AGP Executive Report

Martyrs’ Day Reflection: South Sudan marks 30 July with a call to honor the martyrs’ sacrifice and renew commitment to freedom, justice, equality, and human dignity. Elections & Civic Education: Eastern Equatoria launched its State High Election Committee office in Torit and kicked off a statewide voter education drive ahead of December polls, with plans to reach all eight counties and verify polling stations. Local Politics: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony denied blocking an NPM rally in Lainya, saying the claims are misleading and unsubstantiated. International Spotlight: A U.S. court recognized a $1.02 billion arbitration award for Qatar National Bank, raising the risk of enforcement actions if South Sudan doesn’t pay or settle. Disability Sports: Juba hosted a workshop to expand inclusive sports for visually impaired people, highlighting South Sudan’s blind football progress. Global Health: India reported screening 10,974 international travellers from Ebola-affected countries with no cases detected so far, as DRC’s Ebola outbreak continues to worsen. Arts & Peace: Angelina Jolie praised photographer Giles Duley after he received the 2025 Tipperary International Peace Award for documenting the human cost of war, including in South Sudan.

Gold Smuggling Shock: A new report says Africa lost about 435 tons of gold outside official channels in 2022, with undeclared artisanal output running even higher—highlighting how sanctions and rising prices are making the informal trade a bigger economic headache. South Sudan Economy: An opinion piece links capital flight to South Sudan’s unemployment, liquidity crunch, and inflation, arguing money leaving the country drains growth. Legal/Immigration: The U.S. arrested a South Sudanese refugee, Ruben Marier, over alleged child sexual assault and domestic abuse, while separate U.S. court moves keep Temporary Protected Status fights in the spotlight. Elections & Peace: Peace sponsors are said to be jittery as Juba pushes ahead with a voter drive for December polls, with critics warning institutions are still weak. Health Alert (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is now the second-deadliest on record, with sustained transmission and rising case numbers. Sports for Inclusion: South Sudan’s blind football and para-sports push gets a boost after a Juba workshop aimed at expanding opportunities for visually impaired athletes. Arts & Culture: Angelina Jolie praised photographer Giles Duley after he received the 2025 Tipperary International Peace Award for documenting the human cost of war, including in South Sudan.

Peace & Politics: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has paved the way for the December 22 elections after signing amendments to the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, but peace monitors warn that isolating partners could deepen divisions. Elections Watch: The NEC has launched voter education and reaffirms neutrality as preparations ramp up. Inclusive Sports: A two-day Juba workshop pushed for expanded para-sports for visually impaired athletes, highlighting South Sudan’s blind football progress. Arts & Culture: South Sudan’s Martyrs’ Day debate is heating up, with opinion pieces questioning whether the commemoration is being owned by one political group. Health & Safety: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, now reported as the second-largest in history, with South Sudan and Uganda among regions facing heightened screening concerns. Business & Community: MTN Uganda extended its Y’ello Storm campaign to Gulu, supporting Gulu Regional Referral Hospital with mattresses, nets, and protective covers. Sports (Global): Kentucky’s new Senegalese recruit Ousmane N’Diaye says the Wildcats are a “global brand,” reflecting how college basketball reaches beyond the U.S.

Sports & Inclusion: South Sudan is pushing para-sports forward after a two-day Juba workshop, with officials and disability advocates backing expanded programmes for visually impaired athletes; the blind football team’s recent Kampala Division Two win is being hailed as a milestone. Politics & Public Life: The Central Equatoria governor’s office denies blocking an NPM rally in Lainya, calling the claims misleading and politically motivated. Health & Travel: India says it has screened 10,974 international passengers from Ebola-affected countries (including South Sudan) since May 23, with no Ebola cases reported so far. Business & Legal Risk: A U.S. court recognized a $1.02bn QNB arbitration award against South Sudan, raising the risk of international enforcement if payment isn’t arranged. Culture & Faith: A Scottish bishop excommunicated a rector after an illicit ordination—while in South Sudan, church leaders continue emphasizing peace-building and pastoral presence. Policy: Lawmakers debated a National Holidays Bill to set rules for national and religious public holidays.

Martyrs’ Day in South Sudan: The country marks 30 July with a solemn public holiday honoring those who died in the long struggle for freedom, including the 2005 death of Dr. John Garang, as voices call for the day to unite citizens beyond party politics. Inclusive sports push: A two-day workshop in Juba backed expanded para-sports for visually impaired athletes, highlighting South Sudan’s blind football progress and urging stronger government and public support. National governance & culture: Lawmakers debated a draft National Holidays Bill to clearly define how national and religious public holidays are recognized and implemented across South Sudan. Regional football draw: Yei Joint Star FC will face Rayon Sport WFC in CECAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Kigali, after the group draw placed South Sudan’s side in Group A. Ebola watch (regional): India says it has found no Ebola cases so far, while DRC’s outbreak continues to worsen, keeping health screening and public alerts in focus.

Martyrs’ Day in South Sudan: As 30 July is marked nationwide, leaders and commentators are pushing for the day to unite the country beyond party politics, with messages urging peace, unity, and national rebuilding. Inclusive sports: Light for the World held a two-day Juba workshop to expand sports access for visually impaired people, celebrating South Sudan’s blind football progress and calling for stronger government and public support. Elections and politics: Debate continues over South Sudan’s December 2026 elections, with voices arguing for polls to end endless transitions while warning conditions may still fall short of credibility. National holidays law: Lawmakers debated a draft National Holidays Bill to clarify how public and religious holidays are recognized and implemented across states. Sports on the pitch: Yei Joint Star FC is set to face Kenya Police Bullets’ regional rivals in CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers after the draw in Kigali. Local security: Aweil police detained a man accused of circulating counterfeit U.S. dollars, with investigations ongoing. Oil company denies cyberattack rumors: Nilepet dismissed social media claims of a ransomware breach as unverified.

Inclusive Sports: South Sudan is pushing para-sports forward after a two-day Juba workshop by Light for the World, with officials backing wider access for visually impaired athletes and celebrating the national blind football team’s Kampala Division Two win. Martyrs’ Day & National Memory: South Sudan marked 30 July with tributes to fallen heroes, as leaders urged unity, peace-building, and stability—framing the day as more than remembrance, but a call to action. Elections Readiness Debate: The Catholic Church says the country is not yet ready for the first-ever general election, citing gaps in civic education, registration, and election monitoring—while noting the risks of delaying polls. Parliament & Public Life: Lawmakers debated a National Holidays Bill to clarify how national and religious public holidays are recognized and implemented across South Sudan. Football in the Region: Yei Joint Star FC is set to face hosts Rayon Sport in CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers after the draw placed South Sudan’s club in Group A. UN-Backed Voter Education: The UN praised South Sudan’s NEC for launching civic and voter education ahead of December elections, calling informed voters key to credibility.

Martyrs’ Day & national reflection: South Sudan marks 30 July as Martyrs’ Day, with leaders including Interior Minister Gen. Aleu Ayieny urging unity, peace, and security while honoring those who died for independence. Elections & civic readiness: The Catholic Church’s Bishop Hiiboro says the country is not yet ready for the first-ever general election, pointing to missing civic education, voter registration clarity, and election monitoring plans. Parliament & public holidays: Lawmakers debate a draft National Holidays Bill to clearly define national and religious public holidays and how they’re implemented across states. Sports & regional football: Yei Joint Star FC will represent South Sudan in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers after the draw placed them in Group A against hosts Rayon Sport WFC and others. Disability inclusion through sport: Light for the World launches a Juba workshop pushing equal access for children and adults with disabilities, using football to raise awareness and connect services. UNHCR spotlight: South Sudan’s Wenyen Gabriel becomes UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, using his refugee-to-pro basketball story to back displaced communities. Heritage news: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites worldwide, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape.

UNESCO & Culture: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, plus D-Day beaches in France and Greece’s Mount Olympus—a big global spotlight on heritage and conservation. Disability & Sports: Light for the World is pushing disability inclusion in South Sudan, using football and sports to improve access to education and services through its “United by Sports” initiative. Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s NEC launched a nationwide voter and civic education campaign ahead of December polls, while a Catholic bishop warned the country lacks visible preparation like registration and monitoring plans. Community & Connectivity: Leaders in Kauto renewed calls for expanded mobile network coverage, saying poor connectivity hurts security coordination and everyday life. Refugee Spotlight: UNHCR appointed South Sudan’s pro basketball star Wenyen Gabriel as its Goodwill Ambassador, highlighting his journey from refugee life to the NBA. Justice & Accountability: A report on Police Captain Richard Ruai explains how reconciliation doesn’t always stop prosecution when public interest is involved.

Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has launched a nationwide civic and voter education campaign ahead of the December general elections, with UN officials praising the push for inclusive, peaceful, and credible voting and urging citizens—especially women, youth, people with disabilities, and internally displaced people—to register and participate. Human Rights & Safety: Human Rights Watch reports abuse of civilians in Western Equatoria’s Nagero County during 2025 fighting, calling for suspension of credibly implicated commanders and safe humanitarian access. Media & Public Health: Health experts in Juba urged journalists to rely on health authorities when reporting Ebola, warning against misinformation and stressing safe hygiene and early reporting. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, alongside major global landmarks like Greece’s Mount Olympus and the D-Day beaches. Sports & Inspiration: UNHCR appointed South Sudan’s Olympian and NBA player Wenyen Gabriel as its first basketball Goodwill Ambassador, highlighting how sport and protection can change lives. Community Connectivity: Kauto leaders in Eastern Equatoria renewed calls for expanded mobile network coverage to improve governance, security coordination, and humanitarian response.

UNHCR & Sports: South Sudanese Olympian Wenyen Gabriel has been appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, becoming the first basketball player to take the role and sharing how refugee protection helped his family rebuild through sport. Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has launched nationwide civic and voter education, promising a neutral, non-partisan process ahead of December elections. Local Connectivity: Kauto leaders in Eastern Equatoria are pushing for urgent expansion of mobile network coverage, saying weak connectivity is hurting governance, security coordination, and humanitarian response. Human Rights in Western Equatoria: Human Rights Watch reports abuse of civilians by South Sudan’s army, opposition forces, and allied militias during 2025 fighting in Nagero County, calling for accountability and safe aid access. Media & Health: Health experts in Juba urged journalists to rely on official guidance when reporting Ebola, warning against misinformation and stressing safe hygiene and early case reporting. Justice Update: In Juba, police legal officials explained why reconciliation in assault cases may not end prosecution when public interest is involved. Culture Spotlight: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape.

South Sudan Elections: The National Elections Commission (NEC) has kicked off a nationwide voter and civic education campaign ahead of the Dec. 22 general elections, promising a strictly non-partisan process and urging eligible voters to register and vote peacefully, with special focus on women, youth, people with disabilities and internally displaced communities. Media & Public Health: Health experts in Juba urged journalists to rely on verified guidance when reporting Ebola Bundibugyo, stressing that the disease isn’t just “bleeding” and warning that South Sudan remains at risk due to cross-border movement. Arts, Culture & Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, plus major global landmarks like Greece’s Mount Olympus and the D-Day beaches in Normandy. Justice & Community Safety: In Juba, police Captain Richard Ruai’s case coverage highlights how South Sudan’s system can continue prosecution even after victim reconciliation or compensation, when public interest is involved. Sports & Inspiration: South Sudan Olympian Wenyen Gabriel was named a UNHCR goodwill ambassador, sharing how protection and resettlement helped his family build a future. Telecoms: MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan and Digitel announced a second phase of tariff increases tied to an exchange-rate adjustment approved by the National Communication Authority, with higher prices expected for calls and data.

TEDx & Humanitarian Innovation: Shannon Fernando-Rubera’s TEDxBeverlyGrove preview spotlights “The Permission Problem,” arguing hunger solutions fail when communities and governments aren’t granted trust and approval—highlighted by her work helping introduce enset into Kenya. Refugee Rights at 75: As the 1951 Refugee Convention turns 75, global displacement pressures mount, with six refugees sharing how protection and non-refoulement can mean the difference between safety and danger. South Sudan Spotlight: MP Michael Ayuen Johnson Chuti is recognized at London’s African Achievers Awards, while UNHCR names basketball Olympian Wenyen Gabriel its first basketball Goodwill Ambassador. Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s NEC launches a nationwide voter and civic education drive ahead of the Dec. 22 polls, promising non-partisan outreach to women, youth, people with disabilities, and IDPs. Media & Health: South Sudan health experts urge journalists to use verified information when reporting Ebola, warning against misinformation and urging early alerts. Telecom & Daily Costs: MTN, Zain, and Digitel announce a second phase of tariff increases, raising call and data prices from late July. Ebola Update (Regional Impact): DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak hits 3,200 cases and 1,405 deaths, with Ituri still the epicentre and healthcare disruptions reported. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO adds South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List, alongside major global sites like Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day beaches. Courtroom (Local Governance): In the Nasir incident trial, Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam’s defence alleges uncoordinated SSPDF deployment contributed to fighting at Bo Bridge.

Elections & Civic Life: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has launched a nationwide voter and civic education campaign ahead of the Dec. 22 general elections, promising non-partisan outreach on registration, polling procedures, and voting rights—especially for women, youth, people with disabilities, and internally displaced people. Media & Public Health: Health experts and partners including WHO and UNICEF urged journalists to rely on verified guidance when reporting Ebola, warning against misleading “bleeding” descriptions and stressing safe hygiene and early reporting. Sports & Refugee Storytelling: UNHCR named South Sudan basketball Olympian Wenyen Gabriel its newest Goodwill Ambassador, highlighting his journey from displacement to the Paris Olympics. Telecoms & Daily Costs: MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan, and Digitel announced a second phase of tariff increases tied to an exchange-rate adjustment, raising prices for calls and data. Courtroom Update: In the Nasir incident trial, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam accused SSPDF of an uncoordinated deployment that escalated fighting at Bo Bridge. Regional Health Crisis: In DR Congo, Ebola cases climbed to about 3,200 with deaths rising past 1,400 as the outbreak continues in conflict-affected eastern provinces. Culture & Faith: AMECEA Catholic bishops in Nairobi adopted pastoral priorities for young people, including stronger faith formation and better mental health support, with a focus on responsible digital engagement. Global Spotlight: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List, alongside major sites like Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day beaches.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is surging fast, with confirmed cases now around 3,200 and deaths reported at about 1,405, as infections jump by roughly 1,000 in just 10 days—most cases concentrated in Ituri, which borders South Sudan. Elections & Media: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir’s recent televised interview has sparked fresh debate about readiness for December polls, while the Presidency says journalists weren’t blocked out of “lack of trust,” but because of a weak working relationship and the need to follow proper access procedures. UNESCO & Culture: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List, alongside major global sites like France’s D-Day beaches and Greece’s Mount Olympus. Civil Records Push: South Sudan plans a modern digital civil registration and vital statistics system to standardize birth, death, marriage and related certificates. Visa Rumours: The government denies claims of new visa-free entry for Egypt and Tanzania, urging the public to rely on official immigration channels.

UNESCO & Culture: UNESCO added new World Heritage sites, including Greece’s Mount Olympus, France’s Normandy landing beaches, and the Royal Fortresses of Languedoc, highlighting mythology, WWII history, and medieval architecture. Humanitarian Music & Activism: Oxfam’s “No More Radio Silence” campaign is bringing a new song and a craft project using a South Sudanese Milaya textile to Latitude festival-goers, pushing support for crises including Sudan and DRC. Media & Access: South Sudan’s Presidency says journalists aren’t blocked from interviewing President Salva Kiir due to “lack of trust,” but because national media must follow proper request procedures. Elections & Politics: Kiir says people want elections to end transitions, while South Sudan’s government signs an amendment to the 2018 peace deal to clear the legal path for December 2026 polls. Policy & Records: The government plans a modern digital civil registration and vital statistics system to standardize births, deaths, marriages, and digital IDs. Sports (Regional Interest): Canada’s Senior Women’s team beat UCLA in an exhibition in Victoria, drawing fans who want more elite women’s basketball.