AGP Executive Report

Drought & Violence: Warrap State declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency as armed attackers killed 16 security personnel and four civilians in a base raid, with officials warning of crop failure, livestock losses and looming famine risks ahead of December elections. Climate Shock for Food Security: Farmers across Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria report prolonged dry spells and erratic rains, with some seeing rain only twice in three months—raising fears of worsening 2027 hunger. Wildlife & Land Governance: South Sudan’s Land Use Planning committee urged lawmakers to fold conservation and Protected Areas laws into the National Land Policy, pushing for stronger wildlife regulations, protected-area demarcation and enforcement. El Niño Risk to Children: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa face El Niño-linked threats to nutrition, clean water, health and schooling, including flooding and drought impacts. Water, Health & Pollution Controls: Eastern Equatoria’s governor told gold miners in Ngauro to protect community water sources, keep processing away from rivers, build boreholes, and restore pits to reduce environmental harm. Airstrips for Humanitarian Access: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor, aiming to improve movement of people and supplies while factoring environmental conditions. Currency & Cash Shortage: The Bank of South Sudan signed a De La Rue deal to strengthen South Sudanese Pound management and circulation—an indirect but important support for stabilizing livelihoods during crisis. Human Rights Watch: UN human rights experts will visit Sept 7–10 to assess worsening rights, humanitarian and security conditions as fighting and displacement continue.

Drought + violence collide: Warrap State declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency after a deadly raid on a military base killed 16 security personnel and four civilians, with severe rainfall deficits now threatening crops, grazing lands, livestock and raising fears of catastrophic famine. Wildlife protection in land policy: South Sudan’s wildlife lawmakers urged the National Land Policy to integrate Protected Areas and wildlife conservation laws, pushing for stronger enforcement, community involvement and clearer protected-area demarcation. El Niño pressure on food security: UNICEF warns the strengthening 2026/2027 El Niño could hit Eastern and Southern Africa’s children with flooding, drought, extreme heat and disease risks—threatening nutrition, clean water, schooling and safety. Cash and currency management: The Bank of South Sudan signed a currency management MoU with De La Rue to improve South Sudanese Pound planning, quality control and circulation—aimed at boosting public confidence amid cash shortages. Repatriation support: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation and humanitarian assistance. Air connectivity for resilience: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve movement of people and essential supplies, including environmental considerations. Mining and water safety: Eastern Equatoria’s governor told Ngauro gold miners to protect rivers from pollution, build/restore water access, and rehabilitate pits to reduce environmental and community harm. UN human rights mission: UN rights experts will visit South Sudan (7–10 Sept) to assess worsening human rights, humanitarian and security conditions as elections approach.

Drought Emergency & Violence: Warrap State declared an “unprecedented” drought emergency as armed attackers killed 16 security personnel and four civilians in a base raid, raising fears of catastrophic famine amid El Niño-linked rainfall deficits. Wildlife & Land Policy: South Sudan’s wildlife ministry urged parliament to align the National Land Policy with conservation and Protected Areas laws, pushing for stronger protected-area demarcation and wildlife enforcement. Food Security Pressure: Farmers across Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria report unreliable rains and crop failure, with calls for climate-smart agriculture to prevent worsening hunger in 2027. El Niño Child Risks: UNICEF warns El Niño could hit nutrition, clean water, health and schooling for 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa, with South Sudan in the wider exposure zone. Human Rights Watch: UN human rights experts will visit Sept 7–10 to assess worsening rights, displacement and security conditions as elections approach. Currency & Cash Shortage: The Bank of South Sudan signed a De La Rue deal to strengthen South Sudanese Pound security and circulation, alongside a cabinet-approved $26.5m plan to repatriate 20,000 vulnerable nationals from Egypt. Mining Pollution Controls: Eastern Equatoria’s governor told Ngauro mining firms to protect water sources, keep processing away from rivers, and restore pits to reduce environmental harm. Community Sanitation Rules: Juba City Council agreed measures to regulate Buluk Playground activities, limiting crowds during school hours and improving sanitation facilities. Conservation Celebration: Plans are underway to mark UNESCO’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape listing with a national committee focused on protection and sustainable management. Airstrip Rehabilitation: IOM and government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve access for communities and humanitarian supplies.

El Niño warning for children: UNICEF says intensifying 2026/2027 El Niño could hit 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa with drought, extreme heat and flooding—threatening nutrition, health, safe water, education and safety, including in South Sudan where drought and localised flooding could worsen malnutrition and disease risk. Humanitarian funding pressure: WFP warns it may cut food aid in multiple crisis settings due to funding shortfalls, with South Sudan among those facing ration cuts for hundreds of thousands of refugees. Local environment & health: Juba City Council and stakeholders agreed measures to regulate Buluk Playground after complaints about disrupted classes, sanitation and safety—limiting matches during school hours, ending crowded tournaments, and improving washroom access. Air connectivity & environment safeguards: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor, aiming to improve movement of people and supplies while including environmental considerations. Conservation milestone: South Sudan plans an official celebration for the UNESCO-listed Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, home to the Great Nile Migration of about six million antelope. Governance & rights: UN human rights experts will visit South Sudan (7–10 Sept) to assess worsening human rights, humanitarian and security conditions amid renewed fighting and election preparations. Currency management deal: Bank of South Sudan signed an MoU with De La Rue to strengthen currency planning, quality and circulation—aimed at boosting public confidence in the South Sudanese Pound. Repatriation support: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation and reintegration support.

Climate Displacement: A new global report says climate crisis and extreme weather drove 29.9 million internal displacements worldwide in 2025, up 13% from the decade average, with sub-Saharan Africa hit by drought and floods linked to El Niño and conflict. El Niño Child Risks: UNICEF warns that intensifying 2026–2027 El Niño could affect 162 million children across Eastern and Southern Africa through food and water insecurity, disease risk, and disrupted learning, including in South Sudan. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: WFP says it must halve food assistance in the West Bank due to funding gaps, and warns similar ration cuts could hit South Sudan and other conflict-affected places. Local Environment & Health: Juba City Council and partners agreed new rules for Buluk Playground to reduce class disruption and sanitation problems, including limiting activities during school hours and improving washroom arrangements. Conservation & Heritage: South Sudan plans an official celebration for the UNESCO-listed Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, home to the Great Nile Migration of about six million antelope. Air Connectivity for Relief: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve movement of humanitarian supplies and communities, with environmental considerations built in. Mining Pollution Watch: Eastern Equatoria’s governor told Ngauro miners to protect water sources, keep processing away from rivers, and restore pits to reduce environmental harm. Health Access Across Borders: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese babies with hydrocephalus reach neurosurgery in Uganda via MAF, CURE Uganda, and Usratuna. Governance & Rights: UN human rights experts will visit South Sudan (7–10 Sept) to assess worsening human rights, humanitarian impacts, and displacement amid renewed fighting and election preparations. Currency & Stability: The Bank of South Sudan signed a deal with De La Rue to strengthen currency management and public confidence in the South Sudanese Pound.

El Niño warning for South Sudan: UNICEF says intensifying 2026/2027 El Niño could worsen drought, extreme heat and local flooding, threatening children’s nutrition, safe water, health and schooling across 13 countries including South Sudan, with risks already visible and humanitarian funding for anticipatory action still tiny. Ebola in the DRC: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has reached a tipping point, with thousands of cases and deaths and insecurity and mobility complicating surveillance, treatment and safe burials—an urgent reminder for the region’s health systems. Water and sanitation funding gap: IOM warns nearly 187,000 people in Bentiu and Malakal could lose clean water, sanitation, drainage and flood protection from November due to a USD 8.35m shortfall, raising risks of cholera and diarrhoea. Mining pollution concerns: Eastern Equatoria Governor Lobong tells Ngauro mining firms to protect water sources, keep processing away from rivers, build boreholes, and restore pits to reduce environmental harm. Urban sanitation rules at Buluk Playground: Juba City Council and SSFA agree to limit football during school hours, stop big tournaments, and improve sanitation with soak pits and relocated washrooms. Conservation milestone: South Sudan plans official celebrations for the UNESCO-listed Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, home to the Great Nile Migration of about six million antelope. Airstrip rehabilitation validation: IOM and government validate designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve access for communities and humanitarian supplies. Tree planting for stewardship: Adut Kiir launches a tree-planting initiative at the President Salva Kiir Village of Legacy in Addis Ababa, linking environmental care with heritage. Health and education in Fashoda: IOM, with World Bank support, hands over new health facilities and a school in Fashoda County to expand basic services. Local trade push: An EABC roundtable urges South Sudan to speed up EAC commitments to become a regional trade and investment hub.

El Niño warning for South Sudan: UNICEF says intensifying 2026/2027 El Niño could bring drought, extreme heat and localised flooding that would worsen food insecurity and malnutrition, disrupt learning, and increase disease risk—warning that less than 1% of aid is ready for anticipatory action. Water, sanitation funding gap: IOM warns nearly 187,000 displaced people in Bentiu and Malakal could lose clean water, sanitation and flood protection from November unless USD 8.35 million is secured. Mining pollution and community demands: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong Lojore told Ngauro miners to protect water sources, keep processing away from rivers, restore pits after excavation, and support clean water and road rehabilitation. Buluk Playground rules: Juba City Council and SSFA agreed to regulate Buluk Playground activities—no matches during school hours, limits on training crowds and noise, and sanitation upgrades to reduce disruption to students. Airstrip rehabilitation validation: IOM and government partners validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Padiet, Poktap, Panyagor and Pibor to improve access for communities and humanitarian operations. UNESCO heritage push: South Sudan plans official celebrations for the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape after its UNESCO World Heritage listing, highlighting the Great Nile Migration. Tree planting for stewardship: Adut Kiir launched a tree-planting initiative at President Kiir’s Village of Legacy in Ethiopia, linking environmental stewardship with regional ties. Tobacco control ratification: South Sudan is building support to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to strengthen laws protecting children and young people.

UNESCO & Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Ministry of Culture says it will organise an official celebration with a national committee to coordinate protection and sustainable management of the Great Nile Migration, home to about six million antelope. Climate Risk & Hunger: A “supersized” El Niño is expected to intensify through early 2027, with UNICEF warning that over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa face drought, extreme heat, flooding, and rising food and water insecurity—South Sudan included. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: WFP warns hunger will worsen as funding shortfalls force ration cuts and could leave more than 650,000 refugees in South Sudan at risk of losing food aid within weeks. Displacement & Water Safety: IOM says nearly 187,000 people in Bentiu and Malakal face disruption to clean water, sanitation, drainage, flood protection and waste services due to an $8.35m funding gap. Health Access: A cross-border pathway ahead of World Hydrocephalus Day is helping South Sudanese infants reach neurosurgery in Uganda, closing the gap between diagnosis and treatment. Tobacco Control: South Sudan is pushing to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to strengthen child-focused prevention and public-health governance.

Climate Risk: UNICEF warns that intensifying 2026/2027 El Niño is putting more than 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa at risk, with drought, extreme heat and severe flooding threatening food, health, learning, safety and clean water—South Sudan is named among the most exposed countries. Humanitarian Water & Health: IOM says nearly 187,000 people displaced in Bentiu and Malakal could lose clean water, sanitation and flood protection from November due to a funding gap, raising fears of cholera and diarrhoea. Early Action on Rainfall: IGAD’s October–December 2026 rainfall forecast urges governments and aid groups to prepare for wetter-than-normal conditions in parts of the Greater Horn, where heavy rains can quickly damage farms, water systems and infrastructure. Health Access (Neonatal Care): A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach life-saving neurosurgery in Uganda, linking diagnosis, air transport and treatment. Water Access for Women: In Terekeka’s Rijong Payam, women report walking up to three hours for water, with dry-season shortages worsening hygiene and pregnancy/postpartum risks. Local Services: Fashoda County in Upper Nile received new health and school facilities delivered by IOM with World Bank funding. Trade & Environment Link: South Sudan is urged to speed up EAC commitments and position itself as an investment and production hub, including customs reforms and one-stop border processing.

Humanitarian Water Crisis: IOM warns 187,000 displaced people in Bentiu and Malakal could lose clean water, sanitation, drainage and flood protection from November due to a USD 8.35 million funding gap, raising risks of cholera and diarrhoea. Health & Education Access: Fashoda County (Upper Nile) received a newly built health facility and school in Gulbany and Nyigiir Bomas, funded by the World Bank with IOM support, to improve community access to basic services. Water Scarcity & Hygiene: In Terekeka’s Rijong Payam, women report walking up to three hours for water, with dry-season shortages forcing reliance on traditional post-birth cleaning and worsening hygiene. Tobacco Control Push: South Sudan is gathering national stakeholders in Juba to build support for ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, aiming to strengthen laws and protect children and youth. Agriculture Skills for Jobs: Upper Nile University plans to overhaul its agriculture curriculum toward practical, business-focused training through a partnership with Premium Agro Consult, including digital farming and demonstration farms. Charcoal & Forest Pressure: In northern Uganda, UPDF distributed seized charcoal to communities—raising the hard question of whether such “free” relief can curb the illegal trade driving forest loss. Early Rainfall Preparedness: IGAD’s October–December 2026 rainfall forecast urges early action across the Horn, highlighting major implications for farming, water, health and infrastructure. Wildlife & Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan highlighted South Sudan’s first-time inscription, adding momentum for protecting natural and cultural sites amid the climate crisis.

Climate & Disaster Preparedness: IGAD’s October–December 2026 rainfall forecast flags higher-than-normal wet conditions for parts of the Greater Horn, urging early action to protect farms, water, health, and infrastructure. Water Access & Hygiene: In Terekeka’s Rijong Payam, women report walking hours for water, with dry land and long distances worsening pregnancy and post-birth hygiene. Health & Community Services: Fashoda County (Upper Nile) received new health and school facilities to improve access to basic services for children and communities. Agriculture & Jobs: Upper Nile University is overhauling agriculture training with Premium Agro Consult, pushing practical, business-focused learning and digital farming skills. Drought Resilience: South Sudan calls for more direct drought financing as overlapping droughts, floods, and land degradation keep hitting the same regions. Food Security & Nutrition: Japan pledges about USD 2.2m to WFP for lifesaving nutrition support for malnourished women and children. Waste & Public Health: Juba City Council warns residents against dumping rubbish on roads, saying it creates health and environmental risks. Wildlife & Heritage: UNESCO highlights South Sudan’s first World Heritage listing amid a wider push for more inclusive protection of sites. Security & Displacement: Families displaced near the South Sudan–Uganda border seek urgent food, healthcare, and education after clashes.

Drought & Land Degradation: South Sudan’s agriculture minister urged global partners to scale up direct, accessible drought financing as overlapping dry spells, floods, and land degradation keep disrupting crops, livestock, and livelihoods. Water & Health: In Terekeka, women in Rijong Payam say they walk hours for water, struggle with hygiene after childbirth, and face higher risks during pregnancy and delivery. Waste & Urban Health: Juba City Council warned residents against dumping rubbish on roads and public spaces, saying it creates health and environmental risks and that collection trucks are already operating across quarter councils. Food & Nutrition Aid: Japan pledged about USD 2.2 million to WFP to support lifesaving nutrition for malnourished women and children in hard-hit South Sudan communities. Public Health Systems: WHO says South Sudan still relies too much on family blood donors, with low voluntary non-remunerated donations putting patients at risk. Security & Peacekeeping: The AU condemned attacks on UNMISS patrols in Jonglei that killed Ethiopian peacekeepers, calling for investigations and prosecutions. Agriculture Education: Upper Nile University is overhauling its agriculture curriculum with Premium Agro Consult, pushing practical, business-focused training and digital farming skills. Petroleum Sector: A new undersecretary for petroleum in South Sudan is set to push higher production, better recovery from ageing fields, and more domestic refining.

Climate Risk Prep: IGAD’s ICPAC forecast warns of wetter-than-normal October–December rains across parts of the Horn, urging early action to protect farms, water supplies, health, and infrastructure. Agriculture & Jobs: Upper Nile University is overhauling its agriculture curriculum with Premium Agro Consult, pushing practical, business-focused training and digital farming to steer graduates toward agribusiness. Hunger & Nutrition: Japan pledges JPY 350 million (about USD 2.2m) to WFP for lifesaving nutrition support for malnourished women and children in hard-hit South Sudan counties. Water Access: In Terekeka’s Rijong Payam, women walk hours for water, with dry land and limited well options worsening hygiene and pregnancy risks. Drought Financing: South Sudan calls for scaled-up direct drought financing as overlapping droughts, floods, and land degradation disrupt crops and livestock. Health System Pressure: WHO says voluntary blood donations remain low, leaving facilities dependent on families and putting patients at risk. Clean Cities: Juba City Council warns residents against dumping rubbish on roads, citing health and environmental dangers and promising legal action. Security & Peacekeeping: The AU condemns attacks on UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, calling for investigations and prosecutions.

Hunger & Nutrition: WFP welcomed Japan’s JPY 350 million (about USD 2.2m) to support lifesaving nutrition for over 38,000 vulnerable women and children, including treatment for 14,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and girls and preventive support for 24,000 mothers and young children in hard-hit areas. Water & Climate Impacts: In Terekeka, women in Rijong Payam say they walk up to three hours for water as dry land and shrinking water sources worsen hygiene and health risks, especially around pregnancy and childbirth. Land Degradation & Drought Finance: South Sudan urged global partners to scale up direct, accessible drought financing at UNCCD COP17, warning that overlapping droughts, floods, and land degradation are disrupting crops and livestock and deepening food insecurity. Public Health & Blood Supply: WHO says South Sudan still relies heavily on family and replacement blood donors, with voluntary non-remunerated donations low, threatening timely care for childbirth bleeding, severe anemia, trauma, and surgery patients. Waste & Urban Health: Juba City Council warned residents against dumping rubbish on roads and public spaces, saying it creates health and environmental risks and that collection trucks are already operating across quarter councils. Security & Peacekeeping: The AU condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, calling for investigations and prosecutions as UNMISS deploys a quick reaction force. Elections & Diplomacy: South Sudan summoned ambassadors of Germany, Japan, Norway, and the US over a joint statement urging inter-party dialogue and accountability ahead of December elections, with the government calling it “inappropriate and divisive.”

Water & Health: In Terekeka’s Rijong Payam, women say they walk up to three hours for water, and the dry season leaves families struggling with hygiene after childbirth—raising fears of illness and deaths. Drought & Land Degradation: South Sudan’s agriculture minister urged global partners to scale up direct, accessible drought financing as overlapping droughts, floods, and land degradation disrupt crops and livestock. Food Security: WFP warns food cuts could hit about 240,000 vulnerable refugees after September and around 180,000 internally displaced people from October, at a time when acute hunger and child malnutrition are already high. Public Health Systems: WHO says South Sudan still relies too much on family blood donors, with voluntary non-remunerated donations low, threatening timely care for childbirth bleeding, trauma, anemia, and surgery patients. Environment & Cities: Juba City Council warned residents against dumping rubbish on roads, saying it creates health and environmental risks and that waste collection is already running across all quarter councils. Elections & Stability: Ahead of December polls, South Sudan’s foreign ministry summoned Germany, Japan, Norway, and the US over a joint statement it called divisive, while also calling for a peaceful electoral environment. Wildlife & Conservation: Training continues to expand wildlife ranger capacity to tackle poaching in Badingilo National Park. Peacekeeping Safety: The AU condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, calling for investigations and prosecutions.

Water Access & Climate Pressure: In Terekeka’s Rijong Payam, women say they can walk up to three hours for water as land dries in the dry season, forcing some to move closer to wells during pregnancy and making hygiene after childbirth harder. Peace & Security for Civilians: The AU condemned deadly attacks on UN peacekeepers in Jonglei, calling for investigations and prosecutions as UNMISS deploys quick response to secure areas. Waste & Urban Health: Juba City Council warned residents that dumping rubbish on streets is a crime, citing health and environmental risks and pointing to shift-based collection across quarter councils. Drought Financing & Land Degradation: South Sudan’s agriculture minister urged global partners to scale up direct drought funding at UNCCD COP17, warning that drought and floods overlap in the same season and are degrading farmland and grazing areas. Health System Strain: WHO says voluntary blood donations remain low, leaving facilities dependent on families and putting patients at risk, especially during childbirth emergencies. Wildlife Protection: Badingilo National Park graduated 50 wildlife rangers after training to tackle poaching and protect habitats around the Great Nile Migration Landscape. Food Security Funding Gap: WFP warned food assistance could be cut for vulnerable refugees and internally displaced people if funding is not secured soon. Breastfeeding Rates: UNICEF-linked data says only about 71% of mothers exclusively breastfeed for six months, with calls for support during World Breastfeeding Week.