AGP Executive Report

South Sudan Elections & Civic Space: Amnesty International urged South Sudan to protect civic freedoms and civic space ahead of the December 22 vote, warning that intimidation of journalists and civil society could undermine election legitimacy. Food Security Crisis: IGAD reports 40.3 million people across six countries facing acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest by proportion—about 55% in IPC Phase 3 or above—driven by conflict, climate shocks, and reduced aid. Climate & Water Safety: Türkiye Diyanet Foundation inaugurated a solar-powered borehole in Juba’s Kwerjik, delivering about 4,000 litres of clean water daily to replace polluted stream water. Waste & Sanitation: Juba City Council introduced nightly waste collection and intensified clean-up enforcement, warning against illegal dumping. Regional Integration & Climate Mitigation: South Sudan launched national consultations on the proposed EAC Political Confederation, with EAC officials highlighting trade, infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and deeper political integration. Election Readiness Concerns: Civil society flagged gaps in civic education, logistics, and legal preparedness for the December polls, especially in rural areas. Media for Climate Action: UJOSS and Oxfam trained journalists to report more deeply on climate change, environmental degradation, and the humanitarian-development-peace link. Water Resilience in the Horn: A UK-backed climate initiative (ARCAN) is laying groundwork for groundwater resilience across the Horn of Africa.

UN & diplomacy: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned the world is sliding toward “World War III,” linking it to loss of control over weapons, AI, climate and the economy. South Sudan politics: President Salva Kiir dissolved the Revitalized Transitional Government and moved to a caretaker setup ahead of the Dec. 22 vote, while civil society and rights groups say civic education, logistics and civic space remain weak. Elections & rights: Amnesty International urged protections for freedom of expression, assembly and journalists so elections can be credible. Food security & climate: IGAD reports 40.3 million people in six IGAD states face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan worst by share of population; El Niño-linked heat and rainfall risks are also raising health and hunger threats. Flooding risk: UN agencies warn projected El Niño rains could trigger major flooding in Somalia, worsening displacement and disease risk. Environment & sanitation: Juba City Council pushed nightly waste collection and clean-up enforcement to curb illegal dumping. Water, energy & resilience: AfDB approved a $5.1bn emergency buffer to tackle energy and fertilizer shocks affecting vulnerable countries including South Sudan; Japan’s new envoy pledged support for peace and self-reliance. Regional integration: South Sudan began national consultations on an EAC Political Confederation constitution, with EAC climate and trade priorities on the agenda. Media capacity: UJOSS and Oxfam urged journalists to report more deeply on climate, environmental degradation and humanitarian crises.

Energy & climate resilience: Aliko Dangote says his Lamu refinery will include a 1,000MW power plant, with 500MW offered for Kenya—aiming to deliver steadier “baseload” electricity via LNG, easing drought-linked hydropower swings. Food security crisis: IGAD reports 40.3 million people across six IGAD states face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan worst by share (about 55% in IPC Phase 3+), driven by conflict, climate shocks and reduced aid. El Niño health risks: WHO classifies the developing El Niño’s impacts in Africa as a Grade Three emergency, warning of flooding- and drought-linked disease outbreaks, worsening malnutrition and unsafe water—explicitly including South Sudan. Flood preparedness: OCHA flags Somalia risks from October–December rains, with flooding and displacement likely to strain sanitation and trigger waterborne disease—another reminder for the region’s vulnerable communities. Local environment reporting: UJOSS and Oxfam urge South Sudan journalists to move beyond event coverage toward deeper reporting on climate adaptation, environmental degradation and the humanitarian-development-peace link. Waste & sanitation enforcement: Juba City Council intensifies nightly waste collection and clean-up enforcement to curb illegal dumping. Plastic pollution push: Children are urged to lead anti-polythene action and schools to go plastic-free, alongside calls to protect water sources and curb polluting brick kilns. Regional integration & water: South Sudan joins EAC political confederation consultations, with climate mitigation and infrastructure priorities highlighted by EAC leaders.

Food Security Crisis: IGAD reports 40.3 million people across six Eastern African countries face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest (55% in IPC Phase 3 or above), driven by conflict, climate shocks and reduced aid. Climate & Health Risk: WHO classifies the developing El Niño’s health impacts as a Grade Three emergency, warning of flooding/drought-linked disease outbreaks and worsening malnutrition, including in South Sudan. Elections & Civic Space: As South Sudan’s transitional government is dissolved ahead of December 22 polls, civil society and Amnesty urge stronger civic education, logistics, and protections for freedom of expression and assembly. Regional Integration: South Sudan launches national consultations on the proposed EAC Political Confederation, while Kiir meets EAC leaders on trade, infrastructure and climate mitigation. Water & Resilience: A UK-backed programme is laying groundwork for groundwater resilience in the Horn of Africa, aiming to pair renewable power with water and risk management. Environment & Waste: Children are being urged to lead anti-polythene action from schools, alongside calls for safer water sources and tighter control of pollution. Trade & Fisheries: Fish traders complain about costly licensing and non-tariff barriers across borders, with women reporting harassment at landing sites and during licensing.

Food Security Crisis: IGAD says 40.3 million people across Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda face acute hunger in 2026, driven by conflict, drought, economic shocks and reduced aid—South Sudan has the highest share affected. Climate & Health Risk: WHO classifies the developing El Niño’s health impacts as a Grade Three emergency for Africa, warning of flooding-linked waterborne disease and drought-linked malnutrition, with South Sudan named among high-risk countries. Flood Watch: Lake Victoria levels rising has South Sudan on alert for possible Nile flooding, raising concerns for displacement and disease spread. Elections & Civic Space: As South Sudan moves toward December 22 polls, civil society and rights groups warn civic education and logistics are lagging and urge protection of civic space and journalists; Amnesty calls for freedoms so elections can be legitimate. Regional Integration & Trade: South Sudan begins national consultations on the EAC Political Confederation, while a new Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa pushes to cut trade barriers and improve cold-chain and climate-resilient production. Waste & Sanitation: Juba City Council intensifies sanitation enforcement and nightly waste collection to curb illegal dumping and improve urban cleanliness.

Food Security: IGAD says over 40.3 million people across Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda face acute food insecurity in 2026, driven by conflict, drought, shocks and reduced aid—urging a shift from reacting to emergencies to preventing them. Climate & Health: Somalia braces for El Niño rains that could affect up to 3.4 million people, with flooding raising risks of waterborne disease as health services struggle from funding gaps. Elections & Civic Space: Amnesty International and South Sudan civil society groups warn that December 22 polls may lack legitimacy unless authorities protect civic space, expression, assembly and safe participation. Governance & Power: President Salva Kiir dissolves the transitional unity government and appoints a caretaker administration, raising concerns about election readiness and political consensus. Water & Flood Risk: South Sudan issues warnings for possible Nile flooding as Lake Victoria levels rise, urging communities along the river—especially low-lying Juba—to prepare. Weather Forecast: The meteorological service forecasts moderate rainfall (30–100mm) in parts of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, with lighter rain elsewhere. Trade & Resilience: Nine Eastern African countries launch the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa to cut trade barriers, improve cold chains and logistics, and boost climate-resilient production. Humanitarian Leadership: UN chief António Guterres appoints a new UNMISS deputy humanitarian chief and coordinator for South Sudan.

El Niño heat emergency: Scientists warn a “Super El Niño” could push global temperatures to extreme levels, projecting about 451,000 additional heat-related deaths by early 2027, with developing regions hit hardest—Sahel countries including Sudan and Nigeria among the worst affected. Climate mobility research: Boston University hosted a seminar on how climate disasters drive displacement across Eastern Africa, using survey data from thousands of displaced people, including South Sudanese communities. Health risk alert: WHO classifies the El Niño health and humanitarian impacts as a Grade Three emergency for Africa, flagging flooding-linked cholera and other waterborne diseases, plus drought-driven food insecurity and malnutrition. Flood preparedness for South Sudan: South Sudan’s meteorology and water authorities forecast moderate rainfall in parts of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, while warning communities along the Nile to prepare for possible severe flooding as Lake Victoria levels rise. Sanitation push in the region: Juba and other local authorities intensify waste collection and cleanliness enforcement, while QRCS launches environmental sanitation campaigns to cut health risks from waste. Energy and power: South Sudan’s Energy and Dams Minister meets the EU to discuss support for electricity generation, renewable energy, and grid development. Elections and civic space: Amid political uncertainty and government dissolution ahead of December polls, CSOs and Amnesty urge conditions for safe, inclusive voting—an issue that also affects how communities prepare for climate shocks.

Elections & civic space: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and moved to a caretaker setup ahead of the December 22 polls, while SPLM-IO rejected the “unilateral” framework and Amnesty urged authorities to protect the right to vote and stand freely. Security & displacement: CTSAMVM warned violence and armed youth mobilization are making parts of the country more unpredictable, restricting movement and aid access. Climate shocks & health: WHO classified the developing El Niño’s health and humanitarian impacts as a Grade Three emergency across Africa, with flooding and drought expected to worsen disease outbreaks and food insecurity, including in South Sudan. Flood risk on the Nile: South Sudan warned communities along the Nile to prepare for possible severe flooding as Lake Victoria levels rise, with above-normal rainfall linked to El Niño. Water, sanitation & waste: Juba City Council launched nightly waste collection and crackdown on illegal dumping, while QRCS supported environmental sanitation campaigns in Khartoum—highlighting the region-wide push to cut health risks from poor waste management. Youth & livelihoods: Local youth groups in Khorwilliang called for better security, clean water, and skills training to reduce insecurity and unemployment. Energy & power: The Energy and Dams Minister met the EU to discuss electricity generation, grid development, and renewable energy support.

Flood Risk: South Sudan warned communities along the Nile, especially low-lying areas in Juba and other river towns, to prepare for severe riverine flooding as Lake Victoria is expected to reach record highs and drive higher downstream releases, with authorities citing above-normal basin rainfall linked to El Niño. El Niño Hunger Threat: Scientists project “Super El Niño” could add heat-related deaths on a massive scale globally, with drought and flooding risks that can worsen food insecurity across the region, including South Sudan. Security & Displacement: The ceasefire monitoring body CTSAMVM says renewed fighting, armed youth mobilization, and intercommunal violence are making the security situation unpredictable in parts of Upper Nile, Warrap, Central Equatoria, Jonglei, and Greater Pibor, disrupting movement and humanitarian access. Elections & Civic Space: President Salva Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and set a caretaker administration ahead of the first national elections on 22 December, while rights groups urge authorities to protect civic space for people to vote and stand freely. Sanitation & Waste: Juba City Council rolled out nightly waste collection and weekly clean-ups, warning against illegal dumping in roads and drainage channels. Water & Weather Watch: The meteorological service forecast moderate rainfall (30–100mm) in parts of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, with lighter rain elsewhere, urging communities and farmers to stay alert. Energy for Sustainability: The Energy and Dams Minister met the EU ambassador to discuss electricity projects, including renewable energy and grid support.

Lake Victoria Flood Watch: South Sudan’s Water Resources ministry warned communities along the Nile—including low-lying areas of Juba—could face severe riverine flooding as Uganda forecasts record-high Lake Victoria levels and higher downstream releases linked to El Niño. El Niño Drought Risk: IGAD’s climate advisory says below-normal rains across northern East Africa are worsening drought, threatening crops and pasture in parts of South Sudan and neighboring countries. Juba Sanitation Push: Juba City Council rolled out nightly waste collection and intensified weekly clean-ups, warning residents and businesses against illegal dumping in roads and drainage channels. Energy for Access: South Sudan’s Energy and Dams minister met the EU ambassador to discuss electricity generation, renewable energy, and grid support, aiming for a more sustainable power system. Humanitarian Access Tension: The government rejected U.S. claims about obstruction in humanitarian operations, saying concerns should be handled through specific channels. Elections & Civic Space: Amnesty urged authorities to protect civic space ahead of December elections, stressing safe voting and freedom from discrimination. Public Health Alerts: South Sudan reported cholera, measles, and other health threats in its weekly update.

Lake Victoria Flood Watch: South Sudan has raised the alarm after Uganda warned that rising Lake Victoria levels could trigger severe riverine flooding downstream along the Nile, with Juba and other low-lying areas among the most at risk. Public Health Alerts: South Sudan reported ongoing cholera, measles and other health threats in week 37, as water, sanitation and hygiene interventions continue amid high emergency pressure. Sanitation Push in Juba: Juba City Council introduced nightly waste collection and intensified enforcement, while Juba County and Central Equatoria State joined weekly clean-up campaigns urging residents and businesses to stop illegal dumping. Peace, Finance and Climate Link: UN and AU leaders met in New York to press for reforming the international financial system, strengthening African peace mechanisms, and addressing climate impacts on food security. Conservation Win for Biodiversity: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks received UNESCO World Heritage status, spotlighting migratory birds and the country’s wildlife value. Agriculture Resilience: Central Equatoria plans to distribute 250,000 cocoa seedlings to boost rural livelihoods, alongside broader efforts to strengthen food security.

Public Health Watch: South Sudan’s week 37 update flags ongoing cholera and measles threats, with 47 new cholera cases and one death reported across five counties, and active transmission concentrated in Rubkona, Mayom and Renk. Peace & Resources: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and UN Secretary-General António Guterres co-chaired talks on peace and security, debt sustainability and making sure Africa benefits from critical minerals. Clean Cities: Central Equatoria Governor Adil joined Juba’s weekly “Keep Juba Clean, Green and Safe” clean-up, urging residents to stop littering and follow city by-laws. Local Governance & Environment: Juba City Council intensified night waste collection along major roads, warning traders and citizens against dumping waste in public places. Food Security Under Climate Pressure: WFP warns “Super El Niño” is already worsening hunger, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and funding gaps risking more people losing food aid by October. Agriculture Support: Central Equatoria plans to distribute 250,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers, with a pilot scaling up to five million seedlings. Trade & Pollution Risks: South Sudan and Uganda signed a customs MoU to strengthen e-permits, improve revenue protection and curb diversion of goods along the trade corridor. Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan’s parks gain momentum as Boma and Badingilo move toward World Heritage support for birds and biodiversity.

El Niño Hunger Spike: WFP warns “Super El Niño” is already hitting South Sudan’s farms, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and up to a million more at risk of losing food aid by October as funding gaps bite. Flood Risk & Preparedness Gaps: Uganda’s El Niño plan is costed but still awaiting funding, leaving limited ability to pre-position supplies and equipment as heavy rains test roads and drainage. Conservation Boost for Birds: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks gained UNESCO World Heritage status, raising hopes for stronger protection of migratory and resident birdlife. Oil Pollution Accountability: An op-ed flags a hazardous oil-waste pond incident in Unity State as a sign of wider environmental harm, calling for stronger enforcement, independent audits, and public reporting. Health Access in Remote Areas: Mission Aviation Fellowship continues flying South Sudanese babies with hydrocephalus to Uganda for life-saving surgery, highlighting how lack of local neurosurgery drives cross-border care. Trade & Customs: South Sudan and Uganda signed a customs MoU to improve e-permits, information sharing, and transit controls—aimed at reducing tax evasion and keeping goods moving legally.

Super El Niño & food security: WFP warns “super El Niño” is already worsening hunger in South Sudan, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and up to another million at risk of losing food aid by October as drought hits even fertile areas and funding gaps tighten. Humanitarian access & health risks: The IRC reports heavy El Niño-linked rains and flooding in Mogadishu have disrupted services at the Ariif Health Centre, highlighting how extreme weather can quickly overwhelm fragile health systems. Climate preparedness gaps: Uganda’s El Niño rain preparations are being questioned after Kampala flooding disrupted roads and businesses, raising the issue of how early warnings translate into real action. Biodiversity & conservation: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo national parks received UNESCO World Heritage status, boosting hopes for protection of migratory birds and wider biodiversity support. Oil pollution accountability: A Unity State MP issued a 30-day ultimatum to GPOC to fence and mark hazardous oil waste ponds and pits and set up community safety and early warning systems. Trade & environment-linked governance: South Sudan and Uganda signed a customs cooperation MoU to improve e-permit enforcement and reduce diversion of goods, supporting more predictable cross-border trade. Urban sanitation: Juba City Council intensified night waste collection along main roads, urging traders and residents to use designated dumping areas. Wildlife monitoring: CITES added Cross River and Okomu National Parks to the MIKE elephant monitoring network, strengthening illegal killing tracking across Africa.

Super El Niño & Hunger: WFP warns “super El Niño” is already worsening South Sudan’s hunger crisis, with 7.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and another million at risk of losing food aid access by October as drought hits even fertile areas and violence and displacement pile on. Disaster Preparedness: A regional push for El Niño readiness is colliding with reality—Uganda reports early warning systems, but Kampala’s flooding shows how preparedness must translate into action like drainage clearing and evacuation capacity. Biodiversity & Conservation: UNESCO World Heritage status for South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks is expected to boost support for migratory birds and rich biodiversity. Waste & Urban Cleanliness: Juba City Council intensifies night waste collection along main roads, urging traders and residents to use designated areas and warning of legal action for dumping in public spaces. Oil Pollution Accountability: A Unity State MP issues a 30-day ultimatum to GPOC to fence and mark hazardous oil waste ponds and pits, and to set up community safety and early warning systems—while an op-ed calls for stronger enforcement and public environmental audits. Food Systems & Livelihoods: Government and FAO launch a resilient livestock project in Terekeka to improve livestock management, cut zoonotic disease risks, and strengthen sustainable incomes. Trade & Environment Link: South Sudan and Uganda sign a customs MoU to improve e-permit enforcement and curb diversion of goods—aiming for more predictable cross-border trade that can support stability for communities.

Super El Niño & Hunger Crisis: The World Food Programme warns South Sudan’s hunger is worsening fast: 7.8 million people face acute food insecurity, with drought already damaging even fertile areas, and another million could lose life-saving food support by October as funding runs out. El Niño Weather Risk: UN-linked reporting highlights how extreme El Niño conditions are already disrupting farming and could intensify across the region, compounding displacement and insecurity. Food Security Numbers: A separate regional snapshot shows South Sudan among the hardest hit in crisis-level food insecurity, underscoring how climate shocks and conflict are stacking up. Biodiversity Boost: Boma and Badingilo national parks have gained UNESCO World Heritage status, spotlighting migratory birds and resident species and raising hopes for stronger conservation support. Oil Pollution Accountability: A Unity State lawmaker issued a 30-day ultimatum to GPOC to fence and mark hazardous oil waste ponds and pits, and to set up community safety and early-warning reporting. Local Waste Management: Juba City Council intensified night waste collection along main roads, urging traders and residents to use designated dumping areas. Conservation Monitoring: Cross River and Okomu national parks were added to CITES’ MIKE elephant monitoring network, expanding systematic wildlife tracking across Africa. Customs & Trade: South Sudan and Uganda signed a customs cooperation MoU, including stronger e-permit enforcement to curb tax evasion and improve control of goods on the trade corridor. Livestock Resilience: FAO and national/state partners launched a Resilient Livestock Sector Project in Terekeka to reduce animal and zoonotic disease and improve livelihoods. Youth Skills: DMI Sisters and Strome Foundation graduated 83 young people in vocational trades like plumbing and tailoring to support self-reliance.