AGP Executive Report

Hunger Crisis Warning: UN agencies say South Sudan is nearing a tipping point as escalating conflict, climate shocks and a funding shortfall push millions toward acute hunger, with aid now rationed to IPC “catastrophe” areas. El Niño Climate Risk: The WMO warns there’s an 80–90% chance of a strong El Niño, raising the odds of drought and heavy rainfall and increasing heatwave risks across vulnerable regions, including parts of the Horn of Africa. Water Stress Reality Check: A new global map highlights how many countries are using far more freshwater than nature can replace, with Sudan among the most water-stressed—an environmental pressure that can spill into food and displacement risks for the region. Security & Elections: Peace monitors report recurring ceasefire violations and delays in security reforms, warning that instability could derail preparations for South Sudan’s planned December 2026 elections. Yei Youth Protection: In Yei River County, leaders back a ban on children under 18 entering discos and nightclubs, linking the move to concerns over drug abuse, crime and violence. Governance & Budget: The Cabinet approved an SSP 11.3 trillion 2026/27 budget framework and tightened tax-exemption rules, setting the stage for parliamentary debate.

South Sudan Budget Watch: The Council of Ministers approved an SSP 11.3 trillion resource envelope and expenditure framework for 2026/27, sending it to parliament for scrutiny, while also tightening tax exemptions for imports of alcohol, cigarettes, vehicles and other non-exempt goods. Hunger and Climate Stress: UN agencies warn South Sudan is nearing a hunger tipping point as conflict and climate shocks collide with an underfunded aid budget, pushing millions into Crisis levels and rationing support to the worst-hit areas. Peace and Security Risks: CTSAMVM says ceasefire violations and slow security reforms—plus funding shortfalls—are undermining the 2018 peace deal and could derail preparations for elections. Ebola Funding Crunch (Regional): WHO warns the DRC Ebola response is being blocked by lack of funds and insecurity, with only a small share of pledged money reaching operations. El Niño Drought Threat: WMO flags a high chance of a strong El Niño, raising risks of drought in parts of the Horn of Africa and other dry corridors, alongside heavier rain elsewhere. Wildlife/Environment Angle: UNESCO’s decision looms on Badingilo migratory landscape heritage bid, spotlighting conservation stakes. Local Land Rights: Arua Airfield expansion landowners demand transparent valuation and compensation after years of delay, raising concerns about how affected plots are mapped.

Food Security Crisis: UN agencies warn South Sudan is nearing a hunger tipping point as conflict, climate shocks, and a funding shortfall push millions toward acute hunger, with aid being rationed to the most severe IPC Phase 5 areas. Ebola & Health Systems: WHO says lack of funding and insecurity in eastern DRC are hampering the Ebola response, with the outbreak projected to surge and health workers stretched thin. Peace & Security Risks: CTSAMVM raises fresh alarms over recurring ceasefire violations, delayed security reforms, and chronic funding gaps that could derail South Sudan’s election preparations. Rainy-Season Cleanliness: Juba City Council is urged to ensure cleanliness during the rainy season, as sanitation risks grow. Agriculture & Seeds: University of Juba convenes stakeholders in Yei to strengthen local seed systems and boost climate-resilient farming. Border Trade & Livelihoods: South Sudan and Ethiopia agree to tighten cross-border trade and security cooperation, aiming to curb illegal trade and improve services for border communities. Renewables Push: UNDP calls for faster transition from fossil fuels to renewables, warning oil dependence fuels conflict, supply shocks, and environmental damage. Wildlife Trade Warning: Reporting highlights how chimpanzees are being harmed by the global wildlife trade.

Ebola & Public Health: UNDP warns the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is also a deep economic shock, potentially pushing nearly one million more people into poverty and hitting jobs, schooling, and health services across the region, including South Sudan. Peace & Security: CTSAMVM raised fresh alarm over recurring ceasefire violations and delays in security reforms, saying funding gaps and breaches could derail South Sudan’s 2026 election preparations. Elections & Governance: The government defended its December 2026 election roadmap at RJMEC, arguing the country can’t extend the transition again after amendments removed the constitution and census requirements. Climate & Food Systems: University of Juba stakeholders met in Yei to strengthen local seed systems and agricultural resilience through the HARVEST project, aiming to boost productivity and food security. Renewables Push: UNDP called for faster shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy, warning oil dependence fuels conflict, supply disruptions, and environmental harm. Wildlife/Environment Note: UNESCO decision looms on Badingilo migratory landscape heritage bid, keeping conservation on the agenda. Regional Cooperation: IGAD concluded a cyber drill urging stronger cross-border cooperation to protect critical infrastructure and public trust.

Security & Elections: CTSAMVM warned South Sudan must urgently speed up the 2018 peace deal’s transitional security arrangements, saying delays and ongoing violence in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and parts of Equatoria could derail planned elections. Cross-Border Trade & Livelihoods: Greater Pibor and Ethiopia agreed in Addis Ababa to strengthen border trade, security, and legal commerce under the Border Trade Protocol, while cracking down on illegal trade. Health Systems & Outbreak Risk: UNDP says the DRC Ebola outbreak is also a development and economic shock that could push hundreds of thousands more into poverty across the region, including South Sudan, with women hit hardest. Child Protection in Conflict: Defence Minister Chol Thon vowed zero tolerance for grave violations against children, promising investigation and prosecution for recruitment and abuse. Climate & Food Security: University of Juba convened stakeholders in Yei to strengthen local seed systems and agricultural resilience through the HARVEST project. Urban Cleanliness & Rainy Season: Central Equatoria’s governor directed Juba City Council leadership to tackle littering and improve urban management, aiming to keep the capital clean and green. Digital Safety: IGAD cyber drill participants urged stronger regional cooperation and plans for an information-sharing center to defend critical systems.

Climate & Food Security: UN OCHA warns South Sudan’s food crisis will likely worsen through late 2026 as drought risks rise with forecasts of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures, alongside conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks, and shrinking humanitarian funding. Health & Outbreak Risk: UNDP analysis says the DRC Ebola outbreak is also a development and economic shock that could push hundreds of thousands more into poverty, with women hit hardest; meanwhile, DRC has banned public gatherings in parts of Kinshasa and provinces to curb transmission. Agriculture & Seeds: University of Juba convened stakeholders in Yei to strengthen local seed systems and agricultural resilience through the HARVEST project, linking research findings with farmer needs. Urban Environment: Central Equatoria governor directs Juba City Council leadership to tackle littering and improve urban management, aiming to keep the capital clean, green, and safe during the rainy season. Water & Rainfall Signals: Kenya’s meteorological outlook for July points to generally dry, sunny conditions in many areas, but cooler, cloudy mornings and light rains around Nairobi and parts of the Highlands—useful context for regional weather planning. Air & Weather Services: ICAO approved the Juba Flight Information Region, shifting responsibility for air traffic services including weather updates and emergency coordination to South Sudan.

Ebola & Public Health: UNDP warns DRC’s Ebola outbreak is also a deep development and economic shock, with travel and trade restrictions pushing hundreds of thousands toward poverty, especially women—while Africa CDC reports Ebola has reached 1,274 confirmed cases and 96 infected health workers, keeping South Sudan in the regional spotlight. Climate & Food Security: UN says climate shocks are driving South Sudan’s severe food crisis, with forecasts pointing to below-average rains and hotter conditions that could worsen drought risk, water scarcity, livestock losses, and malnutrition. Health System Support: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health is sending supportive supervision teams across multiple states to assess facilities and health projects under the Health Sector Transformation Project. Urban Environment & Sanitation: Juba City leadership is urged to tackle rainy-season cleanliness—blocked drains, flooding, and waste are fueling disease risks like malaria. Agriculture Resilience: University of Juba convenes stakeholders in Yei to strengthen local seed systems and agricultural resilience through better seed production and distribution. Governance & Service Delivery: Central Equatoria governor directs Juba City Council’s new deputy mayor to improve urban management, including road opening and market planning, alongside reducing litter. Airspace & Environment Link: ICAO approves the Juba Flight Information Region, shifting airspace management to national institutions—an important step for safer operations and emergency coordination.

Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with Africa CDC reporting 1,274 confirmed cases and 96 health workers infected, raising fears of spread toward South Sudan. Health Systems: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health is sending supportive supervision teams to Yirol, Kapoeta, Aweil, Yambio and more to track health service delivery and gaps under the Health Sector Transformation Project. Food & Climate Risk: UN warns South Sudan’s food crisis may intensify through late 2026 as drought risks rise with forecasts of below-average rains and hotter temperatures, alongside displacement and funding shortfalls. Rainy-Season Sanitation: Juba City Council is urged to step up cleanliness and waste management during rains, as blocked drainage and garbage can worsen flooding and disease risks. Conservation & Heritage: South Sudan awaits UNESCO’s decision on its first-ever World Heritage nomination, the Badingilo Migratory Landscape, which could boost conservation momentum. Airspace Control: ICAO approved the Juba Flight Information Region, moving airspace management responsibilities to South Sudan’s institutions. Health Funding: The US and South Sudan signed a $166m health cooperation deal, with South Sudan contributing nearly $20m for clinical care, worker payments and vaccine cold-chain maintenance. Urban Governance: Central Equatoria’s governor directed Juba’s new deputy mayor to tackle road opening, market planning, and littering to keep the capital clean and safe. Telecom Costs: NCA approved phased telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustments, drawing criticism as consumers brace for higher phone and internet costs.

Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with Africa CDC reporting 1,274 confirmed cases and 96 health workers infected, while DRC also banned public gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces to slow community spread. Food & Climate Risk: UN warns South Sudan’s food crisis will likely deepen through late 2026 as drought risks rise, with forecasts pointing to below-average rains and above-average temperatures, alongside displacement and funding shortfalls. Airspace Control: ICAO approved the creation of the Juba Flight Information Region, shifting responsibility for managing South Sudan’s airspace to national institutions and improving weather and emergency coordination. Conservation & Heritage: South Sudan submitted its first UNESCO World Heritage nomination, the Badingilo Migratory Landscape, for consideration next month in Busan. Urban Cleanliness: Eastern Equatoria’s governor swore in new county commissioners, while Juba’s deputy mayor was tasked with road opening, market planning, and tackling litter to keep the capital “clean, green and safe.” Health Funding: The US and South Sudan finalized a $166m health cooperation deal, with South Sudan contributing nearly $20m for clinical care, worker payments, and vaccine cold-chain upkeep. Governance & Money: A lawmaker warned EAC debt could rise to about $24m if arrears aren’t settled, and South Sudan’s telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustment drew public backlash. Mining Policy: South Sudan backed a continental minerals governance strategy after ratifying the Africa Minerals Strategy Group charter in Abuja.

Climate & Food Security: UN warns South Sudan’s food crisis will worsen through late 2026 as drought risks rise, rainfall is forecast to be below average, and displacement and funding gaps deepen hunger and malnutrition. UNESCO & Conservation: South Sudan submitted its first-ever UNESCO World Heritage nomination, the Badingilo Migratory Landscape, for review next month in Busan—aiming to boost conservation and international visibility. Wildlife & Health Spillover: DRC escalated Ebola controls, banning public gatherings in Kinshasa and parts of Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele, while Africa CDC reports cases reaching 1,274 with 96 health workers infected—an urgent reminder of how outbreaks and environment-linked mobility can collide. Mining & Local Environment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspended mining operations in Nakere after community unrest tied to alleged environmental damage and weak local benefits, calling for better engagement. Agroforestry Research: Universities including University of Juba joined a regional project to strengthen agroforestry research and training to help climate mitigation. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s NCA approved a phased telecom tariff exchange-rate adjustment, drawing criticism as consumers brace for higher call and internet costs.

UNESCO & Conservation: South Sudan has submitted its first UNESCO World Heritage nomination, the Badingilo Migratory Landscape, for review next month in Busan—potentially boosting conservation and international visibility. Mining & Environment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong has temporarily suspended mining operations in Nakere after community unrest tied to alleged environmental damage, weak local benefits, and poor engagement. Climate Risk & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action appeal for El Niño impacts, with South Sudan among countries seeking support to protect millions before crises hit. Agroforestry Research: Universities across Africa, including the University of Juba, are joining a four-year agroforestry research and education push to help mitigate climate change. Health & Resilience: The U.S. and South Sudan finalized a $166m health cooperation deal focused on infectious disease control, cold-chain capacity, and faster outbreak response. Energy Access: A World Bank “Mission 300” update shows electrification gains across Africa, while highlighting persistent gaps where some countries still record zero new connections. Elections & Governance: Ahead of December 22, the Political Parties Council says it has inducted new registration officers and inspectors to strengthen electoral integrity.

Elections & Governance: South Sudan’s December 22 general election faces fresh doubts as the chief mediator warns the country is not ready, pointing to security, legal gaps, funding shortfalls, and the lack of voter registration and identity cards. Mining & Environment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspends mining operations in Nakere after community unrest tied to alleged environmental damage, weak local benefits, and poor engagement. Public Health & Risk: Experts warn the fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in the DRC could reach South Sudan within weeks, stressing weak border surveillance and contact tracing. Economy & Cash Access: The Economic Cluster lifts the 10 million SSP cash withdrawal limit, aiming to restore confidence and liquidity after a policy-driven banking squeeze. Humanitarian Access & Climate Impacts: WFP hands over an upgraded all-weather airstrip in Leer to improve year-round access in flood-prone areas. Telecoms & Services: South Sudan’s telecom operators adjust the tariff exchange rate after NCA approval, citing inflation and rising operating costs. Education & Quality: Education experts question claims about scholarship students underperforming abroad, calling for verified data. Water & Health Baseline: A global map highlights where safe drinking water remains out of reach, with over 2 billion people still lacking safely managed services.

Water & Health Access: A new global map shows how far South Sudan still has to go on safely managed drinking water, with billions worldwide lacking it at home—an issue that hits hardest where water is unreliable or contaminated. Economic Stability: The Economic Cluster lifted South Sudan’s 10 million SSP cash withdrawal cap, aiming to restore confidence and liquidity after earlier limits worsened banking stress and cash hoarding. Education Quality: Education experts are questioning claims that students abroad are underperforming despite strong local exam results, calling for verified data before blaming the system. Mining & Environment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily suspended mining operations in Nakere after community unrest tied to alleged environmental damage and weak local benefits. Telecoms & Pollution of Costs: South Sudan’s telecom regulator approved a tariff exchange-rate adjustment, with operators saying it’s needed to keep networks running amid inflation and currency pressure. Ebola Risk: International health agencies raised the DRC Ebola response level as cases and deaths climb, with experts warning South Sudan could face spread within weeks. Humanitarian Access: WFP handed over an all-weather airstrip in Leer to improve year-round access in flood-prone areas. Climate Hazards: UNICEF reports over a billion children face overlapping climate threats—heat, floods, drought and more—raising risks to health and schooling. Refugee Pressure on Resources: Coverage from Uganda highlights how underfunding is driving hunger and accelerating deforestation in refugee settlements, worsening pressure on wetlands and land.

Ebola Watch: The CDC raised its DRC Ebola response to the highest emergency level as cases and deaths climb past 1,200 and 300, with Africa CDC warning weak contact tracing could make it the largest outbreak yet—and experts say it could reach South Sudan within weeks. Public Health Funding: The UN says Burundi and South Sudan are at risk of cross-border spread and is pushing donors to fund surveillance, labs, case management and infection control. Mining & Environment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong temporarily halted mining in Nakere after community unrest tied to alleged environmental damage and poor local benefits, ordering tighter engagement and prevention measures. Telecom & Access: South Sudan’s telecom tariffs are set to rise via a phased exchange-rate adjustment approved by the NCA, as operators cite inflation, fuel costs and limited foreign currency. Humanitarian Access: WFP handed over an upgraded all-weather airstrip in Leer to improve year-round delivery in flood-prone areas. Displacement & Services: Unity State took over health service delivery at Bentiu IDP camp after IOM’s handover, aiming to keep primary care running. Climate Risk: UNICEF reports 1.1 billion children face overlapping climate hazards, with heat, floods and air pollution threatening health and schooling. Elections Readiness: Concerns grow over South Sudan’s December 22 vote as security, legal gaps, funding and voter registration remain unresolved.

Ebola Preparedness: The US CDC has upgraded its Ebola response in the DRC to its highest emergency level as confirmed cases pass 1,200 and deaths top 300, with Africa CDC warning that weak contact tracing could let the outbreak grow further. Public Health Risk for South Sudan: Experts warn the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak could reach South Sudan within weeks, pointing to gaps in border surveillance and contact tracing. Refugee Pressure on Land and Forests: Uganda’s refugee model is under strain as funding drops and food rations are cut, driving hunger, conflict, and faster deforestation in settlements where nearly all households rely on wood fuel. Mining and Environment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong has temporarily halted mining operations in Nakere after community unrest tied to alleged environmental damage and limited local benefits. Telecom and Connectivity Costs: South Sudan’s telecom regulator approved a phased tariff exchange-rate adjustment, with operators citing inflation, fuel costs, and weak access to foreign currency. Humanitarian Access Infrastructure: WFP handed over an upgraded all-weather airstrip in Leer to improve year-round access in flood-prone areas. Climate Hazards for Children: UNICEF reports 1.1 billion children globally face at least three overlapping climate hazards, with impacts on health, education, and survival.

Mining & Environment: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong has temporarily suspended mining operations in Nakere (Kapoeta South) after community unrest tied to alleged environmental damage, weak local benefits, and poor engagement, following a consultative meeting with affected companies. Health & Disease Risk: Experts warn the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak in the DRC could reach South Sudan within weeks, highlighting fragile border surveillance and response capacity. Telecoms & Access: South Sudan’s National Communication Authority approved a phased adjustment to the telecom tariff exchange rate effective June 26, citing inflation, fuel costs, and limited foreign currency to keep services running. Humanitarian Access & Flood Resilience: WFP handed over an upgraded all-weather airstrip in Leer County to improve year-round access in a flood-prone area. Land & Governance: Juba County plans to digitalise its land registration system to reduce multiple ownership claims, fraud, and land transfer disputes. Education & Community Safety: Madhol community members in Aweil East urgently appealed for renovation support for Madhol Primary School after heavy winds damaged buildings. Public Health Services: Unity State government took over health service delivery at Bentiu IDP camp after IOM handed over a facility, aiming for uninterrupted primary care. Climate Risk (Global Lens): UNICEF reports over one billion children worldwide face overlapping climate hazards, including heat, floods, drought, and air pollution—an urgent reminder for climate-proofing services.