AGP Executive Report

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.

Visa & entry rules (South Sudan): The Ministry of Interior has denied social-media claims that South Sudan introduced visa-free entry only for Egypt and Tanzania, saying no official directive was issued; it also says any immigration changes follow established legal procedures. Visa policy (South Sudan): Separately, South Sudan’s updated visa regulations are reported as granting visa-free entry only to Egypt and Tanzania, while most other travellers must obtain visas, with new fees cited for single and multiple-entry visas. Jonglei peace & travel safety: Two Jonglei communities (Ayual of Twic East and Hol of Duk) agreed to end a long-running dispute, including pledges to protect freedom of movement for people and goods along river and land routes. Ebola travel shock (region-wide): Canada announced new temporary border measures barring foreign nationals who visited the DRC in the past 21 days, effective Monday, as the Ebola death toll in Congo climbed above 930. Ebola response pressure: Reports say overlapping U.S. and Congo rules could delay deployment of medical staff, raising concerns for outbreak control. Juba economy & retail: Chinese retail hubs expanding across Juba are reshaping supply chains and hiring, with locals noting easier access to goods and jobs. Martyrs’ Day (Juba): The Culture Minister urged peaceful 30 July observances despite a lack of a government budget for official events. UNESCO heritage watch: UNESCO is set to vote on more “World Heritage in Danger” sites, with South Sudan’s Boma-Badingil savannas mentioned among threatened nominations.

Ebola Border Rules: Canada has tightened entry for Ebola risk, banning foreign nationals who were in the DRC in the past 21 days from entering, with the move starting Monday night and lasting until Aug. 29; Canadian citizens and residents can still enter but face health checks and a 21-day quarantine. Travel Safety Signals: The U.S. issued a new “Do Not Travel” Level 4 advisory covering 23 countries, including South Sudan and the DRC, warning Americans to avoid travel due to extreme security risks and limited consular help. UNESCO Heritage Watch: UNESCO is set to consider adding South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo migratory landscape to the World Heritage in Danger list, alongside other threatened sites, as conflict and climate pressures grow. Aviation for Travelers: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, pitching it as a boost for safer, more efficient passenger handling and improved connectivity for trade and tourism. Culture & Commemoration: South Sudan’s culture minister urged peaceful Martyrs’ Day observances on 30 July despite a lack of a government budget for official events.

Fuel & Transport Costs: A new report takes you inside Juba’s Customs Taxi Park, where rising fuel prices are turning everyday rides to places like Yei, Terekeka, Rumbek, and Nimule into a heavier burden for traders and families. UNESCO Heritage in Jeopardy: UNESCO is set to vote on more sites “in danger,” with South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo migratory landscape among the nominations, alongside threatened heritage in Lebanon and beyond. Travel Safety Alerts: The US issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory covering 23 countries, including South Sudan and Uganda, citing extreme security risks and limited consular help. Ebola Travel Fallout: Seven US aid workers were quarantined in Kenya after exposure to Ebola in Congo, and US rules also affect travelers linked to Uganda and South Sudan. Aviation for Tourism: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal Three at Juba International Airport, pitching it as a safer, more connected gateway for passengers and visitors. Visa Updates: South Sudan published official visa fees for Nigerians, plus a list of African countries eligible for visa-free entry in 2026. Martyrs’ Day Guidance: The culture minister urged peaceful 30 July Martyrs’ Day observances despite a budget shortfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Watch: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets in Busan to vote on sites threatened by war or climate change, with South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo grasslands and woodland savannahs expected to be added to the “in danger” list, alongside Lebanon’s Mount Amel castles and the biblical site of Sebastia in the West Bank. Travel Safety Signals: The US State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for 23 countries, including South Sudan, citing severe security risks and limited consular help. Local Commemoration: South Sudan’s Culture Minister urged peaceful Martyrs’ Day observance on 30 July despite no government budget, encouraging candlelight vigils, prayers, and moments of silence. Aviation for Visitors: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal Three at Juba International Airport, pitching it as a boost for safer, more modern travel and tourism. Cost of Getting Around: Fuel prices jumped again in Juba and Yambio, pushing up transport costs and everyday prices for commuters and motorists.

Aviation Upgrade in Juba: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, calling it a major step toward safer, more modern air travel and better connectivity for visitors and trade. Travel Safety Signals: The US State Department placed 23 countries—including South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, DR Congo, and Lebanon—on its highest Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, citing serious security risks and limited ability to assist Americans. UNESCO Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO will vote in Busan on adding threatened sites to its World Heritage and “in danger” lists, with South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape among the emergency nominations. Martyrs’ Day, Peaceful Observance: South Sudan’s Culture Minister urged citizens to mark Martyrs’ Day on 30 July with peaceful remembrance despite a budget shortfall. Ebola Spillover Watch: With DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak surging, the US expanded Ebola-related travel controls, and South Sudan is highlighted as a region needing heightened preparedness. Local Costs for Travelers: Fuel prices jumped sharply in South Sudan, pushing up transport costs and affecting everyday travel and logistics.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Juba International Airport’s new Terminal 3, calling it a major upgrade after 17 years of construction and a “new era” for safer, more efficient air travel—aimed at improving passenger services and connecting South Sudan to the world. Ebola Travel Disruptions: The U.S. expanded Ebola-related travel controls tied to the DRC outbreak, including a rule that Americans returning from the DRC must wait 21 days in a third country before boarding U.S.-bound flights; aid groups warn this could slow staffing and response. Regional Health Watch: Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient and has started the 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free, while the DRC outbreak continues to surge and is raising cross-border preparedness concerns. Visa Clarity for Visitors: South Sudan published official visa fees for Nigerians applying for single- and multiple-entry visas, alongside an updated list of African countries eligible for visa-free entry. Road Costs Hit Travelers: Fuel prices jumped sharply in Juba and Yambio, pushing up transport costs and fares—bad news for anyone planning road travel. U.S. Travel Warnings: The U.S. kept South Sudan on its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, citing dangerous conditions and limited consular support.

Aviation & Connectivity: President Salva Kiir officially inaugurated Juba International Airport’s Terminal 3, calling it a major step toward modern, safer air travel and international standards, after 17 years of construction. Visas & Entry Rules: South Sudan published updated visa fees for Nigerians, with costs varying by single- or multiple-entry and visa validity length, and also released a visa-free entry list for eligible African countries. Travel Safety Signals (US): The U.S. expanded Ebola-related travel controls tied to the DRC outbreak, including a 21-day third-country requirement for Americans returning from the DRC, while Uganda and South Sudan face heightened screening and U.S. Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warnings. Regional Health Context: Uganda began a 42-day countdown after discharging its last Ebola patient, but the DRC outbreak continues to accelerate, keeping border preparedness high. Cost of Getting Around: Fuel prices surged in Juba and Western Equatoria, pushing transport fares up and raising fears of wider food and commodity price increases. Diplomacy: A South Sudan delegation traveled to Doha to deliver President Kiir’s condolences to Qatar’s leadership after the former Emir’s death.

Aviation Upgrade in Juba: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Juba International Airport’s Terminal 3, a 17-year project meant to boost international arrivals and departures with new lounges and modern facilities. Fuel Shock for Travelers: South Sudanese motorists and commuters report petrol prices jumping to about SSP 18,500 per litre in Juba and SSP 20,000 in Yambio, with even higher black-market rates—pushing up transport fares and everyday costs. Regional Health Alerts: Uganda began a 42-day countdown after discharging its last Ebola patient, while the DRC outbreak keeps accelerating, raising fears for cross-border travel and preparedness. US Travel Restrictions Touch South Sudan: The US expanded Ebola-related controls, including a 21-day third-country rule for Americans returning from the DRC, and South Sudan remains on the US Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list. Diplomacy: A South Sudan government delegation flew to Doha to deliver President Kiir’s condolences after Qatar’s former Emir died. Mining and Local Access: In Aweil North, residents of Mayom Angok Boma demanded roads, a school, and a police station before Lol Malual Mining Company starts gold operations.

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.