AGP Executive Report

Ebola Travel Shock for South Sudan Travelers: The U.S. expanded Ebola-related rules tied to the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding a “do-not-board” process and requiring Americans returning from the DRC to wait 21 days in a third country before flying home, with some rules also affecting travelers linked to Uganda and South Sudan. Regional Health Watch: Uganda is preparing to discharge its last Ebola patient, starting a WHO countdown, while WHO and MSF warn the DRC outbreak is larger and spreading faster than official figures, raising fears of spillover toward South Sudan. U.S. “Do Not Travel” Alerts: The U.S. kept South Sudan on its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list alongside DRC and Uganda, citing dangerous conditions and limited consular help. Juba Airport Upgrade: President Salva Kiir is set to commission Juba International Airport’s new Terminal 3, a boost for international arrivals and departures. Local Cost Pressure: Western Equatoria residents report fuel price spikes that are pushing up transport costs and disrupting daily travel and farming. Mining Demands in Aweil North: A community in Mayom Angok Boma says road, school, and police services must come before Lol Malual Mining Company starts gold operations.

Aviation Upgrade: President Salva Kiir is set to commission the new Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport on Thursday, a major step for smoother international arrivals and departures. Ebola & Travel Shockwaves: The DRC Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with WHO saying the real scale may be 2–4 times official counts; MSF warns containment is lagging. For travelers, the US has tightened rules for Americans returning from Congo, including a 21-day stay in a third country before flying home, and the US has also issued Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories covering South Sudan and several neighbors. Local Costs & Mobility: In Western Equatoria, residents and boda-boda riders report fuel prices jumping sharply, pushing up transport costs and threatening market access and education. Wildlife & Tourism Safety: South Sudan’s wildlife service rescued two protected warthogs from a Juba home and warned residents not to keep protected animals as pets without permission. Community vs Mining: In Aweil North, residents of Mayom Angok Boma are demanding a road, school, and police station before Lol Malual Mining Company begins gold mining. Border Rumors: Abyei civil society dismissed social media claims that the Sudan–South Sudan border has been closed.

Ebola Watch for South Sudan: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with fears it could cross into South Sudan via porous borders and cross-border trade; WHO says the outbreak is likely far larger than official counts, while aid groups warn response could be overwhelmed if cases appear near the frontier. Travel Disruption (US-bound): The Trump administration has expanded Ebola-related travel restrictions, adding a “do-not-board” rule for U.S. citizens who have been in Congo—requiring at least 21 days outside Congo before boarding flights home. Local Tourism & Safety: South Sudan wildlife authorities in Juba seized two warthogs kept illegally in a private home, warning residents that keeping protected wild animals as pets is prohibited and can endanger people and animals. Community Before Mining: In Aweil North, residents of Mayom Angok Boma demanded roads, a school, and a police station before Lol Malual Mining Company starts gold mining. Border Rumors: Abyei civil society dismissed social media claims that the Sudan–South Sudan border has been closed, saying no such decision has been made. Visa-Free Travel Lists: Tanzania and Uganda published 2026 visa-free entry lists for selected countries, including several African nations—useful for planning regional trips.

Ebola Alert for Travelers: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening and edging closer to South Sudan, with new cases reported near the border and aid groups warning that conflict, displacement, and weak health systems could let the virus spread silently. South Sudan Readiness: South Sudan is stepping up preparedness even as officials say there are no confirmed cases yet, urging vigilance along cross-border routes. Road & Border Travel Impact: South Sudan’s Revenue Authority is calling for urgent repairs to the Juba–Nimule highway, saying potholes are slowing trucks and delaying customs—bad news for anyone planning road trips or moving goods. Wildlife & Tourism Safety: Juba wildlife authorities rescued two warthogs kept illegally in a home and warned residents that protected animals can’t be kept as pets without permission. Juba Peace Run: A “Run for Peace and Development” marathon in Juba drew hundreds of runners and was framed as a community push for unity. Visa Shockwaves for Regionals: UAE, UK, and US travel rules are tightening around Ebola-affected countries, while Ethiopia expands visa-on-arrival options—so travelers should double-check entry requirements before booking.

Ebola & Border Health: South Sudan is stepping up preparedness as the DRC Ebola outbreak surges northward, with WHO warning the risk of importation stays high due to cross-border movement and trade with DRC and Uganda. Roads & Trade: South Sudan Revenue Authority leaders are urging urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway after inspections at Nimule, saying potholes and delays are slowing trucks and reducing tax collection. Wildlife Rules: Juba wildlife authorities seized two warthogs kept illegally in a private home, warning residents that keeping wild animals without authorization is prohibited and can endanger both people and animals. Local Security: Yei River County launched investigations after three civilians were killed along the Yei–Maridi road, including one victim killed on Independence Day while traveling to buy cattle. Tourism Angle (Sports & Peace): Imagine Academy and partners held a “Run for Peace and Development” marathon in Juba, drawing hundreds of runners and highlighting sport as a tool for unity. Travel Disruptions (Regional): The U.S. suspended visa operations at embassies in Juba, Kinshasa, and Kampala due to Ebola, while the UAE also suspended new visas for nationals of DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Independence Spotlight: South Sudan marked 15 years of independence amid ongoing challenges, including a rare meeting for Malith Dak Deng, believed to be the country’s tallest man, with President Salva Kiir.

Ebola & Border Readiness: South Sudan is stepping up preparedness as the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak surges, with ECDC reporting at least 1,792 confirmed cases and 625 deaths, and U.S. entry restrictions from affected countries set to expire around July 21—while WHO warns the risk of importation into South Sudan remains high due to cross-border movement. Roads & Trade: South Sudan Revenue Authority officials are pushing urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway after inspections at Nimule, saying potholes and delays are slowing trucks, customs clearance, and revenue collection. Regional Travel Disruptions: The U.S. has suspended visa operations at embassies in Juba, Kinshasa, and Kampala due to Ebola, and the UAE has suspended new visas for nationals of DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan—both moves likely to affect travelers planning routes through the region. Safety on the Road: Eastern Equatoria authorities report an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road that wounded a state advisor, underlining ongoing security concerns for road travel. Community & Movement: A Juba “Run for Peace and Development” marathon drew hundreds of athletes and officials, promoting peace and healthy living through city streets. Independence Context: South Sudan marks 15 years of independence with muted celebrations amid economic strain and conflict, with localised events encouraged rather than large national festivities.

Road & Border Trade: South Sudan Revenue Authority chief Moun Deng Ajuet has urged urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway after inspecting Nimule border operations, saying potholes and damaged sections are slowing trucks, delaying customs clearance, and cutting revenue. Local Security: Eastern Equatoria officials report an advisor was wounded in an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road; he was airlifted to Juba and is said to be in stable condition. Independence Travel Context: South Sudan marks 15 years since independence with scaled-back celebrations due to economic strain and ongoing conflict, with localised festivities encouraged instead of major national events. Health & Travel Safety: Ebola updates keep travel planners on alert as the DRC outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) continues to rise, with CDC guidance noting enhanced screening and entry restrictions for travelers from affected areas through around July 21. Tourism & Mobility Rules: UK visa rules have tightened for travelers from many African countries, including South Sudan, meaning some visitors and transit passengers may need visas arranged in advance. Regional Travel Outlook: East Africa’s push for better connectivity is in focus again, with renewed talk of rail links that could eventually connect South Sudan through the wider corridor network.

Road & Border Trade: South Sudan Revenue Authority calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway after a two-day inspection at Nimule Border Post, saying bad road conditions slow trucks, delay customs clearance, and reduce tax collection. Security on the Route: Eastern Equatoria officials report an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road where an advisor was shot in the thigh; he survived and was airlifted to Juba, with authorities urging arrests of the attackers. Independence Day Travel Context: South Sudan marks 15 years of independence with scaled-back celebrations due to economic strain and conflict, while localised flag-hoisting and cultural events are encouraged across states. Humanitarian & Family Travel Safety: Save the Children highlights how children in Juba are demanding a say in the country’s future amid displacement and hunger pressures. Ebola Watch for Travelers: Ebola in DR Congo remains serious, with Bundibugyo strain deaths rising and response workers striking in the outbreak area; CDC also keeps enhanced screening and entry restrictions active for travelers linked to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Local Recovery Stories: Tambura County sees more families returning and farming as gunfire eases, with UN patrols cited as boosting confidence.

Roads & Trade: South Sudan Revenue Authority officials want urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway after a two-day inspection at Nimule Border Post, saying bad road conditions slow trucks, delay customs clearance, and reduce tax collection. Security on the Road: An Eastern Equatoria advisor survived an ambush on the Kapoeta–Torit Road and was airlifted to Juba for treatment; authorities condemned the attack and called for arrests. Independence Day, Travel Mood: South Sudan marks 15 years of independence with muted celebrations due to economic strain, conflict, and humanitarian pressure, while localised flag-hoisting and cultural events are encouraged. Humanitarian & Health: Ebola in DR Congo continues to worsen, with rising deaths and cases, while CDC updates keep enhanced screening and entry restrictions active for travelers from affected areas through about July 21. Community Recovery: Families are returning to Tambura after improved security, and flood-displaced residents in Rubkona (Unity State) are back on reclaimed land to farm again. Regional Travel Context: UNMISS says it will support South Sudan’s democratic transition, and the UN highlights peace and unity as the path forward. Cross-border Travel Watch: Uganda reports continued repatriation of Ugandans stranded in South Africa amid unrest, advising caution and vigilance.

Road Safety & Security: An Eastern Equatoria advisor, Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, survived a gun-and-ambush attack on the Kapoeta–Torit Road near Nyibira Boma, and was airlifted to Juba for treatment; authorities are hunting the perpetrators. Public Health & Travel Alerts: Ebola continues to worsen in the DRC (Bundibugyo strain), with the death toll rising and response teams in Bundibugyo striking over unpaid wages—raising concerns for travelers and for outbreak control. Independence Day, Juba & Tourism Mood: South Sudan marks 15 years of independence with muted celebrations due to economic strain, conflict, and limited funding, with localized festivities encouraged instead of big national events. Humanitarian Voices: In Juba, Save the Children’s radio program gives children a direct platform to question leaders about education, conflict, and the future—highlighting how instability is shaping daily life. Recovery on the Ground: Hope is returning in Tambura as families rebuild after years of fighting, with safer movement and farming activity improving in parts of the county. Infrastructure & Regional Access: UNMISS says it will support South Sudan’s democratic transition, while regional connectivity plans keep pointing toward easier travel and trade links across East Africa.

Independence Day in Juba: South Sudan marks 15 years since independence on July 9 with muted celebrations due to economic strain, renewed fighting, and a worsening humanitarian crisis; localised flag-hoisting and cultural events are being encouraged as national funding falls short. Humanitarian & youth voices: Save the Children highlights a radio program in Juba where children ask leaders for a say in the country’s future, as hunger, displacement, and school disruption deepen. Tallest man meets President: Malith Dak Deng, widely believed to be South Sudan’s tallest man, finally meets President Salva Kiir during the anniversary celebrations, after years of public appeals. Security ahead of festivities: Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal states report tightened security plans for Independence Day gatherings, with patrols and rapid response teams on standby. Ebola travel caution (region-wide): CDC updates note Ebola response activity tied to outbreaks in DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda, with enhanced screening and entry restrictions in place through around July 21—important for travelers passing through affected areas. Ebola worker strike (DRC): In the Bundibugyo outbreak, frontline surveillance and burial teams in Ituri have reportedly struck over unpaid wages, disrupting containment efforts. Rebuilding after floods: In Unity State’s Rubkona, nearly 5,000 flood-displaced families begin returning after dikes reclaimed land, with roads, schools, clinics, and water points restored.

Ebola Travel Alert: A fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has killed at least 625 people, with CDC entry restrictions for travelers from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan set to be reviewed around July 21—so anyone flying in or out of the region should expect screening and be ready to seek care for fever and related symptoms. Independence Day in Juba: South Sudan marks 15 years since independence on July 9 with muted celebrations due to economic strain, renewed conflict, and a humanitarian crisis; Juba plans central events while states are urged to hold local flag-hoisting and cultural activities. Meeting the President: Malith Dak Deng, widely described as South Sudan’s tallest man, finally met President Salva Kiir during the Independence Day celebrations after years of requests. Security Ahead of Celebrations: Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal states have tightened security with joint patrols and rapid response teams across venues and roads. Tourism & Hospitality Shock: A report says South Sudan’s finance ministry has blocked nearly $27.4m in agreed payments to hotels that hosted peace partners—an issue that could hit visitor services and business confidence. Road Travel Safety: A deadly head-on crash on the Kampala–Gulu Highway in Uganda killed 14, including a Kenyan trailer driver, underlining the risks for regional road trips. Humanitarian Recovery: In Tambura, families are slowly returning and rebuilding as gunfire eases, with UN peacekeeper patrols cited as boosting confidence.

Independence Day Moment: Malith Dak Deng, South Sudan’s widely believed tallest man (about 7.9 feet), finally met President Salva Kiir during the 15th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Juba. Independence Day Travel Safety: Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal states have tightened security ahead of July 9 festivities, with joint patrols and rapid response teams deployed around venues, roads, and markets. Ebola & Travel Alerts: The CDC says Ebola response is ongoing in DRC, South Sudan and Uganda, with enhanced screening and entry restrictions in the U.S. through about July 21; travelers should be ready for symptom checks and healthcare facilities should review Ebola resources. Health on the Ground: El Sabah Children’s Hospital reports 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, forcing many families to travel to Uganda for testing. Humanitarian Access: The Red Cross reports medical evacuations in South Sudan rose 50% to 266 cases in the first half of 2026 as renewed fighting limits access to care. Infrastructure & Tourism Link: Kenya’s plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Lamu toward Ethiopia—and onward to South Sudan—could reshape regional travel and logistics via the LAPSSET corridor. Local Recovery: Hope is returning to Tambura as families rebuild after years of conflict, with fewer reports of gunshots and safer movement for farming and visits.

Ebola & travel alerts: The CDC says Ebola response is ongoing across DRC, South Sudan and Uganda, with enhanced screening at three major U.S. airports through about July 21—travelers should be ready for symptom checks and facility reviews. Independence Day security: Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal have tightened security ahead of South Sudan’s 15th Independence Day, with joint patrols and rapid response teams deployed around key venues and roads. UN support for transition: UNMISS pledged backing for South Sudan’s democratic transition as the country marks July 9, with peace, unity and dialogue highlighted for the road ahead. Tourism & hospitality pressure: South Sudan’s finance ministry is reported to have blocked nearly $27.4m in payments to hotels that hosted peace partners—an issue that could hit accommodation and visitor confidence. Rebuilding in Tambura: After years of conflict, families in Tambura are returning to farms and homes as gunfire eases, improving local travel and access. Flood recovery: Nearly 5,000 flood-displaced Rubkona residents have returned after dikes reclaimed land, with roads, schools and water points restored. Regional transport links: Kenya confirmed plans to extend the SGR from Lamu toward Ethiopia, with further links aimed at improving connectivity including routes toward South Sudan.

Independence Day Security: Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal have tightened security ahead of South Sudan’s 15th Independence Day on July 9, with police saying joint forces, mobile patrols, and rapid response teams will cover venues, roads, markets, and public institutions. UN Support for Transition: UNMISS says it will back South Sudan’s democratic transition as the country marks Independence Day, urging renewed dialogue and trust for a peaceful, inclusive handover. Ebola Travel Alerts (U.S.): Enhanced Ebola screening remains active at three major U.S. airports, and entry restrictions for travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan run through about July 21—aimed at the Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment. Health & Access: El Sabah Children’s Hospital reports over 300 sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, forcing some families to travel to Uganda for testing. Tourism/Hotels & Peace Partners: South Sudan’s finance ministry is accused of blocking nearly $27.4M in payments to hotels that hosted parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, threatening the local hospitality sector. Regional Travel Safety: Security and road risks remain in the region, including a deadly bus crash on the Kampala–Gulu Highway in Uganda involving a Kenyan trailer. Rebuilding at Home: Hope is returning in Tambura as families rebuild after years of conflict, with reports of fewer gunshots and safer movement for farming and travel.

Independence Day & UN backing: South Sudan marked its 15th Independence Day on July 9 with UNMISS pledging support for the country’s democratic transition, while many citizens say hope is still outpacing reality. Election funding squeeze: The Political Parties Council warns election preparations are stalling as less than 40% of the approved budget has been released, threatening voter registration and party verification. Tourism & travel costs hit hotels: South Sudan’s finance ministry is accused of blocking nearly $27.4m in payments to hotels that hosted peace partners, a blow to hospitality and traveler confidence. Local recovery in Tambura: After years of conflict, families are returning to Tambura to farm again as security improves. Flood return in Unity: Nearly 4,850 flood-displaced residents are back in Rubkona County after dikes reclaimed land, with roads, schools, health facilities and water points restored. Health access gap: El Sabah Children’s Hospital reports 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but says diagnostic testing is too scarce and costly, forcing some families to travel to Uganda. Regional travel watch: A U.S. State Department worldwide caution highlights how advisories can disrupt layovers and routes, including added Ebola screening for some travelers.