AGP Executive Report

UNESCO World Heritage, South Sudan: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as the country’s first World Heritage Site, but it was also added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger over threats including armed conflict, commercial poaching and wildlife trafficking, infrastructure development, and weak protection arrangements. Heritage Under Pressure: UNESCO also placed six sites worldwide on the “in danger” list, with emergency protection for Mount Amel Castles (Lebanon) and Sebastia (West Bank), citing conflict, insecurity, and climate pressures. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a looming “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, cut GDP by 1%–2% in hard-hit countries, threaten food and water, strain public finances, and trigger mass migration. Health & Media: South Sudan’s Ebola media sensitization urged journalists to use verified guidance, stressing early reporting, safe hygiene, and proper handling of bush meat. Elections & Civic Space: Human rights groups say voter education can’t work where fear prevails, as the National Elections Commission launches civic education ahead of December polls. Telecom Costs: Mobile operators MTN, Zain, and Digitel announced a second tariff increment approved by the National Communication Authority, raising call and data prices.

UNESCO World Heritage (South Sudan): South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing a vast 11-million-hectare system that supports an annual migration of more than six million antelope and other species. Heritage in Danger: UNESCO also placed the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing armed conflict, commercial poaching, infrastructure development, possible extractive activity, and weak protection and management arrangements. Climate Risk (Africa): The AfDB warns a potential “super” El Niño could cut African GDP by $10bn–$20bn and trigger mass migration, with knock-on effects for food and water security, public finances, and banking stability. Conservation Cooperation (Nile Basin): Egypt’s ambassador says Cairo is ready to share tourism and environmental conservation experience with South Sudan, focusing on the Great Nile Migration Landscape. Wildlife Pressure (South Sudan): South Sudan’s wildlife authorities flag poaching and habitat destruction as major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement. Public Health (Ebola): Health partners urge journalists to use verified information when reporting Ebola, stressing early detection and safe handling of bush meat. Telecom Costs: MTN, Zain, and Digitel announce a second phase of tariff increases tied to an exchange-rate adjustment approved by the National Communication Authority. Civic Space (Elections): Rights groups warn voter education can’t succeed where fear and intimidation prevail, as the National Elections Commission launches civic education ahead of December polls.

UNESCO Heritage in Danger: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List in Danger on an emergency basis, citing threats like infrastructure development, commercial poaching, wildlife trafficking, and weak conservation capacity—while the country also awaits a separate decision on its first-ever World Heritage inscription. Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warned that poaching and habitat loss remain major risks, urging stronger enforcement and community involvement to protect biodiversity and support recovery of wildlife populations. Climate Risk for Africa: The AfDB warned a “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, worsen droughts and storms, and drive displacement—raising pressure on food and water security. Food Security Pressure: FEWS NET projected 16.0–16.99 million Nigerians could face acute hunger by January 2027, underscoring how climate and conflict keep hunger rising across the region. Mining & Environment Governance: Juba County created a Mining Department to regulate mining and include environmental protection in oversight, as violence around gold mining continues to threaten people and sites. Fuel Market Policy: South Sudan lifted restrictions on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing more licensed importers to supply petroleum products while a government review continues.

World Heritage in Danger: UNESCO has placed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage in Danger list through an emergency procedure, citing threats like commercial poaching, wildlife trafficking, development pressures, and insecurity—while also adding Lebanon and Palestine sites for the same urgent reasons. Wildlife Protection: South Sudanese wildlife authorities warn that poaching and habitat destruction are still undermining conservation, urging stronger enforcement and community involvement to help species recover across the Great Nile Migration Landscape. Fuel & Environment: The Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing more licensed importers to supply petroleum products while a government review continues—an issue that can affect market stability and environmental management. Mining Governance: Juba County created a Mining Department to register companies, enforce mining laws, and include environmental protection in oversight, as violence around gold mining sites remains a major risk. Food Security & Climate: A new AfDB-backed project will expand solar water systems and climate-smart agriculture training in Ethiopia and South Sudan, targeting water security and food production amid worsening weather risks. Cross-Border Pressure: South Sudan and Uganda resumed border talks after clashes displaced thousands, with a focus on security cooperation that also shapes access to land and livelihoods.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan just secured its first World Heritage listing: the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, home to the Great Nile Migration—an important win for biodiversity protection and future tourism planning. Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife authorities warn that poaching and habitat loss are still undermining South Sudan’s conservation gains, calling for stronger enforcement and deeper community involvement around key migration areas. Climate & Food Security: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could hit Africa with $10–$20 billion in damage, worsening droughts and floods and triggering mass migration—an urgent reminder for South Sudan’s already fragile food and water systems. Security & Environment on the Ground: Chinese UN peacekeepers completed a joint patrol in rainy-season conditions, highlighting how muddy roads and heavy rainfall complicate movement and safety along routes. Natural Resources Governance: Juba County set up a Mining Department to regulate mining, register companies, enforce laws, and include environmental protection in oversight. Regional Cooperation: South Sudan and Uganda resumed border talks in Arua after clashes displaced over 10,000 civilians, with plans for joint working committees to reduce recurring tensions. Fuel Market Policy: The Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on fuel imports under the G2G framework, allowing more licensed importers to supply petroleum products while a government review continues. Poaching & Community Pressure: Conservation groups stress that protecting wildlife corridors is inseparable from livelihoods and local participation, not just patrols.

Fuel & energy governance: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing all qualified licensed importers to supply petroleum products while a government review continues. Mining & environment: Juba County created a Mining Department to regulate mining, register operators, enforce mining laws, and include environmental protection and site security—amid past deadly violence around gold mining in the Luri Basin. World Heritage push: South Sudan is awaiting UNESCO’s decision on inscribing the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, which would be the country’s first World Heritage Site. Water & climate resilience funding: AfDB approved a $9.3m grant for Ethiopia and South Sudan to expand solar water systems, flood management, climate-smart farming training, and school sanitation. Food security & climate risk: A joint FAO-WFP report flags South Sudan among major hunger hotspots, warning that conflict and climate shocks are driving extreme food insecurity. Conservation & peace: Stakeholders in Eastern Equatoria called for stronger cooperation and responsible natural resource management to protect Kidepo Game Reserve through the EU-funded FOPNAG project. Biodiversity/innovation: East African researchers completed a BioInnovate bootcamp aimed at turning lab research into investor-ready ventures for agriculture, food security, public health, and green manufacturing. Health emergency spillover: Ebola continues to surge in eastern DRC, with deaths now exceeding 1,000—raising regional health and movement concerns.

Fuel & Energy Governance: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum lifted all administrative limits on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, letting any qualified licensed importer supply petroleum products while a government review continues. Mining & Environment: Juba County created a Mining Department to register operators, enforce mining laws, and push environmental protection and security at mining sites. UNESCO & Biodiversity: South Sudan is awaiting UNESCO’s decision on inscribing the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape—potentially the country’s first World Heritage Site. Water & Climate Resilience: The AfDB approved a $9.3m grant for solar water systems, flood management, and climate-smart agriculture training in Ethiopia and South Sudan. Food Security & Climate Risk: A joint FAO-WFP report flags South Sudan among global hunger hotspots, warning conflict and climate shocks are driving extreme food insecurity. Conservation & Peace: Stakeholders in Eastern Equatoria called for stronger cooperation and responsible natural resource management to protect Kidepo Game Reserve and support sustainable development. Border Tensions: South Sudan and Uganda resumed border talks in Arua to address clashes in Kajokeji that displaced over 10,000 people. Youth & Peacebuilding: Youth leaders urged full implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and called for more youth representation and enterprise support ahead of December elections.

Mining & Environment Governance: Juba County has set up a Mining Department to register mining companies and cooperatives, enforce mining laws, and push environmental protection and site security as gold and other minerals are explored—amid past violence in the Luri Basin. World Heritage Watch: South Sudan is waiting for UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee decision on whether to inscribe the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, potentially making it the country’s first World Heritage Site. Border Peace & Displacement: South Sudan and Uganda resumed border cooperation talks in Arua to address recurring clashes in Kajokeji County, where over 10,000 civilians were displaced and need urgent humanitarian support. Food Security Under Climate Pressure: A new African Development Fund grant will support climate resilience, solar water systems, flood management, and climate-smart farming training in Ethiopia and South Sudan, targeting safer water and higher yields. Hunger Hotspots: FAO and WFP flag South Sudan among the world’s most critical hunger hotspots, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse. Conservation & Livelihoods: Stakeholders met to strengthen peace and natural resource governance to protect Kidepo Game Reserve and support sustainable development in the Greater Kidepo Valley. Local Development Planning: The Ministry of Finance and Planning began consultations for a 10-year South Sudan Development Plan (2026–2036), gathering state and administrative views for a long-term economic framework.

Water Security & Early Warning: UNITAR and WMO spotlight SDG 6 water capacity and “Early Warning for All,” urging stronger systems to manage drought and floods. Climate Risk to Food: A super El Niño is forecast to intensify drought in southern Africa and flooding in the Horn, with South Sudan already in drought status and food prices likely to rise. Hunger Hotspots: A FAO-WFP report flags South Sudan among the world’s worst hunger hotspots, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse. Funding for Resilience: The African Development Fund approved a $9.3m grant for Ethiopia and South Sudan to expand solar water systems, flood management, climate-smart farming training, and school sanitation. Conservation & Peace: EU-funded stakeholders push community-linked protection for Kidepo Game Reserve, tying natural resource governance to peacebuilding. Local Roads for Livelihoods: Unity State launched rehabilitation of the Guit–Tharjiath Road to improve transport, trade, and access to services. Oil Sector Governance: Unions threaten to boycott the NSIF symposium over unresolved governance and legal concerns in the petroleum workforce. Youth & Elections: Youth leaders call for full R-ARCSS implementation, stronger youth representation, and economic support ahead of December polls. Agriculture Policy Support: EU and South Sudan coordinate the GRE TEI steering committee to strengthen sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Climate & water security: The African Development Fund approved a $9.3m grant for Ethiopia and South Sudan to build/rehabilitate seven solar-powered water systems and add flood management, reaching nearly 80,000 people, while training 100,000 farmers in climate-smart agriculture and supporting women-led water committees. Food security: IFAD and the Government launched a $41.8m Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme (SADEP) to boost climate-resilient sorghum and fisheries value chains, cut post-harvest losses, and improve market access for 110,000+ people across four counties. Hunger hotspots: A FAO-WFP report flags South Sudan among the world’s worst hunger hotspots, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse. Conservation & peace: Eastern Equatoria stakeholders urged stronger cooperation and responsible natural resource management to protect Kidepo Game Reserve under an EU-funded peace-and-conservation project. Local governance for the environment: The Ministry of Finance began consultations for South Sudan’s 10-year Development Plan (2026–2036), collecting state and county input on a sustainable economic framework. Oil sector & livelihoods: An EAEP roundtable pushed for stronger local content implementation in South Sudan’s oil and gas sector, aiming to expand jobs and local business participation. Public health risk: Ebola in the DRC continues to spread fast, with officials warning the outbreak could worsen without urgent action—prompting renewed attention to screening and preparedness across the region. Education policy: The Higher Education Minister pledged to ease high taxation and lengthy accreditation for private universities, a move that could shape future human-capital and training capacity for climate and agriculture work.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: South Sudan’s weak pound is pushing up the cost of life in Juba and other towns, with petrol and diesel prices rising sharply before a government Economic Reform Committee intervention brought some relief—yet the deeper problem remains: the country still lacks an oil refinery, leaving it exposed to exchange-rate shocks and imported fuel prices. Food Security & Climate Resilience: IFAD and the government launched a US$41.8m Sustainable Agriculture Development Project to support over 110,000 people in four counties, backing climate-resilient sorghum and fisheries value chains, cutting post-harvest losses, and improving access to finance, markets, and extension services. Air Pollution Signals: A UNEP pollution note flags air quality pressures across East Africa; South Sudan’s PM2.5 exposure is listed above WHO guideline levels, adding another health and climate stressor to daily life. Digital Governance: South Sudan has started operationalising its Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, aiming to strengthen digital governance and security as elections approach. Regional Energy Context: While not South Sudan-specific, coverage on East Africa’s push for refining capacity (including Kenya’s Lamu refinery plans) underlines the wider regional drive to reduce energy vulnerability. Ebola Alert (Africa): An Ebola update reports over 1,000 deaths across Africa, with officials warning the crisis could worsen without urgent action.

Food Security & Climate Resilience: IFAD and the Government of South Sudan launched a US$41.8 million Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADEP) to boost climate-resilient food systems, support rural livelihoods, and improve market access for more than 110,000 people across four counties. Agriculture Policy: An editorial urges government support for farmers to better use the rains, linking higher yields to national food security. Air Pollution: A UNEP report flags air pollution as a public health threat across East Africa, listing South Sudan among countries with PM2.5 exposure above WHO guideline levels. Water & Infrastructure: A UK industry warning says AI and data centres are straining water supplies—an indirect reminder for South Sudan as digital growth plans rise. Governance & Digital Safety: South Sudan begins enforcing its Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, as elections approach. Hunger Trends: A UN report says global hunger is declining but still above pre-COVID levels, with Africa remaining the hardest hit. Wildlife Conservation: Research using tiny satellite trackers maps migratory shorebird routes across Africa, highlighting new protection needs. Public Health (Regional): Ebola updates report rising deaths and expanding transmission in Africa, with officials warning of a worsening crisis.

Food Security & Climate-Smart Farming: The South Sudan government and IFAD launched a $41.8M Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme (SADEP) and SABRELA for four counties (Terekeka, Mundri West, Mvolo, Bor), aiming to support 100,000+ people with climate-smart agriculture, fisheries, nutrition, market access and resilience over seven years. Air Pollution Watch: A UNEP report flags air pollution as a major health threat across East Africa; it lists South Sudan at about 23.7 micrograms per cubic metre of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), alongside other countries above WHO guidance. Wildlife Migration Tracking: Conservationists used tiny satellite tags to map migratory shorebirds’ routes across Africa, identifying stopover sites that could guide future protection for species traveling to the Arctic. Digital Governance & Online Safety: South Sudan began enforcing its Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, saying it will strengthen digital governance and protect citizens as elections approach. Water & Land Resources: South Sudan inaugurated an Egyptian-funded groundwater station at Juba University, boosting access to safer water and supporting research and training. Regional Food Pressure: UN reporting says hunger is easing globally but remains high in Africa, where conflict, shocks and climate extremes keep needs urgent. Youth for Peacebuilding: IGAD-backed youth leadership, peace and security forum in Juba urges young people to drive social cohesion and sustainable development.

Cyber & Governance: South Sudan has begun operationalising its Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, as the country heads toward December 2026 elections, framing the move as stronger digital governance and safer online space. Food Security: China delivered the final consignment of emergency food aid to South Sudan—3,256 metric tons of wheat and rice in total—aimed at easing severe shortages. Climate-Linked Health: Ebola deaths in Africa have climbed above 930, with Congo reporting the highest burden and ongoing surveillance and contact tracing. Water & Land: Egypt-funded groundwater infrastructure at Juba University has been inaugurated, boosting access to safer water for learning and research. Agriculture & Resilience: A Jur River commissioner highlights farming as the path to reduce hunger and violence, citing large-scale groundnut and sorghum production despite early rainy-season ending. Regional Finance & Climate: East African central banks, including South Sudan, meet in Kampala to discuss monetary convergence criteria, with climate change included in the agenda. Biodiversity: Researchers in Africa track migratory shorebirds using satellite tags, identifying stopover sites that could guide conservation protection. Women’s Sports: The SSFF finalises plans for the 2026–2027 season and launches the country’s first Women’s Premier League, expanding opportunities for women and girls.

Food Security: China completed the handover of the final consignment of emergency wheat and rice to South Sudan in Juba, totaling 3,256 metric tons, as communities continue to face severe shortages. Water & Climate Resilience: Egypt-funded groundwater infrastructure was inaugurated at the University of Juba, a step toward improving access to safer water for students and surrounding communities. Conservation & Biodiversity: Scientists used tiny satellite tags to map migratory shorebirds’ routes across Africa to Arctic breeding grounds, highlighting new stopover areas that need protection. Wildlife & Land Use: UN/UNESCO is set to expand its “World Heritage in Danger” list over conflict and climate threats, keeping pressure on countries to protect natural and cultural sites. Energy & Environment Governance: South Sudan is pushing reforms to attract new investment across the oil value chain, while local concerns remain about clearer rules and environmental safeguards. Public Health: Canada tightened Ebola-related entry rules for foreign nationals who visited the DRC in the past 21 days, as the outbreak death toll in Congo rose above 930. Local Governance & Sanitation: Juba City Council passed the Property Tax Bylaw 2026, with revenue earmarked for services including waste management and sanitation. Agriculture & Livelihoods: A Jur River commissioner urged farmers to invest in agriculture as a practical route to jobs and reduced hunger, even as rains become less reliable. Elections & Peacebuilding: Bishops called for dialogue and full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, while VP Igga urged youth to lead peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Diplomacy & Sustainability: South Sudan’s foreign minister met UAE officials in Abu Dhabi to discuss stronger cooperation on trade, investment and sustainable development, with both sides stressing security, peace and stability. Youth & Peacebuilding: Vice President James Wani Igga opened an IGAD youth forum in Juba, urging young people to lead peacebuilding and nation-building as a route to social cohesion and a stronger economic future. Food Security & Climate Resilience: A Jur River commissioner urged more agricultural investment, pointing to farming as a practical way to cut hunger and reduce violence even as rains become less reliable. Agriculture Policy: A Juba-based editorial called on government to support farmers with seeds, fertiliser, tools, credit and better rural roads and irrigation to raise production and reduce dependence on food aid. Energy & Environment Governance: South Sudan’s push to attract new oil investment via reforms and clearer regulatory frameworks comes as communities and observers worry about downstream fuel volatility and oversight gaps. Water & Public Health: Egypt inaugurated the solar-powered “Somba” groundwater station at Juba University, saying it will improve safe drinking water for students, staff and nearby residents. Urban Services & Waste: Juba City Council passed the Property Tax By-law 2026 to formalise revenue collection for roads, waste management, sanitation and other municipal services. Elections & Peace Agreement: Catholic bishops in Juba urged leaders to prioritise dialogue and fully implement the 2018 peace agreement ahead of December elections. Ebola Watch: Canada tightened entry rules linked to the DRC Ebola outbreak, a reminder of how regional disease risks can quickly affect cross-border movement and humanitarian operations.