AGP Executive Report

Health & Travel: Kenya is screening arrivals from South Sudan and nine other countries after confirming an imported Ebola case. WHO says new outbreak hotspots have appeared near South Sudan’s border; Kenya says the single case does not indicate wider transmission. Travel Advice: South Sudanese passport holders are not covered by the Philippines’ 30-day visa-free entry scheme and generally need a visa. Tourism Skills: South Sudan will join a regional hospitality and tourism workforce event in Nairobi on October 26–27, where students will develop ideas for more inclusive jobs and businesses. Tourism Businesses: Travel and tour agencies must file and pay outstanding taxes by October 15, the Revenue Authority says.

Regional Travel: Kenya says it remains open to tourists after its first imported Ebola case, while travellers from South Sudan are among those facing enhanced screening at Nairobi’s airport. East African health ministers have also agreed to strengthen cross-border outbreak coordination. Tourism Skills: South Sudan will join a regional hospitality and tourism workforce event in Nairobi on October 26–27, where students will develop ideas for more inclusive tourism jobs and entrepreneurship. Tourism Businesses: Hotels and travel and tour agencies in South Sudan are among businesses ordered to file and pay outstanding taxes by October 15. Access in Western Equatoria: Flooded roads and insecurity are isolating Ibba County, making travel and the movement of goods difficult.

Travel Health: Kenya has stepped up screening at Nairobi’s JKIA for arrivals from South Sudan and nine other countries after confirming an imported Ebola case. Travelers should expect extra checks; the WHO advises against travel bans. Tourism Skills: South Sudanese students will join a regional hospitality and tourism challenge in Nairobi on October 26–27, focused on creating inclusive career and business opportunities for young people. Road Access: Heavy rain, damaged roads and insecurity are isolating communities in Ibba County, Western Equatoria, and making journeys to nearby towns difficult.】【。

Regional Travel Alert: Kenya has stepped up Ebola screening at Nairobi’s JKIA for passengers arriving from South Sudan and nine other countries. Travellers should expect checks and health declaration forms. Tourism Training: South Sudanese students will join a Nairobi hospitality and tourism challenge on October 26–27, focused on skills, jobs and entrepreneurship for young people, women and people with disabilities. Road Safety: Six Christian workers abducted while travelling on the Juba–Yambio road have been released after five days; their vehicle was burned. Sports Tourism: Juba Stadium is set to host El Merreikh Bentiu against Egypt’s Pyramids FC on October 16 in a CAF Champions League tie.

Humanitarian & Food Security: WFP warns South Sudan’s aid crisis is worsening as food stocks in key hubs like Malakal (Upper Nile) have fallen from 10,000 metric tonnes to under 300, with over a million vulnerable people at risk of losing life-saving food and nutrition support by October. Public Health Readiness: Health Cluster updates show Morobo leads readiness at 83.2%, while Ibba, Budi and Kapoeta South sit below 40%, as partners face an end-September funding cliff amid multiple outbreaks and malnutrition emergencies. UN Peacekeeping & Safety for Visitors: UNMISS is building a police post in Yambio to improve detention conditions, while patrols report Ibba County roads are badly damaged by rain and insecurity—making travel and supply routes harder. Refugee Rights: Refugees in Gorom settlement are calling for stronger protection and easier access to services, saying document and registration problems can lead to arrest and block healthcare. Ebola Preparedness: Western Equatoria teams inspected Nabiapai entry points and a new isolation unit as Bundibugyo virus disease spreads in neighboring DRC. Travel & Mobility Policy: Philippines expanded visa-free entry for citizens of 46 African countries for up to 30 days, but South Sudan is listed among those generally excluded. Regional Travel & Politics: President Salva Kiir traveled to Kenya for talks on elections and regional stability, with attention also on economic cooperation tied to the Lamu refinery. Sports Tourism Hook: UNMISS and local communities may see more visitors as football heats up—CAF Champions League officiating and qualifiers keep Juba and the region in the spotlight.

UN Security & Health Prep in Yei: UNMISS assessment team arrived in Yei to review security, health and logistics ahead of a 45-day deployment of 250+ personnel, including finding accommodation and Ebola preparedness steps. Humanitarian Emergency in Warrap: Warrap declared a humanitarian emergency as conflict and displacement push 210,000 people into urgent need of aid. Disease Readiness Watch: Morobo is the only county above the 80% readiness floor (83.2%), while Ibba and Budi remain far below 40%, with a looming end-September funding cliff threatening services. Detention Conditions Improved in Yambio: UNMISS built a new police post in Gangura, adding gender- and status-separated detention cells and better office space. Roads Cut by Floods & Insecurity: UNMISS warned Ibba County is being cut off as heavy rains and attacks damage the Yambio–Ibba supply route, raising risks for traders and travelers. Refugee Rights Pressure: Refugees in Gorom settlement are calling for stronger protection and easier access to services, saying documentation and registration gaps restrict movement and healthcare. Travel/Entry Update for Visitors: India passport holders can use e-visa facilities in 66 countries, including South Sudan, with rules varying by destination. Regional Travel & Elections: President Salva Kiir traveled to Kenya for talks on elections and regional stability, with cooperation also tied to economic and infrastructure plans. Bundibugyo Virus Readiness: Western Equatoria assessed preparedness for Bundibugyo virus disease near the DRC border, inspecting entry points and isolation capacity. Education Access via Airlift: Western Equatoria airlifted 39 students to Aweil for the Adut Salva Kiir Scholarship, citing poor road conditions.

Yei Security Update: A 20-year-old student, Simon Gala, survived an arson attack in Yei Town after attackers tied him up, assaulted him, and set his home on fire—renewing fears about insecurity in Kondeko Boma. Regional Politics & Travel: President Salva Kiir traveled to Kenya for high-level talks with William Ruto on elections, regional stability, and economic cooperation, including links to the Lamu refinery. Oil & Trade Linkages: South Sudan’s oil revival story keeps building, with renewed focus on investment, domestic refining, and turning crude gains into broader economic recovery. Tourism & Heritage Push: Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor backed plans for a national museum and Boma-Badingilo national parks to boost tourism, plus a December cultural festival. Wildlife Tourism Milestone: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo landscape was inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site—spotlighting the Great Nile Migration and opening doors for future visitors. Health Preparedness at the Border: Western Equatoria assessed readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after WHO and partners inspected isolation facilities and entry points near the DRC border. Education & Mobility: Western Equatoria airlifted 39 students to Aweil under the Adut Salva Kiir Scholarship, citing poor road conditions. Sports & Visitor Interest: CAF Champions League refereeing and AFCON qualifier travel headlines keep Juba and regional routes in the spotlight, including El Merreikh Bentiu’s home tie at Juba Stadium.

Yei Security Alert: A 20-year-old student, Simon Gala, survived an early-morning arson attack in Yei Town after attackers tied him up, assaulted him, poured petrol on his home and set it alight; he’s responding to treatment at Yei Civil Hospital as authorities are urged to investigate a reported second attempt on his life. Presidential Travel & Elections: President Salva Kiir has travelled to Kenya for high-level talks with President William Ruto, with discussions expected to cover election preparations for 22 Dec 2026, regional stability, and economic/infrastructure cooperation. Oil & Regional Trade: South Sudan’s oil revival is gathering momentum, with renewed focus on production, domestic refining and investment, while Kenya and South Sudan also discuss roles around the Lamu refinery. Health Preparedness: Western Equatoria State is stepping up readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after a cross-border risk assessment involving the Ministry of Health, WHO and partners, including inspections of isolation capacity. Education Support: 39 students from Western Equatoria have been airlifted to Aweil for the Adut Salva Kiir Scholarship Programme due to poor road conditions. Tourism Spotlight: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting the Great Nile Migration and opening new doors for nature travel. Sports Travel: Malawi’s Flames faced a delayed arrival in Luanda ahead of their AFCON qualifier, while South Sudan’s football calendar continues to draw regional attention.

Regional diplomacy: President Salva Kiir travelled to Kenya for talks with President William Ruto on elections, regional stability, and economic cooperation, including the new Lamu refinery. Oil & jobs: South Sudan’s oil revival is gaining momentum as officials push for higher production, better recovery, and renewed investment, with domestic refining on the agenda. Trade & border travel: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut travel time and costs for cross-border business, especially helping small women traders. Tourism & heritage: Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor urged partners to support a national museum and boost tourism tied to South Sudan’s cultural heritage. Wildlife travel draw: Boma-Badingilo was inscribed as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the Great Nile Migration and opening new potential for nature tourism. Health & safety for visitors: Western Equatoria stepped up readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after an outbreak in DR Congo near the border, including inspections and a new isolation unit. Education travel support: 39 students from Western Equatoria were airlifted to Aweil under the Adut Salva Kiir Scholarship due to poor road conditions. Weather alerts: Authorities were urged to strengthen preparedness for heavy rains and strong winds to protect communities and infrastructure.

South Sudan–Kenya ties: President Salva Kiir travelled to Kenya for political and economic talks with President William Ruto, including cooperation around the newly launched Lamu oil refinery. Oil revival: A new push is underway to turn South Sudan’s oil rebound into wider growth, with officials seeking fresh investment, better recovery from mature fields, and progress on domestic refining. Trade & border travel: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut stops and lower costs for cross-border business, while South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya urged Nairobi to reduce trade barriers like high customs bond fees. Tourism & culture: Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor called for stronger partner support to preserve South Sudan’s cultural heritage and build tourism facilities, including a national museum. Wildlife tourism boost: Boma-Badingilo’s Great Nile Migration was inscribed as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spotlighting a vast, largely unfenced wildlife landscape. Safety on the road: Western Equatoria reported 78 civilians released after days in captivity following abductions on the Juba–Mundri road. Health preparedness: Western Equatoria began readiness work for Bundibugyo virus disease after an outbreak near the DRC border.

Oil & Investment: South Sudan’s oil revival is gathering pace as Petroleum Undersecretary Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar pushes higher production, better recovery from ageing fields, and renewed refining and local-content plans, with the African Energy Chamber backing the push for fresh investment. Tourism & Culture: Caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla urges partners to help preserve South Sudan’s cultural heritage and move tourism plans forward, including support for a national museum. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Boma-Badingilo’s Great Nile Migration—nearly six million antelopes—has been recognized as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting the landscape on the global travel map. Cross-Border Travel & Trade: South Sudan and Uganda sign a one-stop border crossing deal to cut travel time and costs for people and goods, with women’s trade also targeted. Regional Travel Safety: A US Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory list for 2026 includes South Sudan, reflecting serious risks for travellers. Security on the Road: 78 civilians abducted along the Juba–Mundri road in Western Equatoria have been released after days in captivity. Weather Watch: Heavy rains and strong winds are affecting parts of South Sudan, with authorities urged to strengthen flood and storm preparedness.

US Travel Advisory: The US State Department lists 11 African countries at Level 4 “Do Not Travel,” including South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, citing risks ranging from crime and kidnapping to conflict and limited consular help. Tourism & Culture: South Sudan’s caretaker governor calls for stronger partner support to preserve cultural heritage and build a national museum to boost tourism. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: UNESCO has inscribed the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as South Sudan’s first World Heritage Site, highlighting a vast antelope migration with minimal tourism. Cross-Border Travel & Trade: South Sudan and Uganda sign a one-stop border crossing deal to cut travel time and costs, while South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya urges Kenya to reduce high customs bond charges and delays. Weather Safety: Heavy rains and strong winds prompt calls for better preparedness, early warnings, and safer shelters in flood-prone areas. Sports & Travel Disruption: Egypt’s AFCON qualifier plans in Juba keep colliding with pitch conditions, with Mohamed Salah and other players reportedly sidelined over artificial turf concerns. Regional Investment: Kenya’s Lamu hosts the Dangote refinery groundbreaking, with hopes it will strengthen the Lamu–South Sudan–Ethiopia transport corridor and regional connectivity.

Tourism & Heritage: South Sudan’s caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla urged partners to back plans to preserve the country’s cultural heritage, including a national museum and tourism facilities, in a push to turn heritage into visitor attractions. Wildlife Travel: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo landscape was inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spotlighting a near-untouched migration route that could boost nature tourism. Border & Travel Ease: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut stops and costs for cross-border trade and people movement, with a focus on empowering women traders. Trade & Logistics: South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya asked Nairobi to reduce trade barriers, especially high customs bond costs and delays at the Port of Mombasa and Northern Corridor. Safety on the Road: Western Equatoria reported 78 civilians released after up to four days abducted along the Juba–Mundri road, underscoring risks for travelers. Weather Watch: Heavy rains and strong winds prompted calls for stronger preparedness, early warnings, and safer shelters to protect communities and key public buildings. Sports & Pitch Conditions: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, while Mohamed Salah was left out of the AFCON qualifier due to artificial turf concerns—an issue that also affected other players’ availability.

Wildlife & Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo landscape has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with scientists hailing the Great Nile Migration—nearly six million antelopes moving across a vast, largely untouched route—as a major new draw for nature travel. Bilateral Trade & Border Travel: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut stops and costs for cross-border business, with special focus on empowering women traders. Tourism & Investment Deals: Turkey and South Sudan are moving to implement a 2017 trade and economic cooperation agreement covering mining, agriculture, fisheries, energy and tourism, alongside plans for double-taxation and investment protection pacts. Road Safety & Security for Travelers: Western Equatoria reports 78 civilians released after up to four days in captivity following abductions along the Juba–Mundri road, underscoring ongoing risks for anyone traveling the route. Sports & Matchday Logistics: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, but Mohamed Salah’s absence and the artificial turf debate are driving fresh attention to stadium conditions ahead of future visits. Regional Connectivity: Ethiopia’s push for strategic connectivity and energy corridors remains in the spotlight as major refinery and pipeline developments across East Africa reshape travel and trade routes.

Border & trade for travelers: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal in Kampala to cut stops and costs for cross-border business, including support for women traders; Uganda’s exports to South Sudan are estimated at $1.18bn since 2008. Customs costs: South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya urged Nairobi to lower trade barriers, spotlighting the high customs bond fee and delays that hit South Sudanese traders using the Port of Mombasa and Northern Corridor. Safety on the road: Western Equatoria officials say 78 civilians abducted along the Juba–Mundri road have been released after up to four days in captivity. Security & movement: Ceasefire monitors in Juba urged political parties to restrain actions that could worsen insecurity and restrict civilian movement. Tourism-relevant sports travel: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, while Mohamed Salah was rested for the match due to the artificial pitch at Juba Stadium—an issue that also kept other players out. Economy snapshot: An IMF-based report lists South Sudan among Africa’s lowest GDP per capita countries for 2026 (about $488).

Border & Trade: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut delays and costs for cross-border business, with a focus on easing movement for women traders. Customs Costs: South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya urged Nairobi to lower trade barriers, spotlighting the high customs bond fee and delays affecting South Sudanese traders using the Port of Mombasa and the Northern Corridor. Security on the Road: Western Equatoria reported the release of 78 civilians abducted along the Juba–Mundri road, urging armed groups to stop targeting women and children. Travel Disruptions (Ebola): Canada extended Ebola-related immigration and travel restrictions affecting people connected to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan until Nov. 27, suspending immigration documents and limiting entry even for those with approved visas. Tourism & Matchday Travel: Egypt thrashed South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, while Mohamed Salah was rested due to the artificial pitch—another reminder that venue conditions can shape visitor and team plans. Media Skills: UJOSS called on female journalists to become trainers and mentors to build the next generation of South Sudan’s media workforce.