AGP Executive Report

Sports Spotlight: South Sudan’s Bright Stars will be celebrated in Juba on Sept 3 after sweeping Tunisia, Nigeria and Guinea to edge closer to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Community Sports: The EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports playground in Terekeka, backing Sport for Development and youth inclusion. Inclusive Football: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support to the Deaf Football Federation to grow deaf football nationwide, including training, referees and equipment. Health & Care: Ahead of World Hydrocephalus Day, a cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants reach brain surgery in Uganda through MAF, CURE Uganda and Usratuna. Security & Church Life: Two Carmelite members survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway, five years after sisters were killed on the same route. Tech & Learning: A South Sudanese software engineer is urging AI lessons in the national education curriculum to help students spot AI-made content. Policy & Media: Parliament ordered journalists out during a constitutional amendment debate, while the government dismissed circulating documents as fake and fraudulent. Telecom Costs: Telecom operators were ordered to pay government revenue in cash as citizens complain about rising internet bundle prices.

Parliament & Media: South Sudan’s RTNLA Speaker Joseph Ngere ordered journalists and the public out of constitutional amendment proceedings in Juba, approving the bill behind closed doors—prompting sharp criticism that democracy is being suffocated. Government & Telecoms: The Economic Reform Committee ordered MTN, Zain and Digitel to pay government revenue in cash, while also cracking down on “unlawful tax exemptions” as prices and market pressures rise. Information Minister Pushback: Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed circulating online documents as fake and fraudulent, including claims tied to a $15 million payment and a senior appointment, and said he does not know who owns one named firm. Tech & Education: A South Sudanese software engineer urged AI lessons in the school curriculum so students can spot AI-generated images and misinformation. Sports Inclusion: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support for Deaf Football Development, backing a nationwide program and talent identification efforts. Health & Tobacco Control: South Sudan is preparing to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with a stakeholder meeting in Juba to strengthen prevention and protections for children. Arts & Culture (Regional): Sharjah announced its 2026/27 programme of 40+ festivals and forums, including the Sharjah Narrative Forum starting Sept 8. Streaming Buzz: Gerard Butler’s action thriller “Machine Gun Preacher” continues gaining traction on streaming.

Parliament & Media: South Sudan’s parliament ordered journalists and the public out of constitutional amendment proceedings in Juba, approving the bill behind closed doors—sparking fresh calls for transparency. Sports Inclusion: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support for Deaf Football Development, backing a nationwide structured program after talks with the Deaf Football Federation in Juba. Tech & Learning: A South Sudanese software engineer urged AI lessons in the national education curriculum so students can spot AI-made images and misinformation. Legal Community: South Sudanese lawyers are in Cairo for the Pan African Lawyers Union conference, with discussions on AI in justice and governance. Public Accountability: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed social-media documents alleging a $15 million influence payment and a linked appointment, calling them fake and promising investigation. Health & Tobacco Control: South Sudan is pushing to ratify the WHO tobacco control treaty with a stakeholder meeting in Juba. Telecom Reform: Telecom operators were ordered to pay government revenue in cash as part of economic reforms. Humanitarian Nutrition: Japan pledged about $2.2m to WFP for lifesaving nutrition support for women and children in hard-hit areas. Culture & Identity: A feature highlights Tupac Shakur’s enduring influence across Africa, including South Sudanese street culture.

AI & Education: South Sudanese software engineer Chol Daniel Deng urges the government to integrate basic AI lessons into the national curriculum so learners can spot AI-made images and content online. Public Health & Policy: South Sudan is pushing to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with a Juba meeting bringing together ministries, parliament, law enforcement, health institutions, civil society and UN partners to build support for stronger tobacco-control laws. Security & Governance: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny dismisses an alleged coup plot as “non-existent,” saying the claims are rumor-based and unverified. Opposition Update: SPLM/A-IO acting leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino suspends the interim secretary-general and seven senior officials, accusing them of trying to create parallel structures while Riek Machar remains detained. Health Media: WHO launches a health journalism award in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health information into simple language for the public. Community Health: NBTS urges regular blood donations, highlighting urgent needs for mothers during childbirth and for accident and gunshot victims. Sports Buzz: Tickets are on sale and the BNZ Breakers head to the NBL Blitz Loggins-Bruton Cup in Bendigo as they prepare a new-look roster. Culture & Faith: A report highlights South Sudanese doctors continuing the dream of late Father Lee Tae-seok through a scholarship program in Korea.

Basketball Spotlight: FIBA has released its top 20 players to watch at the 2026 Women’s World Cup, with global stars like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark headlining the list, plus names including Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu and Mali’s Sika Kone. South Sudan Health & Media: WHO launched health journalism awards in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health info into simple, public-friendly language. Humanitarian Support: Japan pledged about USD 2.2 million through WFP for lifesaving nutrition for vulnerable women and children in South Sudan, targeting hard-hit areas. Community Life: South Sudan’s NBTS urged regular blood donation, saying mosques are key sources for restocking the blood bank as demand rises. Sports & National Pride: Eye Radio highlighted the “Bright Stars” as a fresh narrative for South Sudan beyond conflict—built on talent, discipline, and hope. Security Update: SSPDF said increased Juba patrols are meant to maintain stability and counter rumors, stressing presidential authorization. ICT & Trust: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny rejected “fake” Crawford documents circulating online and said he doesn’t know the firms’ owners. Opposition Shake-up: SPLM-IO acting leader Oyet suspended its interim secretary-general and seven senior officials amid internal power struggles.

Media & Migration: South Sudanese journalists were urged to use accurate, balanced and dignified language when reporting on migrant workers, after rights advocates warned that careless wording can fuel stigma and misinformation. Public Health Media: The WHO launched Health Journalism Awards in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health information into simple, public-friendly language. Blood Donation Drive: The National Blood Transfusion Service called for regular blood donations, warning demand is high for mothers in childbirth complications, accident victims and other emergencies. Sports & Pride: The Bright Stars’ national basketball push is being celebrated as a fresh, hopeful story for South Sudan beyond conflict headlines. Travel & Tourism Buzz: Jettofly was named South Sudan’s Leading Travel Agency 2026 at the World Travel Awards, while travel features spotlight luxury safari stays and the Serengeti’s big-five appeal. Security Update: SSPDF says increased Juba street patrols are meant to maintain stability and counter rumors. Ebola Watch: Health agencies warn Ebola could spread from eastern DRC across the border, with screening and community education underway. Humanitarian Funding: Japan pledged about USD 2.2m to WFP to tackle malnutrition for vulnerable women and children in hard-hit South Sudan communities.

Health Journalism: WHO launched Health Journalism Awards in Juba to help journalists and creators translate health info into simple, public-friendly language. Blood Donation Drive: NBTS urged South Sudanese to donate regularly, saying blood demand is rising for mothers in childbirth complications, accidents, gunshot injuries, and severe illnesses. Community Sports: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated sports ground in Terekeka to promote youth engagement, teamwork, and peaceful coexistence. Ebola Preparedness: WHO and partners stepped up screening and public education at a DRC border crossing in Western Equatoria as Ebola risk grows across the frontier. Security Update: SSPDF said increased Juba street patrols are meant to show stability and counter rumors, with presidential authorization confirmed. Entertainment & Film: Gerard Butler’s real-story action drama Machine Gun Preacher is climbing streaming charts again on Paramount+. Model Search: Kenya’s tourism ministry endorsed Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 as scouting begins in Nairobi, with casting planned across communities. Sports (Basketball): South Sudan’s Bright Stars beat Guinea 81-71 in FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers, keeping their pace-and-shooting style on track.

Modeling & Youth Culture: Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism has endorsed Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 as nationwide scouting kicks off in Nairobi, with casting set to reach Turkana and Maasai communities and the contest open to women aged 18–26 across Kenya and 10 other African countries, ending in a Nairobi grand finale on 21 Nov 2026. Security & Public Trust: SSPDF says increased security deployments and street patrols in Juba have “no bad intentions,” pointing to a stability-focused assessment and presidential authorization to counter rumors during President Salva Kiir’s travel. Sports & Community Life: The EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports ground in Terekeka to boost youth engagement and peaceful coexistence, with football highlighted as a unifier. Health & Giving: South Sudan’s NBTS commended the Muslim community in Juba for driving voluntary blood donations, urging more support as national collection levels remain below WHO targets. Film Buzz: Gerard Butler’s true-story action drama Machine Gun Preacher is climbing streaming charts again, now ranking among the most-watched titles on Paramount+ in the US.

Modeling & Youth Culture: Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 has kicked off scouting in Nairobi, with Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism officially endorsing the continent-wide search for women aged 18–26; casting will also reach Turkana and Maasai communities, and the grand finale is set for 21 November 2026 in Nairobi. Streaming Spotlight: Gerard Butler’s 2011 true-story action drama Machine Gun Preacher is climbing streaming charts again, ranking among the most-watched titles on Paramount+ in the US. Community & Sports: The EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports ground in Terekeka County, backing football and sport as tools for teamwork and peaceful coexistence. Public Health & Community Service: South Sudan’s Muslim community is driving voluntary blood donations in Juba, with NBTS urging more support as national collection levels still fall below WHO targets. Security Update: SSPDF says increased security deployments and street patrols in Juba are meant to maintain stability and counter rumors, after a security assessment and presidential authorization. Football & Regional Sport: Egypt’s AFCON qualifiers plan includes a friendly against Tanzania on 5 October, with a key trip to Juba on 29 September to face South Sudan. Basketball: South Sudan’s Bright Stars beat Guinea 81–71 in FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying, building on a fast, outside-shooting style.

Sports & Youth: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports ground in Terekeka County, backing football and other activities as tools for teamwork and peaceful coexistence. Community Health: South Sudan’s National Blood Transfusion Service says mosques in Juba are the most reliable source for voluntary blood donations, urging more consistent restocking as national collection levels remain below WHO targets. Basketball (South Sudan in focus): Nigeria’s D’Tigers suffered another setback in FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying, losing 82-79 to South Sudan—leaving their qualification hopes tight. Ebola Watch (regional): Humanitarian partners warn Ebola could spread from eastern DRC across South Sudan’s border, with WHO teams screening travellers and educating border communities. Peace & Safety: UNMISS reports two Ethiopian peacekeepers killed in an ambush in Jonglei, calling for a prompt investigation. Media & Migration: IGAD urged journalists to avoid sensational reporting on migration, stressing responsible coverage as states work on free movement and labour migration protocols.

Basketball & Sports: South Sudan’s Bright Stars kept their 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying momentum going in Tunisia, beating Guinea 81-71 with a fast, outside-shooting style under Royal Ivey’s plan—while Nigeria’s D’Tigers suffered a tough 82-79 loss to South Sudan, leaving qualification hopes tight. Sports Development: The EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports ground in Terekeka, backing football as a tool for teamwork and peaceful coexistence. Ebola Watch: UN chief António Guterres renewed calls for $1.1bn more to fight Ebola in eastern DRC as cases and deaths rise, and WHO teams stepped up screening and education at a South Sudan border crossing. Community Health: South Sudan’s Muslim community is driving much of the country’s voluntary blood donations in Juba, with NBTS warning national collection levels still fall below WHO targets. Local Governance & Culture: Lakes State governor swore in new cabinet, commissioners and commission members, urging service delivery, security and citizen-first priorities. Security & Peacekeeping: South Sudan condemned the ambush that killed two UN peacekeepers in Jonglei and demanded a joint investigation.

Basketball Spotlight: South Sudan’s Bright Stars opened the 2027 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers window with an 81-71 win over Guinea in Tunisia, leaning into pace, spacing and outside shooting under coach Royal Ivey. Sports Schedule: FIBA Africa released the full 2027 qualifiers schedule, with South Sudan set to face Guinea and other Group E rivals across the August 27–30 window. UN Security: Two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers were killed and seven wounded in a Jonglei ambush, with South Sudan calling for a joint investigation. Public Health & Travel: The US Embassy in Kenya issued an Ebola-related health alert for travellers denied boarding, directing them to contact a dedicated DHS help email. Money & Reform: Bank of South Sudan officials met a British ambassador to push digital payments, while a key question remains: will faster transactions also mean stronger oversight? Local Governance: Lakes State governor Gen. Madhang Majok Meen swore in a new cabinet, commissioners and culture/youth sports leadership. Immigration Update: South Sudan paused a “Silence Search” operation to check foreign credentials pending wider coordination with security and diplomatic authorities. Arts & Talent: Brizzy De Dancer says he’s preparing for Britain’s Got Talent Series 20 and has been invited to an organizer meeting ahead of auditions.

Basketball Spotlight: South Sudan’s Bright Stars opened the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Tunisia with an 81-71 win over Guinea, leaning into pace, spacing and outside shooting under coach Royal Ivey. Sports Schedule: FIBA Africa released the full 2027 qualifiers window (Aug 27-30), with South Sudan in Group E alongside Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, Tunisia and Cape Verde. UN Security: Two Ethiopian UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in Jonglei while UNMISS called for a prompt joint investigation; South Sudan also condemned the attack and demanded accountability. Travel & Health: The US Embassy in Kenya issued an Ebola-related advisory for travellers denied boarding due to flight restrictions, directing them to contact DHS for help. Money & Tech: South Sudan is pushing digital payments, but a key question remains: will new systems improve tracking of public funds and curb misuse? Arts & Talent: Brizzy De Dancer says he’s preparing for Britain’s Got Talent Series 20 and has been invited to an audition meeting on Sept 6. Local Governance: Lakes State Governor Gen. Madhang Majok Meen swore in new cabinet, commissioners and culture/youth sports leadership.

Digital Payments & Accountability: Bank of South Sudan Governor Addis Ababa Othow met British Ambassador David Ashley to push faster digital payments, banking upgrades, and the National Payment System—while warning that tech must also strengthen oversight so public money can’t be misused. UNMISS Attack in Jonglei: South Sudan condemned an ambush that killed two Ethiopian “blue helmets” and injured seven, calling for a joint investigation and accountability under the law. VP Nyandeng Kenya Trip Row: Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior’s office says she never reached Juba airport; her Kenya travel was cancelled due to missing presidential authorization, not a physical block. Immigration Crackdown Paused: Authorities put on hold a credentials-check operation (“Silence Search”) pending coordination with security and diplomatic bodies. Sports & Youth Spotlight: FIBA released the 2027 African qualifiers schedule, with South Sudan in Group E; meanwhile, South Sudanese Catholic leadership urged women’s participation ahead of the first-ever general election. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up border screening, facility readiness, and public awareness as the DRC outbreak continues.

UN Security & Accountability: South Sudan has condemned the ambush that killed two Ethiopian UN “blue helmets” in Jonglei and injured seven others, calling for a joint, thorough investigation and warning that those responsible will be held accountable. Sports (Basketball): FIBA Africa released the 2027 World Cup qualifiers schedule for the next window, with South Sudan drawn in Nigeria’s Group E alongside Cameroon, Guinea, Tunisia and Cape Verde. Education & Youth: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced 15 fully funded Algerian TVET scholarships for 2026/2027, with applications starting at MoHEST headquarters in Juba. Local Culture & Identity: A Hausa-language and culture message from Kano State highlights International Hausa Day’s theme “Our Culture, Our Future,” spotlighting language preservation and diaspora participation. Public Life (Travel Rumours): Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior’s office says she was not blocked at Juba airport from traveling to Kenya; it was an authorization delay, not a physical stop. Health Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up Ebola readiness due to cross-border risk from the DRC, including screening, training, and support for border health response.

TVET Opportunities: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education has announced 15 fully funded TVET scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year in Algeria, with applications collected and submitted at MoHEST headquarters in Juba (Atalabara). Sports Preview: The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Group D tips off in Berlin, with USA set as favorites and early tests against China, plus Italy and Czechia chasing a breakthrough. UN & Security: South Sudan condemned an August 24 ambush in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian UNMISS peacekeepers and injured seven others, calling for a joint investigation. Elections & Youth: South Sudan’s VP Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior denied social media claims she was stopped at Juba airport, saying her Kenya trip was cancelled due to missing presidential authorization. Football Governance: The South Sudan Football Federation warned that unauthorized community tournaments in Juba are siphoning fans and revenue from official competitions. Humanitarian & Health: South Sudan is stepping up Ebola preparedness as the virus threat remains linked to ongoing risk from the DRC, while UN agencies warn food aid cuts could endanger 650,000 refugees in the country.