AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Enforcement: South Sudan wildlife authorities are investigating SSPDF soldiers arrested for allegedly transporting nearly a tonne of bushmeat in a military ambulance through Badingilo National Park, with plans for a military court and a push to shift conservation from “after-the-fact” interceptions to stronger protection in habitats. Humanitarian Displacement: The government and UN will meet in Juba on June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for IDPs, with UN teams visiting Malakal to assess projects and communities; South Sudan still has over 2.5 million people displaced. Ebola Preparedness: Police and health authorities are urging heightened border vigilance as regional anxiety grows over Ebola spread linked to outbreaks in eastern DRC and Uganda, including tougher monitoring and action against illegal crossings. Mining & Environment: The Mining Minister met a foreign gold investor in Juba, stressing that companies must follow South Sudan’s mining laws, safe practices, and transparency rules while supporting community development. Urban Nature Safety: Wildlife officials plan to relocate a hyena spotted roaming a residential area in Juba, after tracing it to a private owner and warning it could harm vulnerable people. Aid Effectiveness: The Ministry of Finance and Planning convened partners to improve development cooperation and service delivery, citing progress but also gaps in transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation.

Wildlife Enforcement: SSPDF soldiers were arrested after nearly a tonne of bushmeat was found concealed in a military ambulance on the Juba–Bor Road, with investigations pointing to a need for stronger conservation strategies beyond post-crime interceptions. Human–Wildlife Conflict: Wildlife authorities in Juba say a hyena spotted near Ministries Road is privately owned and will be relocated to natural habitat after concerns it could harm vulnerable residents. Mining & Environment Governance: The Ministry of Mining told foreign investors in Juba to comply with South Sudan’s mining laws, including safe mining practices, as officials push for more transparency and regulation. Displacement & Durable Solutions: Government and UN partners will meet in Juba on June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for IDPs, with UN teams visiting Malakal to assess projects and returnee experiences; Ebola Preparedness: Police and health authorities urged tighter border monitoring amid regional anxiety over Ebola spread from the DRC, with calls to stop illegal crossings. Local Administration: Four Yei local administrators were transferred to Juba City Council as part of a routine reshuffle aimed at improving public service coordination. Peace & Security Ahead of Elections: President Kiir directed Central Equatoria to tighten security and maintain peace as election preparations continue.

Ebola Alert: South Sudan’s police and health authorities have urged tighter border vigilance after the DRC’s fast-spreading Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with officials warning of illegal crossings and calling for stronger monitoring. Displacement & Durable Solutions: The Government and UN will meet in Juba on June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for IDPs, with UN teams visiting Malakal (June 10–12) and a target to help 60,000 displaced people by Dec 31, 2026 through voluntary return, local integration or resettlement. Sanctions & Security Capacity: Juba criticized the renewal of UN sanctions and the arms embargo, saying they weaken state institutions and limit security reforms needed to protect civilians. Climate Risk: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is likely to develop (80% chance) and could bring hotter conditions and shifting rainfall patterns across eastern and southern Africa. Food Security Pressure: UN-linked reporting highlights worsening hunger risks across the region as funding cuts and violence deepen displacement and malnutrition. Local Governance: Four Yei local administrators were transferred to Juba City Council as part of a routine reshuffle aimed at strengthening public service delivery.

Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan’s police and health authorities have urged tighter border vigilance as a regional Ebola scare grows, with officials pointing to the fast-spreading Bundibugyo strain in eastern DRC and Uganda and warning against illegal crossings. Displacement & Durable Solutions: Juba and the UN will meet in June 16 to review progress on durable solutions for IDPs, after a steering committee communiqué involving 13 ministries; UN data says 2.5+ million people remain displaced and the target is 60,000 sustainable solutions by end-2026. Security for Elections: President Salva Kiir has directed Central Equatoria to strengthen security and maintain peace as election preparations continue, with emphasis on civic engagement and coordination among state, communities, and security agencies. Sanctions Debate: South Sudan’s foreign ministry says renewed UN sanctions and the arms embargo are counterproductive, arguing they weaken state security capacity and hinder reforms needed to protect civilians. Local Governance: Four Yei River County administrators have been transferred to Juba City Council in a routine reshuffle aimed at improving institutional cooperation and public service. Trade & Livelihoods: ITC and Equity Group signed an East Africa deal to expand finance and market access for coffee, leather and creative industries, with South Sudan included in Equity’s regional footprint.

Ebola Border Alert: South Sudan’s police and health authorities urged tighter border monitoring after WHO flagged the fast-spreading Bundibugyo strain in eastern DRC as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with officials warning there’s currently no licensed vaccine for this strain. Climate Watch: The World Meteorological Organization warned El Niño is likely to develop this June–August, raising the odds of hotter conditions and shifting rainfall patterns across eastern and southern Africa—bad news for already-stressed livelihoods. Food & Water Security: While Sudan braces for worsening child malnutrition, the wider region’s hunger risk is tied to conflict, climate pressure, and disrupted farming—issues that also spill into South Sudan’s food system. Security Policy & Environment: Juba criticized renewed UN sanctions and the arms embargo as “counterproductive,” arguing they weaken state capacity to protect civilians—capacity that affects disaster response, land management, and environmental protection. Local Governance: Four Yei River County administrators were transferred to Juba City Council in a routine reshuffle aimed at improving public service delivery. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Over 550 Indian UNMISS peacekeepers were awarded UN Medals of Honour in Malakal for work protecting civilians and improving humanitarian access.

Trade & Jobs: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to expand access to finance, trade expertise and markets for East Africa’s coffee, leather and creative small businesses, starting with a Kenya pilot until Dec 2026. Elections & Peace: President Salva Kiir urged Central and Western Equatoria leaders to tighten law and order, reconciliation and community cohesion ahead of elections. Security Sector & Sanctions: A political analyst said renewed UN sanctions aim to push security reforms, warning that weak cohesion among forces keeps civilians exposed. Mining & Environment: A Juba workshop warned that weak mining regulation can damage ecosystems, displace communities and harm wildlife habitats, calling for better community rights and environmental safeguards. Climate Watch: The WMO says El Niño is likely to develop (80% chance) and could persist into late 2026, raising heat and shifting rainfall risks for eastern and southern Africa. Public Health Cross-Border Risk: Coverage highlights the fast-moving DRC Ebola outbreak and the threat to neighbors, including South Sudan, as countries tighten travel and screening measures. Local Governance: Four Yei River County administrators were transferred to Juba City Council as part of a routine reshuffle. Refugees: Refugee leaders in Uganda report more South Sudanese returning home voluntarily, despite hunger, insecurity and unemployment. Peacekeeping Recognition: UNMISS honoured 565 Indian peacekeepers (including 53 women) with the UN Medal of Honour in Malakal.

UN Peacekeeping & Civilians: UNMISS honoured 565 Indian “Blue Helmets” (including 53 women) and 464 Rwandan peacekeepers in Malakal for work protecting civilians, running veterinary camps, and tackling gender violence—an environmental-health and community-safety angle that matters in South Sudan’s conflict-affected areas. Election Security & Community Cohesion: President Salva Kiir urged leaders in Central and Western Equatoria to strengthen law and order, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence ahead of elections, while VP Hussein Abdelbagi Akol told Warrap communities to stop hostilities and put down guns. Mining, Wildlife & Land Rights: A Juba workshop warned that weak mining regulation could drive environmental destruction, displace communities, and damage wildlife habitats, calling for better community participation and safeguards as the sector expands. Climate & Weather Communication: Uganda’s ministry dismissed viral claims of heavy rains, stressing a warmer-and-drier June–August outlook—an important reminder for the region’s climate-sensitive planning. Agroforestry for Climate Resilience: An intra-Africa agroforestry research and education drive links universities including the University of Juba to strengthen climate mitigation skills and training. Media & Public Interest: A watchdog report warned that opaque web-scraping systems are draining resources from independent journalism—relevant for how environmental reporting reaches communities.

Mining & Communities: A Juba workshop warned that weak mining regulation could trigger environmental damage, wildlife habitat loss, displacement, and livelihood shocks, urging better land-use and community participation as South Sudan pushes extractives for growth. Security & Governance: The UN renewed South Sudan sanctions, extending the arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes, with analysts saying the move aims to pressure security sector reforms and curb insecurity that keeps civilians exposed. Elections & Stability: Opposition alliance leader VP Hussein Abdelbagi Akol urged Muslims in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to back President Salva Kiir in December 2026 polls, framing unity and a secure environment as key for mobilisation. Climate & Weather Misinformation: Uganda’s water ministry dismissed viral claims of heavy rains, saying the official June–August outlook points to warmer, drier conditions—an alert for climate-sensitive planning. Ebola & Wildlife Risk: Reporting from Congo highlighted how Ebola outbreaks can spread through hunting, butchering and handling wild animals, renewing calls for safer wildlife practices as cases rise amid conflict. Peacekeeping & Environment Link: UN Peacekeepers Day coverage included posthumous medals for fallen troops serving in South Sudan and the region, underscoring how conflict zones strain health and protection systems.

UN Security Council & South Sudan Sanctions: Amnesty says the renewed arms embargo on South Sudan remains critical to protecting civilians as violence and weapon proliferation continue, while noting some council members abstained. UNMISS & Civilian Protection: UNMISS warns a worsening UN financial crisis is threatening peacekeeping and civilian protection in South Sudan, even as it reports sheltering thousands during attacks and supporting aid delivery. Arms Embargo Debate: South Sudan argues the embargo undermines its ability to protect civilians and respond to armed groups, urging sanctions relief tied to stronger national institutions. Ebola Risk for the Region: With Ebola spreading in eastern DRC and into Uganda, multiple countries are tightening travel and entry screening; South Sudan is among the places triggering Ebola checks at major airports. Agroforestry for Climate Resilience: An intra-Africa agroforestry drive links Juba University with partners to boost research and training aimed at climate change mitigation. Maternal Health Advocacy: A new review highlights how funding gaps and health-system fragility keep maternal and adolescent health outcomes in South Sudan dangerously high.

UN Peacekeeping & Civilians: UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho warned that a worsening UN financial crisis is threatening peacekeeping and civilian protection in South Sudan, even as attacks force protection for thousands and aid convoys need escorting. Sanctions & Arms Control: Amnesty says the UN Security Council’s renewal of South Sudan’s arms embargo is still critical to protect civilians amid violence and weapon proliferation, while South Sudan’s UN envoy argues the embargo undermines state capacity to secure borders and respond to armed groups. Peacekeeping Remembrance: UN Secretary-General António Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, after they were killed in an Abyei drone strike in 2025. Ebola & Public Health Spillover: With Ebola spreading in eastern Congo and into Uganda, South Sudan is also named among countries triggering stricter entry screening and travel restrictions, including Ebola symptom checks at major airports like JFK. Climate-Smart Agriculture: A new intra-Africa agroforestry drive links JKUAT, Addis Ababa University, the University of Juba, and others to train students and strengthen agroforestry research for climate change mitigation.

Ebola and wildlife trade: In eastern Congo, experts warn Ebola keeps spreading as people hunt, butcher and process wild animals—one health risks rise where humans, animals and forests collide, with markets like Kinshasa’s Masina showing how demand persists despite outbreaks. Public health at borders: With the Bundibugyo strain surging, World Cup host countries and the U.S. have tightened airport screening and travel rules for arrivals from Ebola-affected areas, including South Sudan. South Sudan sanctions and arms embargo: The UN Security Council is set to renew sanctions and the arms embargo on South Sudan, while Amnesty says the ban is still critical to protect civilians amid ongoing violence and weapon proliferation; South Sudan’s government argues the embargo undermines its capacity to secure borders and respond to threats. UNMISS under strain: UNMISS warns worsening UN financial constraints are threatening its ability to sustain civilian protection and peacekeeping operations as insecurity and humanitarian needs rise. Hunger in Akobo: WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition support in Akobo East as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen, with parts of the area facing famine-level risk. Peace process continuity: R-ARCSS stakeholders welcomed a government move to preserve key articles of the 2018 peace agreement to protect fragile trust ahead of elections, even as insecurity and delays continue.

Ebola & Wildlife Trade: In eastern Congo, experts warn the latest Ebola surge is tied to human contact with infected animals through hunting, butchering and “wild meat” markets, highlighting the human–animal–environment link. Cross-Border Health Measures: As the outbreak spreads, the U.S. and other countries tighten travel rules and airport screening, including Ebola checks for travelers arriving from DRC, South Sudan and Uganda. South Sudan Food Crisis: WFP scaled up emergency support in Akobo as catastrophic hunger and acute malnutrition deepen, with parts of the county facing famine-level risk. Peace & Security Pressure: South Sudan says the renewed UN arms embargo leaves civilians exposed and limits border protection and response capacity, as the Security Council moves to extend sanctions. Peacekeeping Day, Climate Angle: On UN Peacekeepers’ Day, UN-linked reporting stresses “invest in peace” amid hybrid threats, including climate-driven humanitarian emergencies, with South Sudan repeatedly cited as a mission area.

Ebola Emergency in the Region: The WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as suspected cases and deaths climb, with experts warning the real toll may be higher and that the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or medicines—while Uganda and other neighbors brace for spillover. South Sudan Hunger Crisis: WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition support in Akobo East as IPC projections point to catastrophe risk and acute malnutrition worsening amid insecurity and damaged infrastructure. Peacekeeping, Climate, and Protection: On International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Pakistan highlighted its “Blue Helmets” work in high-risk missions including South Sudan, while UN plans to honour fallen peacekeepers on June 5—underscoring how conflict and climate-linked emergencies are reshaping protection needs. Development Finance for Resilience: South Sudan’s central bank governor called for larger development financing to tackle gaps in agriculture, energy, water, and transport, warning that recurring floods and humanitarian pressures are compounding economic fragility. Energy and Water Security: South Sudan and NELSAP-CU signed an MoU to lead resource mobilization for baseline and feasibility studies on the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, alongside discussions to speed up the South Sudan–Uganda power interconnection. Regional Health Preparedness: IGAD launched a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project using a One Health approach, aiming to strengthen cross-border surveillance and lab capacity across countries including South Sudan.

Ebola Response and Regional Risk: The WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with suspected cases nearing 1,000 as insecurity, displacement, and low trust in health services slow containment. Cross-Border Containment Measures: Countries are tightening travel rules, while the U.S. is moving to screen travelers and set up a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola—an approach drawing anger in the region. Community Engagement: UNICEF is urging stronger community response, focusing on risk communication, prevention, and long-term preparedness, especially for children and families. South Sudan Environment Watch: South Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Dams signed an MoU with NELSAP-CU to lead resource mobilization for baseline and feasibility studies on the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, alongside discussions to speed up the South Sudan–Uganda power interconnection. Pandemic Preparedness in IGAD: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen cross-border surveillance, labs, and emergency health workforce capacity across member states including South Sudan. Peacekeeping and Safety: The UN will honour fallen peacekeepers on June 5, including personnel linked to South Sudan, underscoring rising risks for uniformed staff in conflict zones.

Ebola & Public Health: The WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is spreading faster than teams can respond, with suspected cases nearing 1,000 and insecurity and displacement making containment harder; UNICEF is urging stronger community engagement and prevention to protect children and families, while Africa CDC warns of regional spillover risk. Cross-Border Response: Governments are tightening travel rules to slow spread, including U.S. screening at major airports and reports of a Kenya quarantine plan for exposed Americans, as Uganda and others move to contain movement from affected areas. South Sudan Context: Senior Nuer leaders in South Sudan reject claims of ethnic targeting and say allegations risk inflaming tensions, as Vice President Nyandeng calls for disciplined, professional diplomacy. Climate & Water Resilience: South Sudan and NELSAP-CU sign an MoU to mobilize resources for studies on the Grand Fulla hydropower project, and UNOPS with the Ministry of Water Resources distributes fishing nets to flood-affected households in Lakes and Jonglei. Regional Health Security: IGAD launches a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project across the region, including South Sudan, using a One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Ebola in the region: Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak has extended into South Kivu, with two confirmed cases (including one death) reported in Kabare near Bukavu, as insecurity is slowing response teams and authorities call for secure humanitarian access. Cross-border containment: WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and countries are tightening travel rules—while the U.S. plans to quarantine exposed Americans in Kenya has triggered anger and accusations of using Kenya as a “dumping ground.” South Sudan angle: South Sudan is repeatedly named in U.S. entry restrictions tied to recent travel to DRC/Uganda, and the country’s security situation remains volatile, complicating humanitarian movement and health operations. Regional coordination: The African Union has launched a new humanitarian coordination platform to improve crisis response across displacement, hunger, and climate-linked disasters—amid a major funding gap. Energy & environment: In Juba, South Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Dams signed an MoU with NELSAP-CU to lead resource mobilization for baseline and feasibility studies on the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, alongside discussions to accelerate the South Sudan–Uganda power interconnection. Flood resilience: UNOPS and the Ministry of Water Resources distributed 1,351 fishing nets to flood-affected households in Lakes and Jonglei to restore livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience.