazal were affected by prolonged dry spells, with reported crop losses of up to 85% in Greater Kapoeta and 50–70% in Wau and Jur River. Heat and Flood Preparedness: South Sudan’s meteorological service warned of extreme heat stress across much of the country, even as heavy rains threaten Unity State’s flood dykes and have damaged Kapuri bridge. Local Food Resilience: A cassava flour project launched in Wau aims to strengthen food security and livelihoods by processing locally grown crops.

Oil & Energy Investment: South Sudan signed a strategic memorandum with a UAE-based firm, Bianchi Gold Trading Investment Company, to expand petroleum exploration, infrastructure, refining, storage and capacity building—aimed at boosting energy security ahead of a Juba energy conference. Mining Reform: Juba hosted a two-day workshop to review and validate reforms to South Sudan’s mining policy, strategic plan (2026–2030), and amendments to the Mining Act and mineral title regulations, targeting better governance and transparency. Food Security Under Pressure: WFP says food stocks are collapsing for refugees and returnees arriving via Renk, with over a million vulnerable people at risk of losing life-saving assistance by October; it also condemned a Jonglei river convoy attack that forced 162.54 metric tons of food offloading under duress. Climate & Heat Risk: The meteorological service warns of warmer-than-usual conditions and “Extreme Caution” heat stress nationwide, while parts of Central and Eastern Equatoria may be relatively cooler; UN warns Bentiu’s flooding has become a permanent hydrological crisis, with El Niño-linked heavy rains threatening dykes. Health & Nutrition Services: WHO reports a 93.4% cure rate for children treated for severe acute malnutrition with medical complications in stabilization centres, but flags declining screening volumes. Humanitarian Access & Security: UNMISS built a police post in Yambio to improve detention conditions, while communities in Nyirol urged an end to road ambushes and cattle theft through early warning and dialogue. Local Livelihoods & Agriculture: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau aims to improve food security and self-reliance through locally produced staples. Governance & Accountability: Central Equatoria officials urged caretaker ministers to protect public resources and prepare for credible elections; RRC also urged civil society groups to uphold transparency and accountability in EU-funded grants.

El Niño Food Shock: The World Bank warns El Niño could cut crop yields and raise heat across South Sudan and the wider region, with tens of millions needing urgent food help by early 2027. Humanitarian Access Under Fire: WFP says armed youth blocked a river convoy in Jonglei’s Ayod County, forcing 162.54 metric tons of food off the boat meant for 4,400 people. Health System Strain: A health cluster bulletin shows Morobo is the only county above the 80% readiness floor, while funding gaps threaten an end-September to October service cliff amid malnutrition and outbreaks. Climate Risk in the Field: UN warns Bentiu’s flood crisis is turning into a permanent hydrological threat, with El Niño-linked heavy rains likely to test earthen dykes. Heat and Cooling Forecasts: South Sudan Meteorological Service forecasts cooler pockets in parts of Central and Eastern Equatoria, but still flags extreme heat stress risk across many payams. Community Climate Planning: In Maban, residents and civil society held peace talks focused on practical drought and flood preparedness, including early warning and evacuation planning. Local Food Systems: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau aims to boost local food security and livelihoods using locally grown crops. Governance and Public Resources: Central Equatoria’s governor orders caretaker ministers to protect public assets and push election readiness, while Juba County opens a new access road to improve movement and sanitation.

Humanitarian Access Under Fire: WFP condemned armed youth blocking a river convoy in Jonglei’s Ayod County, assaulting humanitarian staff at gunpoint and forcing the offload of 162.54 metric tonnes of food meant for 4,400 people in Mogok, while 291.48 metric tonnes for Ayod South was secured and the team evacuated. Detention Conditions Improved: UNMISS built a new police post in Gangura, Yambio, adding gender- and status-separate detention cells and office space after reports of deteriorating security infrastructure. Public Resources & Elections: Central Equatoria Governor Jadalla ordered caretaker ministers to protect public assets, keep proper records, and prepare citizens for peaceful, credible elections. Nutrition Results: WHO reported South Sudan stabilization centres achieved a 93.4% cure rate for children treated for severe acute malnutrition with complications (Jan–Jun 2026), with death and default rates at 3.2% each. Climate & Flood Risk: UN warned Bentiu’s flooding has shifted into a permanent hydrological crisis, with El Niño-linked heavy rains from Oct–Feb threatening earthen dykes and more displacement. Community Climate Planning: In Maban, residents held peace talks to plan for drought and flooding, including early warning systems, evacuation planning, and stronger cross-community cooperation. Food Security & Local Crops: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau aims to improve food security and livelihoods by packaging locally produced cassava flour for affordable local markets. Trade, Cash Shortage & Services: The Trade Ministry urged banks to form a banking union and speed digital banking as South Sudanese Pound cash shortages disrupt withdrawals and trade. Security for Commerce: Morobo traders called for stronger security to protect goods and enable cross-border business with Uganda and the DRC.

Climate & Flood Risk: UN warns Bentiu’s flood crisis could become a permanent hydrological emergency, with heavy rains expected to coincide with El Niño and pressure Unity State’s earthen dykes. Community Climate Planning: In Maban, residents held peace talks to map practical responses to drought and flooding, including early warning and evacuation plans. Food Security & Aid Access: WFP condemned armed obstruction in Jonglei’s Ayod County, where 162.54 metric tons of food were forced off a river convoy under duress. Food Systems for Resilience: CORWADO launched a cassava flour processing project in Wau to improve food security and livelihoods using locally available crops. Local Governance & Clean Cities: Juba County reopened an access road in Gudele West and urged shop owners to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Security & Elections Pressure: Returnees from Uganda called for peace so they can vote and rebuild, while civil society urged inclusive dialogue and protection of civic freedoms ahead of December elections. Oil & Environment Economy: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry met partners to boost investment and production as the country seeks to turn its oil rebound into wider economic revival. Women & Girls Support: Germany funded community projects in education, protection, economic empowerment, and menstrual health across Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Flood & Climate Risk: UN warns Bentiu floodwaters have submerged about 70% of land, turning a recurring emergency into a permanent hydrological crisis as El Niño-linked heavy rains could overwhelm earthen dykes. Community Preparedness: In Maban, residents held peace talks to plan for drought and flooding with early warning, evacuation planning, and stronger cross-community cooperation. Food Security & Livelihoods: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau aims to cut food insecurity and high prices by boosting locally produced, affordable flour for families and traders. Women & Resilience: CORWADO reviewed programme quality in Juba and board strategy to keep its work aligned with humanitarian, development, climate and resilience needs for women, youth and farmers. Governance & Accountability: RRC urged 32 EU-grant CSOs to strengthen transparency, financial documentation, inclusive participation, and coordination as elections approach. Oil & Environment Watch: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry met partners to improve investment and production as oil revival gathers momentum; meanwhile, regional refinery politics in East Africa keep raising questions about jobs, infrastructure, and environmental safeguards. Humanitarian Funding: UN released $160m for underfunded crises, including $15m for South Sudan, as access and insecurity remain major barriers. Wildlife Conservation: Boma-Badingilo’s Great Nile Migration was recognized as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spotlighting a vast, largely untouched wildlife landscape.

Humanitarian Security: WFP says an air strike in Sudan’s South Kordofan killed a driver of clearly marked UN food aid trucks, underscoring how violence is disrupting life-saving delivery. Food & Climate Risk: A UN-backed warning flags a worsening East Africa hunger crisis, with El Niño-linked drought and conflict pushing more families toward acute malnutrition, including in South Sudan. Oil & Livelihoods: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry met partners to boost investment and production as the country tries to turn its oil revival into a wider economic comeback. Women & Girls: Germany funded community projects in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal focused on education, protection, women’s economic empowerment and menstrual health. Local Governance & Environment: Central Equatoria and Lakes governors agreed to cut illegal border checkpoints, linking tensions to livestock movement and climate pressures. Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, spotlighting a vast antelope migration and wetlands. Heat & Disaster Preparedness: The meteorological service warned of extreme heat-stress conditions, while an editorial urged stronger preparedness as heavy rains and strong winds continue. Agriculture Support: Nimule received new fisheries and farming facilities, including fish handling and cold-chain infrastructure to reduce losses and improve local trade.

Oil revival & investment push: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry met partners to boost investment and production, aiming to turn the rebound into broader economic revival. Disaster risk & climate stress: The Meteorological Service warned of extreme heat-stress conditions, while heavy rains and strong winds in Juba are flagged as a wake-up call to strengthen early warning and drainage before the rainy months. Wildlife & conservation milestone: Boma-Badingilo’s UNESCO World Heritage listing spotlights one of Africa’s biggest land mammal migrations and puts South Sudan’s natural heritage on the global map. Food security pressure: UN emergency funding of $160m targets underfunded crises, including South Sudan, as East Africa hunger risks deepen amid El Niño-linked shocks. Local environment governance: Central Equatoria and Lakes states agreed to tackle illegal border checkpoints tied to livestock movement and climate pressures. Community resilience projects: Germany-backed programmes support women and girls, while Nimule received new fisheries and cold-chain facilities to cut losses and improve local trade. Health & safety: Lightning killed four SSPDF soldiers in Raja, underlining the need for storm safety measures.

Food Security Alarm: An opinion warns an East Africa hunger crisis is building, with Somalia’s severe acute malnutrition risk rising and El Niño-linked drought and erratic rains threatening children across the region, including South Sudan. Local Appointments & Elections Prep: Central Equatoria sworn in caretaker county commissioners and Juba City leadership, with a push for security, impartial civic education, and peaceful December elections. Women & Girls Support: Germany-backed projects will fund education, protection, menstrual health, and women’s economic empowerment in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal. Border & Climate Tensions: Central Equatoria and Lakes governors agreed to cut illegal checkpoints and manage livestock movement to reduce conflict driven by climate pressures. Extreme Heat Warning: The South Sudan Meteorological Service alerts communities to heat-stress conditions above 40°C in parts of the north and northeast, urging hydration and reduced outdoor strain. Disaster Preparedness: Editorials urge stronger early-warning and drainage checks as heavy rains and strong winds threaten flooding and damaged infrastructure. Wildlife Conservation Milestone: Boma-Badingilo’s Great Nile Migration was inscribed as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spotlighting a vast antelope migration and wetlands. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160M for 12 underfunded crises, including $15M for South Sudan. Agriculture & Markets: Yei River County opinion argues for a county-led market system to move farmers beyond subsistence through better finance, storage, and market linkages. Standards for Sustainable Development: South Sudan’s standards bureau joins the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and sustainable development capacity.

Local Governance & Elections: Central Equatoria swore in six caretaker county commissioners and Juba City leadership, with Governor Augustino Jadalla urging impartial service and election-ready security and civic education. Border Security & Climate Pressure: Central Equatoria and Lakes governors agreed to reduce illegal checkpoints along their shared border, linking tensions to livestock movement and climate-related pressures. Women, Education & Health: Germany is funding five community projects for women and girls across Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, targeting education, protection, economic empowerment, menstrual health and cohesion. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160M for 12 underfunded humanitarian crises, including $15M for South Sudan, via CERF to speed life-saving aid. Extreme Weather Risk: South Sudan Meteorological Service warned of extreme heat-stress above 40°C in parts of the north and northeast, urging hydration and limiting outdoor strain. Disaster Safety: Lightning struck an SSPDF barracks in Raja County, killing four soldiers—another reminder to improve storm safety in rural camps and facilities. Agriculture & Resilience: Yei River County faces a push from subsistence toward a county-led market system to strengthen storage, finance access and farm-to-market links. Fisheries & Food Systems: Nimule Municipality received new agriculture and fisheries facilities, including a farmers’ centre, fish selling area and a cold chain to cut losses and boost local trade. Wildlife & Conservation: Boma-Badingilo’s Great Nile Migration was recognized as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spotlighting a vast, largely unfenced wildlife corridor. Standards for Sustainable Development: South Sudan’s standards bureau joined the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and sustainable development links.

Agriculture & Markets: Yei River County’s new push argues subsistence farming is holding people back, calling for a county-led market system to link farmers, cooperatives, storage, finance, and buyers. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160m for 12 underfunded crises, including $15m for South Sudan, warning access and political will are still key. Wildlife & Conservation: Boma-Badingilo’s Great Nile Migration—nearly six million antelopes—was recognized as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, boosting protection and spotlighting wetlands and community livelihoods. Climate & Health: The South Sudan Meteorological Service warns of extreme heat-stress above 40°C in parts of the north and northeast, urging hydration and reduced outdoor work. Disaster Risk: A lightning strike killed four SSPDF soldiers in Raja County, underlining storm safety needs during the rainy season. Local Governance & Environment: Central Equatoria Governor Jadalla appointed caretaker county commissioners and named a Juba City deputy for environment and waste management. Food Security & Gender: A report flags South Sudan among the places where women and girls face the highest share of added food insecurity risk. Fisheries & Cold Storage: Nimule Municipality received new fisheries facilities, including fish selling areas and a cold chain at Nimule Market to cut losses and improve trade. Oil Sector Oversight: President Kiir appointed a caretaker national minister of petroleum, with renewed focus on regulation and accountability ahead of December elections.

Elections & Security: South Sudan’s ceasefire monitors (CTSAMVM) urged caretaker authorities and parties to show restraint, protect civilians, and secure humanitarian routes as insecurity remains unpredictable in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap and Central Equatoria. Standards & Trust: The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards joined the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen the country’s standards infrastructure and improve integration into regional and global markets. Oil Governance: President Salva Kiir appointed Awow Daniel Chuang as caretaker National Minister of Petroleum, aiming to improve regulation, accountability and coordination to attract investment ahead of the December elections. Local Administration: Central Equatoria Governor Jadalla named caretaker commissioners for six counties and reshuffled Juba City Council leadership, including an Environment and Waste Management deputy mayor. Community Safety: A former youth leader in Yei River County called out growing silence from leaders and rights groups amid reports of murder, robbery and rape, urging stronger community action. Regional Climate Risk: UN warnings highlighted hunger pressure as climate risks and insecurity deepen needs across the Horn and Eastern Africa. Energy & Industry (Regional): Kenya’s Lamu refinery push—700,000 b/d and $16bn—signals a major shift toward local processing, but also raises concerns over land, displacement and environmental impacts.

Local Governance & Environment: Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor, Augustino Jadalla, appointed new caretaker county commissioners and Juba City Council leadership, including an Environment and Waste Management deputy mayor, with duties starting 1 October 2026—an opening for faster sanitation and waste action in the capital. Security & Civilians: The ceasefire monitoring body CTSAMVM urged restraint by caretaker authorities and parties, warning the security situation stays unpredictable in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap and Central Equatoria, and called for better protection of civilians and safer humanitarian routes. Elections & Civic Space: The African Union renewed calls for political detainees’ release and a consensual electoral roadmap, while South Sudan’s UN envoy said the ballot must replace bullets—alongside stronger civic education and grassroots dialogue. Oil & Climate Risk: South Sudan appointed a caretaker national petroleum minister as it pushes to develop its hydrocarbons; at the same time, the wider region’s push for refining and energy projects raises questions about environmental and social impacts. Public Health & Waste: UNMISS said it may set up a temporary humanitarian base in Yei for Ebola preparedness and highlighted cooperation with Juba City and Juba County on waste management and recycling to tackle plastic-driven drainage blockages. Standards for Sustainability: South Sudan’s standards bureau joined the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and standards infrastructure, supporting safer trade and sustainable development. Crime in Yei: A Yei River County youth leader publicly questioned community and rights groups’ silence amid reports of murder, robbery and rape, calling for stronger local accountability.

Standards & Markets: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards sent its executive director to the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and build partnerships for trade and sustainable development. Security & Elections: The Ceasefire monitoring body CTSAMVM urged restraint by caretaker authorities and parties, warning the security environment remains unpredictable in states including Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap and Central Equatoria—while UNMISS flagged plans for a temporary humanitarian base in Yei and waste-management and recycling support to tackle plastic-driven drainage blockages. Waste, Water & Health: UNMISS said the Yei base would back Ebola preparedness and community peacebuilding, and it is working with local authorities on sanitation improvements linked to environmental conditions. Wildlife & Biodiversity: New research highlights that Nubian giraffes in South Sudan’s parks show surprisingly healthy genetics and gene flow despite decades of conflict, underscoring the need to protect biodiversity even in fragile settings. Regional Power & Climate Resilience: Uganda and South Sudan moved closer to electricity integration with a cross-border transmission project, aiming to improve reliability and affordability—key for climate-stressed communities.

Oil & Land Rights: Kenya’s Malindi Environment and Land Court ordered a “status quo” halt on construction linked to the proposed Sh2.2 trillion (about $16bn) Dangote Lamu refinery, after residents challenged land takeover, displacement and lack of resettlement/compensation ahead of a planned groundbreaking. Regional Energy & Climate Resilience: Uganda and South Sudan moved closer to power integration with a new cross-border 400kV transmission project, aimed at boosting electricity trade and reliability. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Research suggests South Sudan’s war-affected giraffe populations remain genetically healthy and connected, offering a hopeful case for conservation even amid conflict. Elections & Security: AU leaders urged South Sudan to press ahead with elections on 26 December while warning that conditions must be made free and credible; ceasefire monitors also urged parties to restrain and protect civilians. Humanitarian & Waste: UNMISS said it may set up a temporary humanitarian base in Yei for Ebola preparedness and highlighted waste management and recycling work to tackle plastic-driven drainage blockages. Food Systems & Climate Risk: WFP warned Somalia faces severe funding shortfalls as El Niño-linked climate risks could worsen hunger and displacement. Health Research Capacity: Makerere launched a regional initiative to strengthen clinical trial and epidemic preparedness capacity across multiple countries, including South Sudan.

Elections & Security: The African Union’s C5 committee, chaired by Cyril Ramaphosa, urged South Sudan to keep momentum toward first democratic elections on 26 December, warning that elections alone won’t be enough without conditions for a free, fair, credible vote, as President Kiir pushes defence leaders to create a secure environment. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Research finds South Sudan’s giraffes in conflict-affected savannas remain genetically healthy and connected to nearby populations, offering a hopeful case for conservation even amid insecurity. Power & Climate Resilience: Uganda and South Sudan moved closer to grid integration after a technical launch of the 400kV SUPIP interconnection, aiming to cut reliance on costly diesel and strengthen regional electricity trade. Humanitarian Pressure from Climate: WFP warned of severe funding shortfalls in the Horn of Africa, with El Niño-linked risks threatening food security and displacement, including in Ethiopia and Somalia. Food Systems & Farming: Farmers in Yei River County urged more practical support—irrigation, storage, roads, and affordable financing—to tackle rising food insecurity, while a young farmer reported promising rice results despite changing weather. Public Health & Environment: Juba City Council intensified weekly sanitation drives to improve cleanliness and public health. Land & Environment Disputes (Regional): Kenya’s courts paused construction linked to the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu after residents challenged land takeover and demanded compensation—an environmental justice signal for the region. Media & Climate Reporting: UJOSS urged journalists to intensify climate and environmental coverage as floods and extreme heat increasingly disrupt life.