EAC Elections Framework: South Sudan’s Cabinet reviewed its 10-year EAC membership and approved a new approach for electing EALA representatives through the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, clarifying how lawmakers will be chosen. Constitutional Path to Polls: The Council of Ministers also approved a constitutional amendment bill to let December 2026 elections proceed under an amended transitional constitution, while the permanent constitution process continues separately. Election Readiness Pushback: The ceasefire monitoring body RJMEC warned the country is still not ready for credible elections, citing delays in implementing the 2018 peace deal, while the NDM questioned the SPLM’s election push and called for inclusive dialogue. Trade & Logistics: South Sudan and Kenya discussed remaining steps to operationalize South Sudan’s Naivasha dry port, with Kenya confirming land has been granted and only administrative waivers left. Public Safety: Juba police arrested eight suspects, including three women accused of trafficking and selling a child for 3.5 million SSP pounds. Human Development: UNDP’s 2025 Human Development Index put South Sudan at the bottom globally (0.388), underscoring the scale of development challenges. Youth Funding: Central Equatoria State says its youth and sports ministry budget rose nearly 400% and plans a financing conference to mobilize private and partner support. Justice & Gender: A High Court judge urged “gender-sensitive justice,” arguing courts must move beyond neutrality to address bias in legal pluralism.