AGP Executive Report

African Film: The Durban FilmMart opens October 9, bringing filmmakers including C.J. Obasi and Ibrahim Ahmad to its co-production forum to seek backing for new projects. South Sudanese Music: A free recording studio is planned for local artistes, offering a boost to the country’s music scene. Sports: South Sudanese NBA player Wenyen Gabriel has been named a UNHCR goodwill ambassador. Bor and Mundari communities are also preparing for a wrestling bout in Terekeka. Cultural Heritage: Central Equatoria’s governor has backed plans for a National Museum.

South Sudan Oil & Power push: Juba will host the 7th SSOP conference on 24–25 November, pitching oil, refining, midstream and power opportunities—while questions linger over open exploration blocks and production targets. Mining reforms: A two-day Juba workshop is set to validate new mining policy, a 2026–2030 strategic plan, and updates to the Mining Act and mineral title rules to boost transparency and investment. Juba foreign traders row: Juba County officials deny social-media claims of a seven-day ultimatum for foreigners to leave, saying the focus is on restricting small retail while welcoming lawful business and humanitarian work. Local tech for governance: Lainya County received office equipment from Juba’s Scenius Hub—printer, paper and Wi‑Fi—to improve day-to-day administration. Health system strain: Only 11% of South Sudan’s health facilities are highly functional, and the health response plan is 47% funded, leaving a major gap. Mothers’ blood drive: AGOSS launched a blood donation drive at Juba Teaching Hospital to support urgent transfusions for anemia and pregnancy complications. Sports & youth: The South Sudan Athletics Federation calls for more investment to help athletes reach regional and global events.

Sports & Entertainment Spotlight: South Sudan’s basketball pride Wenyen Gabriel has been named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, opening a basketball court in Maban and hosting a clinic for refugee and host youth. Local Arts & Media: The South Sudan Artistes Union received $11,000 in studio equipment from Tiger Division Commander Major General Atem Salva Kiir to set up a recording studio offering free or affordable services for registered artists. Health & Community Impact: AGOSS launched a blood donation drive at Juba Teaching Hospital to help save mothers needing urgent transfusions, while a health cluster dashboard says only 11% of facilities are highly functional. Politics & Civic Life: The South Sudan Opposition Alliance defended the Political Parties Council over the registration of seven parties, amid election-season tensions. Sports (Regional): Egypt’s camp remains unsettled after Mohamed Salah’s absence and coach Hossam Hassan’s fallout, as South Africa beat Egypt 1-0 in Cairo. Sports (South Sudan): The Athletics Federation urged partners to invest more in athletics to help young athletes reach regional and global stages.

Elections & Security: Caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani told Central Equatoria county commissioners to prioritize security, peace, and voter readiness ahead of the 22 December 2026 polls, including outreach to holdouts to embrace presidential amnesty and a push to end land grabbing and cattle-related disputes. Health & Community Care: South Sudan’s Health Cluster reports only 11% of health facilities are highly functional, while AGOSS launched a blood donation drive at Juba Teaching Hospital to save mothers needing urgent transfusions. Malaria Update: The Ministry of Health says 850,000 malaria cases were treated with first-line medicines in the first half of 2026. Politics Watch: The South Sudan Opposition Alliance defended the Political Parties Council over the registration of seven parties, saying they were legitimate alliance members that had largely completed registration before the June 30 deadline. Arts & Entertainment: The South Sudan Artistes Union received $11,000 in studio equipment from Tiger Division Commander Major General Atem Salva Kiir to set up a recording studio offering free or affordable services to registered artists. Sports Spotlight: South Sudanese NBA player Wenyen Gabriel was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, opening a basketball court in Maban and meeting refugee youth.

South Sudan Arts & Culture: The South Sudan Artistes Union received $11,000 in studio equipment from Tiger Division Commander Maj. Gen. Atem Salva Kiir to set up a recording studio offering free or affordable services, with plans to hire a producer to train local talent. Sports & Youth: South Sudan Athletics Federation urged partners to invest more in athletics so young runners can reach regional and international stages, highlighting the Watoto Juba City Marathon as a key platform. Football (Regional Spotlight): Egypt’s Hossam Hassan faced fresh questions after a 1-0 Cairo friendly loss to South Africa, with Mohamed Salah absent again amid an ongoing camp dispute; the match also sparked debate over player handling. UN Refugee Sports Diplomacy: South Sudanese NBA player Wenyen Gabriel was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, opening a basketball court in Maban and meeting refugee families. Health (Public Interest): South Sudan’s Ministry of Health said 850,000 malaria cases were treated with first-line medicines in the first half of 2026. Politics (Opposition): The South Sudan Opposition Alliance defended PPC chair James Akol Zakayo over allegations tied to party registration and leadership record changes.

Local Arts & Music: South Sudan Artistes Union received $11,000 in studio equipment from Tiger Division Commander Maj. Gen. Atem Salva Kiir, aiming to set up a recording studio offering free or affordable services for registered members. Sports Investment: The South Sudan Athletics Federation urged partners to invest more in athletics, highlighting the Watoto Juba City Marathon as a platform for young talent. Basketball & Refugees: UNHCR named South Sudanese NBA star Wenyen Gabriel a Goodwill Ambassador, after he visited Sudanese refugee communities in Maban and opened a basketball court. Community Sports & Inclusion: Michael Panther, a wheelchair athlete, plans to run the Nairobi Marathon on Oct. 25 to raise funds for custom wheelchairs for children. Football Spotlight: South Africa beat Egypt 1-0 in Cairo with Puso Dithejane scoring; meanwhile, Egypt’s Hamza Abdelkarim controversy grows after a tense, no-handshake moment with coach Hossam Hassan. Governance & Elections: Civil society groups called for inclusive dialogue and protection of constitutional freedoms ahead of the Dec. 22, 2026 elections. County Leadership: Isaac Moro Johnson Lupai was sworn in as Morobo County caretaker commissioner, with security experience seen as key to tackling local instability.

South Sudan Sports & Culture: A South Sudanese wheelchair athlete, Michael Panther, is set to tackle the full 42km Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on 25 October 2026, using a specialised racing chair nicknamed the “Red Ferrari,” aiming to raise KSh 10 million to build custom wheelchairs for children and push for disability inclusion. Football (Regional): In Cairo, Egypt host South Africa in a major friendly as both sides ride strong AFCON qualifier form; Mohamed Salah is reported to be missing, alongside several other Egypt players, while South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane continues rotating his squad. Local Governance (Western Equatoria): Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa appointed ten caretaker county commissioners across Western Equatoria, while also receiving five Toyota Land Cruisers donated by Adut Salva Kiir to boost service delivery ahead of elections. Traditional Sports (Equatoria): Bor and Mundari communities will stage a wrestling bout in Terekeka on 31 October 2026, billed as a unity and peaceful-coexistence event. Humanitarian & Community: The UN released $160m emergency aid for 12 humanitarian emergencies, including South Sudan, with extra funding for people with disabilities.

Sports Streaming & Fixtures: NFL’s 2026 London International Games kick off in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with Colts vs Commanders, plus a full guide on where to watch and stream live. Football (Egypt vs South Africa): Egypt hosts South Africa in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium, with the Pharaohs arriving off a 5-0 win over South Sudan and coach Hossam Hassan keeping Mohamed Salah out amid ongoing squad tensions. Traditional Sports: Bor and Mundari communities in Terekeka are set for a historic wrestling bout on 31 October, aimed at unity and peaceful coexistence. Community & Inclusion: South Sudanese wheelchair athlete Michael Panther targets the Nairobi Marathon on 25 October to raise funds for custom wheelchairs for children. Local Governance & Security: Western Equatoria’s caretaker governor meets the Chief of Defence Forces on security integration, while the state also receives five Land Cruisers from Adut Salva Kiir. Humanitarian & Arts-Adjacent Culture: UN emergency funding releases US$160m for severe crises including South Sudan, as a new documentary “Mangok” highlights a South Sudanese man’s decade-long search for kidnapped nieces and nephews.

Football & Drama: Egypt’s AFCON qualifier trip to South Sudan (5-0) was rocked by a behind-the-scenes delegation row, with Egyptian FA vice-president Khaled El-Darandaly blaming an “administrative and organisational error” after players and technical staff arrived late and tensions flared mid-flight. Sports & Spotlight: Mohamed Salah remains out of Egypt’s friendly vs South Africa, with Egypt citing artificial turf concerns and reports saying he’s rested and returned to club duties. Humanitarian Pulse: The UN released US$160m emergency aid for severe crises across 12 countries/regions, including South Sudan, as food insecurity threatens millions of children. Local Community & Safety: A former youth leader in Yei River County says residents are growing fearful over rising murder, robbery, and rape, criticizing the lack of public condemnation by community and rights groups. Arts & Storytelling: A new documentary, Mangok, follows a South Sudanese man’s decade-long search for kidnapped nieces and nephews, turning personal survival into a film journey. Business & Women’s Growth: Ecobank commits $2bn to women-owned businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including South Sudan, using digital onboarding to expand access to credit.

South Sudan in the spotlight: A South Sudanese man’s new documentary, Mangok, follows Mangok Bol’s decade-long search to rescue nieces and nephews kidnapped in 2014 sectarian violence, with the film now reaching wider audiences. Politics & elections: Opposition parties have boycotted President Salva Kiir’s national dialogue ahead of the December election, while a special court ordered tighter security in the Machar case. Sports & entertainment crossover: Mohamed Salah remains sidelined for Egypt’s friendly and AFCON qualifier plans after “artificial turf” concerns, keeping South Sudan football talk buzzing. Regional business & culture: Ecobank expands credit for women-owned businesses, including in South Sudan, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands of enterprises. Community life: A former youth leader in Yei Town is calling out rising insecurity—murder, robbery and rape—and the silence of key stakeholders. Humanitarian headlines: The UN released $160m emergency aid funding, including for South Sudan.

Sports & Culture: Egypt confirmed Mohamed Salah will miss the 4 October friendly vs South Africa after his earlier AFCON qualifier absence over “artificial turf” concerns, with reports also linking his camp exit to rest ahead of club duties. Local Security & Community: A former youth leader in Yei River County says fear is growing as residents report murder, robbery, and rape, and he questions why community leaders and rights groups are not speaking out. Arts & Faith: Pope Leo XIV joined hundreds of children at the Vatican Gardens to launch a weeklong “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” for peace, including reconciliation in South Sudan. Business & Women’s Empowerment: Ecobank says it will expand credit to women-owned businesses in South Sudan and across Africa, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands of enterprises by 2030. Development & Education: South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction received World Bank support for rehabilitation of the Wau Teachers’ Training Institute. Media & Skills: Female journalists in South Sudan say certificates are not enough and are urging UJOSS and partners to offer real professional opportunities.

Football & AFCON buzz: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Mohamed Salah rested amid “artificial turf” concerns—while Egypt’s camp drama continues as Salah and others reportedly leave camp and miss upcoming friendlies. Sports development: The NBA has closed its only elite Africa training academy in Senegal, a blow to young players as training shifts to a new global setup in Abu Dhabi. Local security & community pressure: A former youth leader in Yei River County says residents are facing rising murder, robbery and rape, but community leaders and rights groups are staying silent. Media & women’s careers: Female journalists in South Sudan say certificates aren’t enough after training, urging UJOSS and partners to offer real platforms, mentorship and fair selection for opportunities. Standards & trust-building: South Sudan’s national bureau of standards joins ISO talks in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and integration into regional markets. Music meets politics: Lady Kola signals a move into electoral politics, eyeing the Warrap governorship and calling on women to claim their share.

Crime & Safety in Yei: A former youth leader, Johnson Poru Hillary, says murder, robbery, and rape are rising in Yei Town and accuses community leaders and rights groups of staying silent. Food Security & Ideas: Shannon Fernando’s TEDxBeverlyGrove talk “The Permission Principle” is now live, arguing hunger is a permission problem and highlighting her work bringing enset to Kenya through trust-building. Standards & Quality: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards chief Oiylang Dominic Kanuto attends ISO’s General Assembly in Paris to strengthen the country’s standards infrastructure and market integration. Media & Women’s Work: Female journalists in South Sudan say certificates aren’t enough—UJOSS and partners should offer real platforms, mentorship, and fair selection for trained reporters. Sports & Spotlight: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in AFCON qualifiers in Juba, with Mohamed Salah rested over concerns about the artificial pitch; the pitch debate keeps dominating the football conversation. Music Meets Politics: Lady Kola signals political ambition, calling on women to lead and eyeing the Warrap State governorship. Regional Security Talk: Uganda hosts a conference on military operations beyond war, with South Sudan among confirmed participants.

Football & Identity: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in Juba, but the bigger talking point was Mohamed Salah’s absence—Egypt rested him over fears of injury on the “tartan”/artificial turf, and another Egypt camp player, Mohamed Abdelmonem, also left Nice said it was to protect fitness and safety. Media & Careers: South Sudanese female journalists are pushing back on “certificates only,” urging UJOSS and partners to offer real chances—workshops, mentorship, and fair selection—so trained reporters can apply skills and mentor others. Human Rights: Human Rights Watch condemned the UAE’s year-long detention without charge of South Sudanese commentator Samuel Peter Oyay, saying authorities have not explained the legal basis for his arrest. Elections & Politics: Ramaphosa urged South Sudan to uphold the 2018 peace deal as December elections approach, while SPLM launched its election campaign in Eastern Equatoria. Community Protection: Chiefs in Central Equatoria were urged to act against child marriage and keep girls in school, turning commitments into local action.

AFCON 2027 Football: Egypt sent a loud message in Juba, thrashing South Sudan 5-0 as Omar Marmoush ended a six-month scoring drought with two goals; Mostafa Ziko, Ibrahim Adel and Hamza Abdelkarim also netted, while Mohamed Salah was rested over fears of the artificial pitch. Regional Upsets: Ghana and Nigeria both crashed in qualifiers—Ghana lost 4-2 to Gambia after leading, and Nigeria were stunned 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau—adding pressure on coaches and teams heading into the next matchday. Politics & Peace: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Sudan’s leaders to uphold the 2018 peace deal as December elections approach, stressing the agreement as the “paramount legal instrument.” Media & Training: UJOSS called on female journalists to step up as trainers and mentors to build the next generation of South Sudan’s media workforce. Local Governance: The government pledged to tackle operational challenges facing the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control ahead of elections. Arts & Culture: A tribute to Joseph Abuk Diori highlights the late South Sudanese theatre pioneer’s legacy as actor, dramatist, poet and cultural activist.

Sports—AFCON 2027: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in Juba as Mohamed Salah sat out over concerns about the artificial pitch, with Hossam Hassan later saying it was for “personal reasons” and that Egypt doesn’t rely on one player. Media & Community—Training: UJOSS urged female journalists to step up as trainers and mentors for the next generation during a training-of-trainers programme. Politics & Governance—Security: The government pledged to tackle operational challenges facing the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control ahead of elections. Arts & Culture—Remembering a theatre legend: Tributes continue for Joseph Abuk Diori, described as a father of theatre in South Sudan. Elections—Party mobilization: SPLM launched its election campaign in Eastern Equatoria, calling on cadres to mobilize voters from the grassroots. Civic Education—Radio: Access Radio announced a weekly on-air civic education programme for Greater Yei counties starting Saturdays.