AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” stopping short of calling it a pandemic. Outbreak Numbers Jump: Africa CDC says deaths in eastern Ituri now stand at 87, with 336 suspected cases and 13 confirmed, as health teams warn of “active community transmission.” Cross-Border Spread Fears: Uganda has confirmed an imported case in Kampala, and WHO says neighboring border countries face high risk—especially as the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, for which there’s no licensed vaccine. On-the-Ground Pressure: In Bunia, residents describe constant burials and rapid spread through daily life, while insecurity and mining-related movement are making screening and contact tracing harder. South Sudan Angle: Africa CDC has also flagged concern for preparedness in nearby South Sudan as the region watches closely.

Ebola Alarm in Eastern Congo: Africa CDC says the Ituri outbreak in DR Congo has climbed to 87 deaths and 336 cases (suspected + confirmed), driven by the Bundibugyo strain—and there’s no strain-specific vaccine yet—while Uganda has reported an imported case in Kampala and South Sudan is being readied for possible spread. Regional Response: Africa CDC has activated an incident management team and a 72-hour action plan, citing mining-linked movement, insecurity, and gaps in contact tracking as the biggest risks. Local Call for Peace: In Juba on SPLA Day, a 7-year-old urged leaders to “replace bullets with janjaro” (beans and rice), linking peace to food and safer childhoods. Food Pressure in the Region: Separate reports highlight worsening hunger pressures across East Africa and Sudan, with UN warnings of acute food insecurity affecting millions.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Africa CDC has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases so far, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara; preliminary lab results found Ebola in 13 of 20 samples, and officials are still working out whether it’s a non-Zaire strain—a detail that could complicate response. Cross-Border Spill Risk: Uganda has reported one imported Ebola death in Kampala linked to a Congolese man, and Africa CDC is pushing an urgent coordination push with DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan over surveillance and preparedness, citing mining-linked travel, insecurity, and gaps in contact tracing. Food Crisis Watch: Separately, the UN says 19.5 million people in Sudan face acute food insecurity, with aid still far below needs.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: Africa CDC has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported so far, mainly in the gold-mining areas of Mongwalu and Rwampara, and suspected cases also flagged in Bunia. Preliminary lab testing found Ebola in 13 of 20 samples, with early signs pointing to a non-Zaire strain as sequencing continues—raising worries about how well existing tools will work. Cross-Border Response: Africa CDC is convening an urgent coordination meeting with DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to tighten surveillance, preparedness, and response, citing intense population movement, mining-linked travel, insecurity, and gaps in contact tracing. Humanitarian Pressure: Separately, reports from Tambura County say CAR and DRC refugees are facing worsening hunger, with some families surviving on mangoes as aid remains limited. Regional Context: The week also carried broader warnings about fuel and fertilizer shocks tied to global disruptions, adding pressure to already fragile food systems.

U.S. Visa Pressure on South Sudan Peace Spoilers: The United States has announced targeted visa restrictions on South Sudanese officials, citing actions that undermine the ceasefire and fuel corruption, including references to Crawford Capital, as activists call it a push for accountability. Tax Deadline in Juba: South Sudan Revenue Authority warns taxpayers to clear April 2026 monthly and quarterly filings by May 15, including PIT withholdings, rental income, sales/excise taxes, and arrears. Roads and Trade Flow: Traffic has resumed on the Juba–Nimule highway after emergency repairs following a truck overturn in Kerepi Payam, with maintenance continuing toward Aru Junction and Juba. Regional Trade & Logistics: UNOPS briefed South Sudan’s trade ministry on the Nimule Border Post project, aimed at speeding up cross-border movement with Uganda. Energy & Climate Context: EU envoy Pelle Enarsson urged “visionary leadership” as aid dependence rises, while GIZ is using radio in Magwi to promote better agronomic practices for food security.

US Pressure on South Sudan: Washington has introduced targeted visa restrictions on South Sudanese officials, citing alleged ceasefire obstruction and corruption that it says has fueled conflict—adding fresh pressure as the 2018 peace deal remains only partly implemented. Tax Compliance Push: South Sudan Revenue Authority set May 15 as the deadline for filing and paying April 2026 taxes, urging businesses and individuals to clear arrears too. Roads and Trade: Juba–Nimule Highway traffic has reopened after emergency repairs following a truck overturn, easing movement on a key supply corridor. Regional Politics: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term, with heavy security and regional leaders in attendance—while South Africa’s top court barred repeat asylum applications after rejections. Africa Forward Momentum: At Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit, space and digital cooperation featured alongside major port and investment announcements across East Africa.

South Sudan-US Pressure: The U.S. has moved to restrict visas for South Sudanese transitional officials, citing alleged ceasefire obstruction and corruption that Washington says has fueled conflict—sparking fresh calls for more targeted sanctions against “peace spoilers.” Border Trade Fix: South Sudan’s Roads and Bridges ministry says traffic is back on the Juba–Nimule highway after emergency repairs following a truck overturn, easing pressure on the main trade corridor. Nimule Border Post: UNOPS briefed South Sudan’s trade ministry on progress for the Nimule Border Post project ahead of its groundbreaking, aimed at speeding goods and people across the Uganda link. Regional Energy Moves: Djibouti has started building a Sh20.7bn Fuelstor fuel terminal to strengthen East Africa’s fuel security as the EAC weighs refinery plans. East Africa Connectivity: Astral Aviation launched a weekly Nairobi–Asmara freighter route, adding another link for regional cargo flows. Food, Climate, Water Focus: A new Africa-wide framework is pushing to tackle the food–climate–water conflict nexus—relevant as hunger risks rise across the region.

US Visa Pressure on South Sudan: Washington has introduced targeted visa restrictions on South Sudanese officials, accusing them of blocking the ceasefire and fueling conflict through corruption tied to entities including Crawford Capital—sparking fresh calls for more sanctions against “peace spoilers.” Roads & Trade Flow: South Sudan’s Roads and Bridges Ministry has reopened the Juba–Nimule highway after emergency repairs following a truck overturn, restoring movement of goods into the country’s main trade corridor. Regional Finance Reform: The AU says Africa is preparing to launch a continental credit rating agency in June in Mauritius to tackle global rating bias and improve access to capital. East Africa Port Push: CMA CGM pledged $800m (and Kenya also sees a €700m/ Ksh106bn deal) to modernize Mombasa terminals, aiming to boost capacity for landlocked neighbors including South Sudan. Digital & Space Cooperation: Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda plan a regional satellite feasibility study to expand communications and broadcasting. Food Security Stress: With global shocks hitting agrifood systems, the Vatican warns wars, climate and instability are worsening hunger risks—especially for vulnerable communities.

U.S. Visa Bans: Washington has slapped visa restrictions on South Sudanese officials accused of blocking the 2018 peace deal, with activists calling it a push for accountability against “peace spoilers.” Roads & Trade: The government has restored traffic on the Juba–Nimule highway after emergency repairs following a truck overturn, reopening a key route for goods and supplies. Energy Security: Djibouti has started building a Sh20.7 billion Fuelstor multi-product fuel terminal to strengthen regional fuel supply for countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Regional Politics: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term amid heavy security and election disputes, while South Africa’s top court barred repeat asylum applications after rejected cases. Food Pressure: The Holy See warned war, climate shocks and instability are hitting agrifood systems hard, stressing local food resilience. Markets & Ports: Kenya is set to get major French port investment, as CMA CGM plans upgrades at Mombasa to boost cargo capacity and logistics.

Uganda Power Shift: Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term in Kampala, extending his rule to 2031 as heavy security and regional leaders marked the ceremony—while opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the disputed January election results. South Sudan Oil Watch: South Sudan’s petroleum ministry says crude output rose 16.3% across key fields, but fresh reporting also spotlights opaque oil allocations and captured revenues, plus a new dispute in Ulang County over who oversees the 3% oil revenue fund. Ports & Refining Push: East Africa’s energy and trade race is heating up: CMA CGM plans Ksh106bn ($820m) to expand Mombasa terminals, while Dangote signals Kenya’s Mombasa over Tanzania’s Tanga for a proposed 650,000-bpd refinery. EU Warning: The EU says South Sudan is at a “precarious moment,” urging unity, political dialogue, and credible elections. Regional Security: EAC states urged stronger solidarity as a joint command post exercise begins in Nairobi, with South Sudan among participating forces.

Oil & Production Update: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry says crude output rose 16.3% across major fields, lifting DPOC from 90,000 to 102,000 bpd, GPOC from 48,000 to 55,000 bpd, and SPOC from 9,000 to 14,000 bpd, with a target of 250,000 bpd next year if momentum holds. EU Diplomacy: The EU’s ambassador in Juba warns the country is at a “precarious moment,” urging unity, political dialogue, and credible elections to lock in peace and prosperity. Security & Rights: Egypt arrested a 16-year-old South Sudanese Christian boy without charges in a crackdown on South Sudanese and Sudanese immigrants, with families alleging passports and permits are confiscated. Governance Dispute: In Ulang County, a fight is brewing over who can appoint leadership to oversee the 3% oil revenue fund, after a commissioner dissolved the old committee and named a new one. Regional Trade & Connectivity: EAC states are urged to strengthen solidarity through joint preparedness, while Astral Aviation launched a weekly Nairobi–Asmara freighter route to deepen Horn of Africa logistics. Energy Access Finance: AfDB approved $11.3m to pilot renewable energy certificates for mini-grids, including South Sudan, aiming to expand power access in fragile markets.

Oil Output Update: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum says crude production rose 16.3% across major fields, lifting DPOC from 90,000 to 102,000 bpd, GPOC from 48,000 to 55,000 bpd, and SPOC from 9,000 to 14,000 bpd—aiming to push toward 250,000 bpd next year. Local Oil Revenue Governance: A dispute has erupted in Ulang County over who can appoint the Community Development Committee overseeing the 3% oil revenue fund, with the Commissioner’s May 4 order challenged as unlawful by community leadership. EU Warning on Politics: The EU’s ambassador Pelle Enarsson cautioned South Sudan is at a “precarious moment,” urging unity, political dialogue, and credible elections. Border Services & Power: Separately, delays in passport and nationality production are being blamed on unstable electricity in Juba, even after new machines were installed. Regional Trade & Connectivity: President Salva Kiir is in Djibouti for talks around port access and regional trade links as South Sudan prepares for delayed elections in Dec 2026. East Africa Energy Race: Across the region, Aliko Dangote says he’s leaning toward Kenya’s Mombasa for a $15–17B refinery, citing a deeper port and bigger market—adding fresh pressure on East African energy plans.

Over the past 12 hours, South Sudan’s most prominent political development is a major leadership reshuffle led by President Salva Kiir. Multiple reports say Kiir dismissed the Minister of Finance and Planning (Salvatore Garang Mabiordit) and the Chief of Defence Forces (Gen. Paul Nang Majok), while also making additional senior changes in the defence and public service/veterans’ portfolios. The decrees reportedly named Kuol Daniel Ayulo as the new finance minister and Gen. Santino Deng Wol as chief of defence forces, alongside appointments including Clement Juma as agriculture and food security minister. The coverage frames the move as part of broader government volatility, with no detailed explanation provided for the firings in the cited accounts.

Alongside the reshuffle, the government is also pushing administrative and economic capacity measures. South Sudan’s immigration chief announced the arrival of new passport-processing and nationality-ID machines, plus 100,000 nationality cards, aimed at reducing delays and improving document issuance. In parallel, the country is engaging external partners: South Sudan and Russia discussed setting up a bilateral economic commission ahead of the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, with talks covering potential joint projects and education cooperation (including Russian language studies and scholarship quota increases). Separately, a high-profile allegation circulated about a shipping company allegedly linked to a cocaine probe—however, the reporting stresses the claims were not independently verified and no official confirmation was presented publicly.

A clear theme in the last 12 hours is agriculture and food-system planning. The Acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Security reiterated agriculture’s central role in economic recovery, citing its contribution to GDP and aligning priorities with food sovereignty and resilience themes. The livestock and fisheries minister similarly argued that South Sudan’s large livestock and fisheries resources remain underutilised due to system and investment gaps (including disease outbreaks, market and cold-storage constraints, and supply-chain inefficiencies). Complementing this, Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga called for increasing the agriculture ministry’s budget to 10% (and potentially 10–15% more broadly), emphasizing that funding must be implementable rather than only on paper.

Trade and security disruptions also feature in the recent coverage, though the evidence points to ongoing strain rather than a single resolved incident. Reports describe cross-border movement disruptions tied to truckers’ strikes and insecurity concerns along the South Sudan–Uganda corridor (including congestion near Elegu and Nimule), with local actors warning of safety risks and potential price increases. There are also signs of continuity in border-management issues: earlier reporting in the 24–72 hour window notes that operations at Nimule returned to normal after a brief drivers’ strike linked to security concerns, suggesting a pattern of disruption and partial restoration rather than a one-off event.

Finally, while not exclusively South Sudan-focused, the last 7 days show continuity in regional economic and development discussions that intersect with South Sudan’s priorities—especially agriculture, food security, and regional connectivity. The broader coverage includes calls for peace as a prerequisite for agricultural transformation, efforts to resume cross-border trade amid security concerns, and renewed emphasis on investing in agriculture to reduce dependence on imports. However, the most recent 12-hour evidence is dominated by domestic governance changes and agriculture/administrative capacity updates, while older articles provide supporting background on food insecurity, border disruptions, and the policy direction toward agri-food systems.

In the last 12 hours, South Sudan’s political leadership dominated coverage, with President Salva Kiir issuing a major reshuffle. Multiple reports say Kiir fired the finance minister and the chief of defense forces, then named replacements including Kuol Daniel Ayulo as finance and planning minister and Gen. Santino Deng Wol as chief of defense forces. The same reshuffle also included other senior changes, including reassigning the defense chief and appointing a new agriculture and food security minister (Clement Juma). No detailed reasons were provided for the firings, but the timing and breadth suggest a significant internal governance reset rather than routine staffing.

Economic and agriculture policy messaging also featured prominently alongside the reshuffle. Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga urged leaders to increase the agriculture ministry’s budget to 10% (and up to 10–15% in cabinet/parliament discussions), stressing that funding must be implementable rather than remaining “on paper.” Related coverage around the National Agriculture Conference in Juba framed agriculture as central to food security and development, while another piece argued that peace is a prerequisite for agricultural transformation—linking insecurity and displacement to missed planting seasons and disrupted markets.

Trade and security disruptions were another key theme in the most recent reporting. At the Nimule border, operations reportedly returned to normal after a brief disruption caused by a drivers’ strike over security concerns, with authorities coordinating between revenue agencies to reopen the border the same day. However, separate reporting indicates the broader South Sudan–Uganda corridor has faced prolonged gridlock tied to an ongoing truckers’ strike over insecurity, with drivers citing attacks and looting and raising safety concerns from the congestion—especially for boda-boda riders and pedestrians.

Beyond South Sudan’s immediate governance and trade issues, the coverage also included continuity on food-security pressures and regional integration. Earlier in the week, experts warned that hunger is deepening and that South Sudan has spent substantial sums on food imports, while other reports emphasized the need for private-sector investment and policy reforms to reduce dependence on imports. Meanwhile, regional digital and transport integration themes continued in the wider East Africa coverage, including calls to advance cross-border connectivity and unified commercial systems—context that complements the current focus on trade corridors and market access.

Finally, several smaller but notable human-interest and local governance items appeared in the same 7-day window. John Frog was released after an arrest and misunderstanding with security personnel in Juba, following intervention by the Artists’ Union. In Aweil-related reporting, community leaders raised concerns about the arrest of youths from Jebel Iraq and later confirmed releases of some detainees, while other coverage urged refugee students in Uganda to engage in agriculture during a short holiday—reflecting how food production and livelihoods remain recurring priorities across communities connected to South Sudan.

In the last 12 hours, coverage in and around South Sudan has been dominated by agriculture, trade, and immediate security/economic pressures. Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga urged South Sudan to increase the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget to 10% (and Cabinet/Parliament to approve 10–15%), stressing that the budget must be implementable rather than “just a document on paper.” This call is tied to broader efforts to diversify the economy away from oil and toward agriculture and livestock. A three-day national agriculture conference in Juba also opened with a focus on attracting investment across agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, and on addressing constraints such as financing, farming practices, research, and innovation.

Several other fast-moving items point to how economic plans are colliding with governance and security realities. A Nimule border trucker strike is framed by the National Chamber of Commerce chair as a security issue rather than a commercial dispute, with warnings that continued blockades could push up market prices nationwide. Separately, 22 miners from the Jebel Iraq massacre were released from Giada military detention after more than a month, following community advocacy—an outcome that may ease local tensions but also underscores the unresolved circumstances around arrests after the March 28 attack. There is also reporting on South Sudanese youth and culture, including young models seeking to “showcase talent,” reflecting ongoing social efforts to build visibility and opportunity.

Regional economic integration themes also feature strongly in the most recent coverage, though much of the detail is cross-border rather than South Sudan-specific. East Africa is pushing for a more unified digital network to reduce telecom gaps and costs, and business leaders in Tanzania and Kenya have renewed calls for deeper economic integration (including a “single commercial system”). At the same time, the most prominent regional controversy in the last 12 hours concerns the proposed Tanga refinery: reporting says Tanzania’s Treasury/office arrangements are affected by rent-payment changes (in Kenya-related coverage), while separate refinery coverage highlights disputes over consultation and commercial logic—suggesting that regional industrial projects are moving, but political alignment and stakeholder buy-in remain contested.

Looking across the wider 7-day window, the agriculture-and-food security narrative gains continuity. Experts and UN-linked figures warn that South Sudan spends about $800 million annually on food imports, and that food insecurity is worsening for millions—reinforcing why the current push for private-sector investment and higher agriculture budgets is being treated as urgent. There is also background on governance and planning: a former minister (Joseph Bakasoro) urged a shift toward production-oriented policy and stronger strategic planning, including direct engagement with markets and transport routes like the Nimule Road. Finally, infrastructure and energy cooperation remain part of the longer arc: reporting includes plans for energy talks in Moscow and procurement notices for road construction in the Kenya–South Sudan corridor, both of which connect to the same theme of reducing bottlenecks to trade and development.