AGP Executive Report

US Visa Overhaul for South Sudan: The U.S. will end routine visa services in Juba and 24 other African posts, routing applicants to 20 regional visa hubs across the continent, as Washington says it’s standardizing adjudication and tightening security. UNESCO Wildlife Win (with a warning): South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and also placed on the World Heritage in Danger list due to insecurity, poaching, trafficking, and infrastructure pressures. Tourism & Conservation Push: Egypt’s ambassador says Cairo will share tourism and conservation know-how with South Sudan, spotlighting the Great Nile migration landscape and cross-border environmental cooperation. Ebola Travel Reality Check: CDC guidance outlines what travelers arriving from the DRC Ebola outbreak zone can expect after arrival, stressing that contact is not a quarantine or an accusation. Border Security Update: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil returns to Juba after cross-border peace talks with Uganda in Arua, including plans to improve border security and protect civilians. Returnee Camp Strain: At Gok-Machar (Riang-Anei), returnees report stomach infections linked to poor feeding and delayed aid, raising health concerns for visitors and aid workers.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan just secured its first World Heritage listing, the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, but it was also placed on the World Heritage in Danger list as conflict, poaching, and weak protection threaten the migration of millions of antelope. Conservation & tourism: Wildlife authorities and partners say the new status should boost global attention and funding, yet enforcement and community involvement remain urgent to protect the Great Nile Migration landscape. Border travel & safety: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil returned to Juba after cross-border peace and security talks with Uganda in Arua, following clashes that displaced civilians in Kajo-Keji. Health travel risk: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with sustained transmission linked to movement across borders including routes involving South Sudan—prompting renewed travel restrictions and heightened screening concerns. Returnee camp conditions: Returnees at Riang-Anei camp in Gok-Machar, Aweil North, reported ongoing food shortages and stomach infections, calling for faster relief support.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan just secured its first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, recognized for hosting one of the world’s largest terrestrial wildlife migrations. The inscription was approved at the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan on July 26, with officials calling it a major win for conservation and Africa. Conservation & tourism readiness: Wildlife authorities warn poaching and habitat destruction still threaten the Great Nile Migration landscape, urging stronger enforcement and deeper community involvement—key for any future visitor growth. Border travel & safety: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony returned to Juba after cross-border peace and security talks with Uganda in Arua, aimed at easing tensions after clashes that displaced civilians—an important signal for safer movement along the South Sudan–Uganda corridor. Ebola travel risk in the region: The DRC Ebola outbreak hit 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with sustained transmission and ongoing concerns about spread through cross-border movement involving South Sudan. Diplomacy: South Sudan and the U.S. discussed bilateral cooperation, including Ebola response and restoring travel, while cabinet approved a framework for managing deportees and returnees.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape is set for a UNESCO decision in Busan, with Culture Minister Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong travelling to the 48th World Heritage Committee—if approved, it would be the country’s first World Heritage Site. Wildlife & Tourism Safety: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities, with African Parks and the EU, warned that poaching and habitat loss threaten the Great Nile Migration Landscape, urging stronger enforcement and community involvement. Border & Travel Access: South Sudan and Uganda resumed border talks in Arua, aiming to sign a border cooperation agreement after recent clashes displaced 10,000+ civilians. Aviation for Travelers: Airo-Jet Airlines launched operations in Yambio with scheduled flights (Mon/Wed/Fri) and one-way tickets at $140, boosting access for passengers, traders, and humanitarian groups. Ebola Travel Shockwaves: With the DRC Ebola outbreak surging (over 2,300 cases and 1,000+ deaths), the U.S. and Canada tightened entry rules for recent travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, while WHO and Africa CDC warned containment is hampered by kit shortages and weak contact tracing. Conservation for Kidepo: Stakeholders in Eastern Equatoria pushed for stronger peacebuilding and natural resource governance to protect Kidepo Game Reserve and support responsible tourism.

World Heritage Boost for South Sudan: UNESCO has inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, a major win for wildlife tourism and conservation, with officials and African Parks calling it a landmark for protecting the Great Nile Migration. Passports for Travelers: South Sudan’s Directorate of Civil Registry and Immigration says new passports with 10-year validity and East African Community passports will roll out in August 2027, with redesigned booklets featuring state emblems and national heritage imagery. Ebola Travel Pressure in the Region: Ebola response remains strained as DRC reports rising cases and labs run low on testing kits; meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada have tightened entry rules for travelers linked to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, adding uncertainty for cross-border movement. Border Talks for Safer Journeys: South Sudan and Uganda resumed border cooperation talks in Arua to address recent clashes in Kajokeji, with plans for joint working committees and humanitarian support for displaced families. Wildlife Under Threat: Poaching and habitat loss continue to frustrate conservation efforts, with calls for stronger enforcement and community involvement around key migration areas.

Wildlife & Tourism Safety: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warn that poaching and habitat loss still threaten the Great Nile Migration Landscape, urging tougher enforcement and stronger community involvement around Boma and Badingilo. UNESCO Spotlight: South Sudan is heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan to seek inscription of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape—potentially the country’s first World Heritage Site. Border Travel & Displacement: South Sudan and Uganda resume border talks in Arua after clashes in Kajokeji County displaced 10,000+ people, with a cooperation deal expected. Conservation for Visitors: Stakeholders in Eastern Equatoria push for better education, security, and natural resource governance to protect Kidepo Game Reserve and support tourism. Aviation for Access: Airo-Jet Airlines launches scheduled flights to Yambio (Mon/Wed/Fri), aiming to improve travel links for passengers and humanitarian groups. Ebola Travel Rules: The CDC renews U.S. Ebola entry restrictions for travelers arriving from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan through mid-August as cases rise in the DRC. Returnees & Mobility: Cabinet approves a framework to manage deportees and returnees via official entry points and transit centres, alongside a national labour migration policy.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Minister of Culture is in Busan for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decision on inscribing the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape—set to be the country’s first World Heritage Site. Border & travel safety: South Sudan and Uganda resume border talks in Arua, aiming to sign a border cooperation agreement after clashes in Kajokeji County displaced 10,000+ people. Ebola travel rules: Canada temporarily bans most foreign nationals who recently visited the DRC, while the U.S. tightens Ebola-related travel screening and warns of possible disruptions; South Sudan also faces heightened preparedness at entry points. Aviation for tourism access: Airo-Jet Airlines launches scheduled flights to Yambio (Mon/Wed/Fri), boosting regional connectivity for passengers, traders, and humanitarian travel. Tourism protection & conservation: Stakeholders push for stronger education, security, and community involvement to protect Kidepo Game Reserve and support sustainable tourism in the Greater Kidepo Valley. Mobility & visas: South Sudan approves a framework for deportees/returnees and a national labour migration policy, improving reception, accommodation, and onward transport.

UNESCO World Heritage Bid: South Sudan’s Minister of Culture is in Busan, South Korea, for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee session deciding whether to inscribe the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape—potentially the country’s first World Heritage Site. Border & Peace Talks: South Sudan and Uganda are resuming border cooperation talks in Arua, aiming to sign an agreement after recent clashes displaced thousands in Kajo-Keji. Trade Route Security: Kenya says it and South Sudan have agreed a joint framework to curb harassment and extortion of truck drivers on the Juba–Nimule highway, a key corridor for goods to and from Mombasa. Aviation for Travelers: Airo-Jet Airlines has launched scheduled flights to Yambio (Mon/Wed/Fri), boosting options for passengers, traders, and humanitarian travel. Ebola Alert for Mobility: With DR Congo’s Ebola death toll passing 1,000, South Sudan remains on heightened preparedness, while the U.S. and other countries keep travel screening and advisories in focus. Cabinet on Returns: The Council of Ministers approved a framework to manage deported and returning citizens at official entry points, including transit centers and temporary accommodation.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Minister of Culture Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong is in Busan, South Korea for the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee, where the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape could become the country’s first World Heritage Site. Border & peace for travelers: South Sudan and Uganda resume border cooperation talks in Arua, aiming to sign a border agreement after clashes in Kajokeji County displaced 10,000+ people. Aviation boost: Airo-Jet Airlines launches scheduled flights to Yambio (Mon/Wed/Fri), promising more reliable travel links for passengers, traders, and humanitarian groups. Regional trade/tourism links: Kenya and Ethiopia push deeper ties through tourism, trade, energy, and cross-border infrastructure under a “Promote Ethiopia” campaign in Nairobi. Ebola alert: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 deaths (over 2,500 cases), with South Sudan on heightened preparedness, including screening at border entry points and calls for timely payment of health workers. Visa rules shake up travel plans: South Sudan grants visa-free entry only to Egypt and Tanzania, while others face new fees—sparking debate across East Africa. Safety travel guidance: The US issued a fresh Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning that includes South Sudan and Uganda, citing serious security threats and limited consular support.

Trade Security: Kenya says it has agreed a joint framework with South Sudan to tackle harassment, extortion and attacks on Kenyan truck drivers along the Juba–Nimule Highway and the Northern Corridor. Tourism Protection: Eastern Equatoria stakeholders met in Torit to strengthen peace, education and security around Kidepo Game Reserve, linking conservation with safer community tourism in the Greater Kidepo Valley. Aviation Boost: Airo-Jet Airlines launched scheduled flights in Yambio (Mon/Wed/Fri), aiming to improve travel between Juba and Western Equatoria with affordable fares. Border Talks: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony held cross-border security discussions with Ugandan officials after clashes displaced civilians in Kajo-Keji, with plans to coordinate protection and trade. Health Alert: South Sudan’s embassies urged the government to pay public health workers on time as Ebola preparedness ramps up amid the DRC outbreak. E-Visa Confusion: South Sudan’s Interior Ministry denied social media claims of new visa-free limits for Egypt and Tanzania, saying no official policy change was approved. Regional Travel Risk: The US issued fresh worldwide travel warnings, while Africa CDC urged the US to lift Ebola-related entry restrictions on Uganda. River Safety: A reported boat ambush on the Nile in Lakes State left 32 passengers dead, highlighting ongoing insecurity on key river transport routes.

Aviation & Tourism: Airo-Jet Airlines has launched scheduled flights to Yambio (Western Equatoria) three days a week, aiming to make travel between Juba and the state capital more affordable and reliable. Airport Upgrade: A fresh opinion piece celebrates the modernization of Juba International Airport as a national milestone, while urging upgrades to nearby airstrips like Bor to strengthen the wider aviation network. Border & Safety: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony is holding cross-border security talks with Ugandan officials in Arua after clashes and displacement around Kajo-Keji, with plans to coordinate protection of civilians and border trade. Travel Disruption Risk (Ebola): Ebola in eastern DR Congo has now killed over 1,000 people and is spreading fast, prompting renewed global travel cautions and heightened screening concerns across the region. Public Health Funding: Foreign missions in Juba are urging South Sudan to pay public health workers promptly as Ebola preparedness ramps up. Visa Rules Watch: South Sudan’s Interior Ministry has dismissed social media claims that visa-free entry is limited to only Egypt and Tanzania, insisting no such policy change was officially approved. Education for Families: An Aweil scholarship centre is ready to welcome 1,500 vulnerable children, adding more family-friendly reasons to plan longer stays in-country.

River Safety & Security: At least 32 passengers were reportedly killed in a boat ambush on the River Nile in Lakes State while travelling from Upper Nile and Unity to Juba; only five survivors escaped and the boat was taken, raising fresh calls to beef up protection for river transport. Ebola Watch (DRC): The DRC Ebola death toll has climbed to nearly 1,000, with 999 confirmed deaths and 2,473 cases reported, as the outbreak continues to spread fast. Ebola & Travel Policy (South Sudan): South Sudan’s Interior Ministry dismissed social media claims of new visa-free rules limited to Egypt and Tanzania, saying no official change was approved. Ebola & Travel Policy (Uganda/US): Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya urged the US to lift Ebola entry restrictions on Uganda after no new cases for weeks, arguing travel bans disrupt trade and response. Cross-Border Peace Talks: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony travelled to Kajo-Keji for talks with Uganda’s West Nile authorities after clashes displaced civilians, with plans to coordinate protection and trade. Tourism/Entry Rules: South Sudan’s visa-free access remains a hot topic regionally, with reports and reactions focused on who can enter without a visa and what fees apply. Education for Visitors & Families: Aweil’s scholarship centre is ready to host its first intake of 1,500 children, with accommodation and learning facilities completed. Higher Education Expansion: President Kiir approved new public universities in Aweil, Kuajok, and Yei, expanding study options beyond Juba. Food Aid: China delivered the final handover of 3,256 metric tons of food aid to South Sudan, supporting communities facing shortages.

Cross-Border Security: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony heads to Kajo-Keji for two-day talks with Uganda’s West Nile authorities after clashes involving UPDF and SSPDF displaced civilians, with meetings planned in border districts and visits to affected communities. Ebola Travel Rules: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya urges the U.S. to lift Ebola travel restrictions on Uganda, saying Uganda has gone nearly a month without new cases and discharged its last patient on July 16, while warning the DRC outbreak is still rapidly worsening. Visa-Free Confusion Denied: South Sudan’s Interior Ministry dismisses social media claims that visa-free entry is limited to Egypt and Tanzania, saying no official policy change was approved and pointing travellers to official channels. Education for Vulnerable Youth: An Aweil scholarship centre is ready to welcome its first intake of 1,500 children selected under South Sudan’s National Scholarship Program for orphans and children of war veterans. Higher Education Expansion: President Kiir approved new public universities in Aweil, Kuajok and Yei, aiming to widen access beyond Juba. Tourism & Travel Caution: Canada issued a travel advisory urging high caution in Kenya due to terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings and unrest, with some counties flagged for “avoid all travel.” Local Peace Deal: Two Jonglei communities, Ayual (Twic East) and Hol (Duk), recommit to a peace agreement, including freedom of movement for people and goods along river and land routes.

Visa & entry updates: South Sudan’s Interior Ministry has dismissed social media claims that visa-free entry was limited to Egypt and Tanzania, saying no such policy or fee changes were officially approved, and urging travelers to rely on government channels. E-Visa fees: South Sudan also introduced a $50 e-visa fee for Rwandans, raising fresh questions about EAC free movement. Regional travel health: Africa CDC urged the U.S. to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions on Uganda after Uganda reported no new cases for weeks and discharged its last patient; the U.S. has tightened rules affecting Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan. Ebola border pressure: Canada announced temporary entry bans for foreign nationals who visited the DRC in the past 21 days, effective July 20, while WHO warns travel bans can worsen stigma and disrupt outbreak control. Tourism-ready infrastructure: President Kiir approved new public universities in Aweil, Kuajok, and Yei, expanding education access beyond Juba. Local travel impact: Aweil’s scholarship centre is set to welcome 1,500 children, with new dorms, classrooms, labs, and welfare facilities. Security & movement: Two Jonglei communities (Ayual of Twic East and Hol of Duk) agreed to end long-running violence and restore freedom of movement for people and goods.

Ebola & Border Rules: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya urged the U.S. to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions on Uganda after no new cases for about a month, as the U.S. continues entry limits for travelers linked to Congo and some linked to Uganda or South Sudan. Visa Clarity for Travelers: South Sudan pushed back on viral claims that visa-free entry was limited to only Tanzania and Egypt, saying no such policy was approved and the misleading list was removed from its e-visa site. Visa Policy Shake-Up: Separate reports say South Sudan’s updated entry rules grant visa-free access only to Egypt and Tanzania, while most other nationalities must apply in advance; discounted fees are reported for Kenyans, Ugandans, and Congolese. Higher Education for Visitors & Students: President Salva Kiir approved three new public universities (Aweil, Kuajok, and Yei), expanding study options beyond Juba. Food Aid Logistics: China completed the handover of the final consignment of emergency food donations to South Sudan—3,256 metric tons total—aimed at easing acute shortages. Regional Peace & Movement: Jonglei communities Ayual (Twic East) and Hol (Duk) agreed to end hostilities and restore freedom of movement for people and goods. Ebola Death Toll Update: Congo’s Ebola outbreak death toll rose above 930, with thousands of confirmed cases reported as response capacity strains.

Food Security & Logistics: In Juba, South Sudan and Chinese diplomats completed the handover of the final consignment of emergency food—37 containers totaling 3,256 metric tons of wheat and rice—aimed at easing severe shortages. Travel & Entry Rules: The Interior Ministry says social media claims about a new visa-free policy are false, after reports circulated that only Egypt and Tanzania would be visa-free; meanwhile, separate coverage notes South Sudan’s visa-free access has been limited to just those two countries in an update, with discounted fees mentioned for some neighbors. Higher Education: President Salva Kiir approved three new public universities—Aweil, Kuajok, and Yei—expanding learning opportunities beyond Juba. Public Health & Travel Risk: The US issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning that includes South Sudan, as Ebola fears and security concerns continue to shape regional travel planning. Local Peace & Movement: In Jonglei, two communities (Ayual of Twic East and Hol of Duk) agreed to end hostilities and restore freedom of movement for people, goods, and services. Ebola Update: Congo’s Ebola death toll rose above 930, underscoring why border and travel restrictions are tightening across the region.