AGP Executive Report

US–South Sudan Sanctions: South Sudan’s government rejected fresh US remarks at the UN Security Council, defending President Salva Kiir’s leadership and renewing calls to lift sanctions and the arms embargo. Ebola & Travel/Business Disruption: The US temporarily paused visa services at its embassies in South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda, citing the Ebola outbreak; the move affects business travel, students and other visitors. Media & Skills: South Sudan’s Media Authority urged journalists to use AI responsibly—verifying AI content and investing in newsroom training and digital infrastructure. Education: The Ministry of General Education released the 2025 Certificate of Secondary Education results, reporting an 80.7% pass rate. Aviation & Trade: South Supreme Airlines clarified it has not resumed commercial flights, saying its aircraft is still under maintenance and technical procedures. Food Security Pressure: UN agencies warned 7.2 million people in South Sudan urgently need food assistance as funding gaps tighten the humanitarian response.

Ebola Border Alert: South Sudan’s police and health authorities have urged tighter vigilance at borders as anxiety grows over Ebola spread from eastern DRC and Uganda, with calls to stop illegal crossings and strengthen monitoring. Healthcare & Tech Support: MTN South Sudan launched its Yellow Care campaign with Juba Teaching Hospital, including solarisation of the neonatal ward, repair of the CT scanner, and SMS/voice health messaging for mothers. Public Finance Oversight: South Sudan’s parliament speaker Joseph Ngere Paciko launched a staff screening exercise to clean up workforce records, verify appointments, and tackle payroll irregularities. Refugee Returns: South Sudanese refugees in Uganda say more young people are voluntarily returning home, only to face food shortages, unemployment and insecurity—prompting some to come back to camps. Local Business & Jobs: A Torit County youth and women’s empowerment programme supported over 100 families with startup equipment and training, helping cooperatives run grain grinding, tailoring, bakery and ICT activities. Regional Trade Finance: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to expand access to finance and trade expertise for coffee, leather and creative businesses across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Infrastructure Pipeline: Kenya’s plan to upgrade the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba corridor gained momentum after AIIB financing for a feasibility study, aimed at boosting the Northern Corridor.

Healthcare & Tech: MTN South Sudan says it will repair the CT scanner at Juba Teaching Hospital and add solar power for the neonatal ward, alongside voice/SMS health messaging for mothers—aimed at cutting diagnostic costs and improving maternal and child care. Public Finance & Governance: South Sudan’s parliament has begun a workforce screening to fix payroll irregularities, verify staff appointments and employment status, and build an accurate headcount across departments. Health & Community Resilience: Yei River County launched a mosquito net campaign targeting more than 227,700 people to curb malaria, with distribution teams trained for transparent household coverage. Business & Jobs: A youth and women’s empowerment programme in Torit County is helping over 100 families earn income through small businesses, supported by startup equipment and skills training funded via KOICA/UNDP. Regional Trade & Investment: South Sudan’s push for stronger partnership with the African Development Bank is in focus as leaders seek financing for development priorities. Ebola Watch (Regional Impact): The wider Central Africa Ebola situation remains a major business risk for the region, with WHO and Africa CDC reporting high suspected case numbers and renewed calls for community-led response and smarter travel measures. Sanctions Debate: South Sudan’s government defended its peace progress while urging the U.S. to shift from sanctions and the arms embargo toward partnership.

Ebola & Cross-Border Trade: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says travel bans over the Bundibugyo Ebola strain are undermining transparency and slowing response, warning that intense movement between DRC, Uganda and South Sudan could fuel spread; he also flags no licensed vaccine yet and calls for faster, better-funded regional coordination. Regional Health Response: East African Community health ministers meet in an emergency virtual session to coordinate surveillance, labs, infection control and risk communication as suspected cases in DRC and Uganda top 1,100. South Sudan-US Sanctions: South Sudan rejects U.S. criticism of its political leadership and renews its call to lift UN sanctions and the arms embargo, arguing they hinder the 2018 peace deal and state-building. Aviation & Safety Oversight: South Supreme Airlines is not cleared to resume flights; the Civil Aviation Authority says it only allowed access to grounded assets while safety concerns remain unresolved. Business Climate: The Trade and Industry Ministry consults businesses on high taxation, FX instability, border/customs delays, unreliable electricity and counterfeit goods—collecting recommendations to improve the private sector environment. Mining & Community Rights: A Juba workshop warns weak mining regulation can drive environmental damage, displacement and livelihood loss, urging stronger community participation and safeguards. Oil Sector Reforms: A South Sudan oil executive profile highlights reforms aimed at boosting production and economic recovery.

Aviation & Safety: South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority says South Supreme Airlines is still not cleared to resume flights, only allowed to access grounded assets while safety issues are addressed. Ebola & Regional Trade: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns that lack of licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and heavy cross-border movement—including links involving South Sudan—could fuel wider spread; EAC health ministers are meeting to coordinate a regional response. Diplomacy & Business Links: South Korea hosted the first Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Seoul, with ministers pushing closer cooperation on supply chains, energy and food security. Mining & Communities: A Juba workshop urged stronger mining regulation to prevent environmental damage, displacement and rights abuses. UN Peacekeeping Funding: UNMISS says budget pressures are forcing base closures and reduced personnel despite ongoing insecurity. Accountability & Oil: South Sudan’s Block 5A war crimes trial in Sweden has wrapped up, with defense seeking large compensation if acquitted.

Ebola Response & Trade Disruption: Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo and Uganda have topped 1,100, with 263 confirmed cases and 43 confirmed deaths, as health ministers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan back a $319m regional plan and push for faster action. Regional Health Coordination: The EAC will hold an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers (June 1–2) to coordinate surveillance, labs, infection control and risk communication, including mobile labs and rapid response teams. Travel Bans Under Fire: WHO chief Tedros urges countries to reconsider border closures and travel restrictions, warning they can reduce transparency and discourage reporting, while communities should stay at the center of response. South Sudan Infrastructure & Costs: A civil society activist renews calls to urgently rehabilitate the Juba–Nimule highway, saying slow progress is raising transport costs and driving up the cost of living. UN Peacekeeping Funding Pressure: UNMISS says UN financial constraints are forcing base closures and reduced personnel even as insecurity and displacement continue ahead of December 2026 elections. Sanctions & Arms Embargo: A South Sudan political faction backs renewal of the UN arms embargo, arguing militarization and insecurity still justify restrictions. Peacekeeping Commemoration: UN will posthumously honor six Bangladeshi peacekeepers from Abyei with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5.

Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus urged countries to reconsider Ebola travel bans and border closures, warning they can reduce transparency and discourage reporting as suspected cases in DR Congo and Uganda top 1,100; he also stressed community-led action for the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment. UN Peacekeeping Funding: UNMISS said UN-wide financial pressures are forcing base closures and cuts to peacekeeping personnel even as violence and displacement continue, including protection for over 2,300 civilians in Abiemnhom. South Sudan Sanctions: Six UN Security Council members abstained on renewing South Sudan sanctions and the arms embargo, arguing the measures haven’t delivered lasting peace and may hinder political transition and reforms. War Crimes Accountability: South Sudan’s Lundin oil war crimes trial in Sweden wrapped up after three years, with survivors in Block 5A seeking long-awaited accountability. Roads & Trade: A civil society group renewed calls to urgently rehabilitate the Juba–Nimule highway, saying worsening road conditions are driving up transport costs and prices. Local Policing: Five suspected goat thieves were detained in Leer County, Unity State, after authorities recovered slaughtered-goat evidence and returned a surviving goat to its owner.

Ebola & Trade Disruption: The WHO says the DRC and Uganda have recorded 134 confirmed Ebola cases and 18 deaths, while suspected figures keep climbing—prompting border closures and travel bans that are hitting regional trade and tourism. Regional Preparedness: IGAD urged urgent, coordinated preparedness across the Horn, calling for stronger cross-border surveillance and harmonized response as porous borders and mobility raise the risk of spread. Funding Pressure: Africa CDC warned that Ebola response funding has nearly halved, from about $500m to around $290m, as no vaccine or treatment is available for the Bundibugyo strain. South Sudan Sanctions: Civil society welcomed the UN Security Council’s renewal of South Sudan sanctions and the arms embargo, saying violence, corruption and slow reforms remain unresolved. UNMISS Under Strain: UNMISS warned that UN financial constraints are threatening peacekeeping and civilian protection operations, even as insecurity and humanitarian needs rise. Juba-Nimule Highway: A civil society activist urged faster rehabilitation of the Juba-Nimule road, saying delays are driving up transport costs and the cost of living. Tax & Business: Nile Breweries Uganda lost a bid to stop URA collecting about Shs18.5bn in disputed taxes, a reminder of how compliance and enforcement can reshape cross-border trade.

Ebola & Trade Risk: Health experts say Congo’s new Bundibugyo Ebola wave is being driven by conflict, displacement and mobility around gold mining areas, with the WHO reporting 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths in the DRC and warning of cross-border spread into Uganda and beyond—raising fears of knock-on effects for regional commerce and travel. Funding Pressure: Africa CDC says international Ebola response pledges have fallen sharply (from nearly $500m to about $290m), warning that the funding gap could worsen detection, isolation and community outreach. South Sudan Food Crunch: The UN warns 7.2 million people in South Sudan need urgent food aid as violence, economic hardship and displacement deepen hunger risks. Peacekeeping & Politics: UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho says peace in South Sudan needs real political compromise and an end to hostilities, as the UN Security Council prepares to renew sanctions and an arms embargo. Regional Business Links: EAC regulators are developing new roaming rules to cut cross-border mobile costs and boost connectivity for travellers, businesses and investors. Oil Dispute: An energy firm failed to block South Sudan’s crude sales worth £142m after a court ruling questioned whether specific shipments matched what the company was owed. Juba Support: Chinese medical teams and construction firms donated supplies to orphanages in Juba, including school materials and follow-up medical profiles for children.

Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warn that 7.2 million people in South Sudan need urgent food assistance as violence, displacement and economic hardship deepen the crisis. Peace & Governance: UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho says peace cannot survive without real political compromise and an immediate end to hostilities, as insecurity continues to drive killings and displacement. Regional Security & Finance: The UN Security Council is set to vote on renewing South Sudan sanctions, including targeted measures and an arms embargo, tied to concerns over continued violence and slow progress on the 2018 peace deal. Development Financing: South Sudan’s central bank governor says large-scale development funding is critical for survival, pointing to gaps in energy, transport, water and digital connectivity alongside oil dependence and climate shocks. Investment Reform (Western Bahr el Ghazal): The state has set up a board for its State Investment Authority to shape investment policy and approve major projects above $5m. Ebola Fallout (Regional Risk): While no Ebola cases are reported in South Sudan, WHO-linked reporting highlights rising regional concern and limited testing capacity, as countries tighten travel and screening across the region.

Ebola & Borders: Canada announced temporary travel and immigration restrictions for people coming from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, suspending certain visas for 90 days and requiring 21-day quarantine for arrivals from the past 21 days; the move is framed as precaution ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, while experts and WHO guidance continue to debate whether travel curbs work. Ebola & Aviation: The US expanded Ebola screening to JFK, adding it to Washington-Dulles, Atlanta and Houston, as ICAO urged targeted screening instead of blanket travel bans. Ebola Funding Crunch: Africa CDC said pledges for the outbreak have nearly halved since Monday, dropping from about $500m to around $290m, even as suspected cases in DR Congo topped 1,000. South Sudan Digital Economy: South Sudan reaffirmed plans for a modern, interoperable digital public infrastructure at a forum in Tallinn, focusing on secure data exchange, digital identity, cybersecurity and cross-border services. Public Finance Debate: A minister proposed using one crude oil cargo to fund a “sports city” in Juba, but Cabinet Affairs pushed back, saying projects must follow approved budgets. Peacekeeping Remembrance: UN events on 5 June will honour fallen peacekeepers, including South Sudan-linked personnel, with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.

Digital Cooperation: South Sudan reaffirmed its push for a modern, interoperable digital public infrastructure at a forum in Tallinn, Estonia, focusing on secure data exchange, digital identity, cybersecurity, and digital trade and logistics to boost regional integration and youth economic opportunities. Ebola & Public Health: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DR Congo as suspected Ebola cases near 1,000, warning conflict and misinformation are slowing response; meanwhile, India reported a suspected Ebola patient from Congo tested negative in Ahmedabad, with health authorities urging calm and official updates only. Regional Health Security Funding: IGAD launched a $31.9 million PREPARE project to strengthen pandemic preparedness across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, backing cross-border surveillance, lab capacity, and emergency workforce training. Oil-for-Development Debate: Central Equatoria’s youth and sports minister Bush Buse proposed using one crude oil cargo to finance a “sports city” in Juba, but Cabinet Affairs said projects must follow approved budgets, highlighting ongoing financing tensions in South Sudan. Ebola Spillover to Trade: Border closures and tightened controls linked to the Congo outbreak are disrupting cross-border commerce in eastern Congo, hitting traders and transport-dependent incomes.

Ebola Watch & Border Trade: Uganda ordered an “immediate” closure of its border with DR Congo as Bundibugyo Ebola cases rise, despite WHO warnings that blanket travel bans can push movement into unmonitored routes and disrupt livelihoods; in Goma, border shutdowns have already hit traders and transport, with cross-border commerce taking a sharp hit. South Sudan Energy & Power: 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 of the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, while also reviewing progress on the South Sudan–Uganda Power Interconnection Project to speed up cross-border grid construction. South Sudan Banking Liquidity: A civil society leader urged the Economic Cluster to tackle cash shortages in commercial banks that are blocking civil servants from withdrawing salaries. Tax & Business Dispute (Region): Uganda’s High Court dismissed Nile Breweries’ bid to stop URA from collecting Shs18.5bn in disputed VAT and excise taxes tied to exports. Public Health Misinformation: Liberia suspended a nurse after a fake Ebola audio sparked panic, though authorities said no confirmed/probable/suspected Ebola cases were recorded and only travelers were under surveillance. Global Response & Travel Curbs: The US said exposed Americans will be sent to a Kenya facility for quarantine and care, while Canada tightened entry and immigration processing for residents of Ebola-affected countries. Humanitarian Education Funding: The LEGO Foundation pledged $97m over five years to expand play-based learning programs for conflict-affected children, including South Sudan. Ebola Suspected Case in India: Gujarat quarantined contacts and sent samples for testing after a businessman arriving from Congo showed viral hemorrhagic fever-like symptoms; officials stressed no positive tests so far.

Ebola Response & Borders: Uganda ordered an immediate closure of its border with the DRC as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak accelerates, while WHO warns border closures can push people into unmonitored crossings and urges a ceasefire amid conflict that is blocking containment. South Sudan Finance & Liquidity: South Sudan’s civil society chair urged the Economic Cluster to tackle a cash liquidity crunch in commercial banks that is stopping civil servants from withdrawing salaries. Tax & Business: Uganda’s High Court dismissed Nile Breweries’ bid to stop URA from collecting Shs18.5bn in disputed VAT and local excise duties tied to claims of zero-rated export treatment. Public Health Watch in the Region: India quarantined a woman in Bengaluru with suspected Ebola after travel from Uganda; tests returned negative so far, but screening and surveillance were stepped up. Energy Costs: South Sudan’s energy ministry says electricity tariffs are already being reduced under President Kiir’s directives and a new revenue-sharing arrangement. Regional Trade & Connectivity: The EAC began talks in Dar es Salaam on a harmonised mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border communication costs, including South Sudan. Education Support: The LEGO Foundation pledged $97m with the IRC to expand play-based learning for 5 million conflict-affected children, with South Sudan among the focus countries.

Ebola Shockwaves: The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda is escalating fast, with the International Rescue Committee warning it could become the deadliest on record as deaths and suspected cases climb and conflict is disrupting response. Travel & Border Moves: The US has tightened entry rules for people linked to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, while airport screening and airline procedures are back in focus globally. South Sudan Angle: South Sudan is also being pulled into the wider health scramble, with regional measures and heightened attention on movement. Education Push: Amid the crisis, the LEGO Foundation and the International Rescue Committee announced a $97m, five-year play-based learning partnership aiming to reach 5 million children across East Africa and the Middle East, including South Sudan. Power & Cost Relief: South Sudan’s energy ministry says electricity tariffs are already being reduced under President Kiir’s directives, as Egypt prepares maintenance support for Rumbek’s power station.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading faster than response teams can keep up—over 900 suspected cases and more than 220 suspected deaths, with risk upgraded to “very high,” while attacks on treatment facilities and fleeing patients are disrupting containment. Regional Pressure on Borders: South Africa’s Ramaphosa warns porous borders and insecurity are making rapid containment harder, as neighboring countries face shortages and tighter movement rules. South Sudan Energy Relief Moves: Energy Minister Agok Makur says electricity tariffs are already being reduced under President Kiir’s directives, including a 60–40 revenue-sharing arrangement, and Egypt’s engineers are set to maintain the Rumbek power station. Youth Peace Push in Juba: UNMISS launches a youth-focused peace campaign, urging young people to lead reconciliation and community solutions beyond the capital. Business & Finance Signal: NILEPET clears $172m in arrears and exits default status across joint operating companies. Sports Deal: ESPN Africa secures exclusive multiyear NBA Finals rights across sub-Saharan Africa.