South Sudan Oil Push: The Ministry of Petroleum says crude output is rising to about 175,000 barrels per day and targets at least 200,000 bpd next year, using “modern technology” to offset ageing fields. Fuel Security Plan: Government is also moving to build two new refineries (Unity and Upper Nile) with a combined 60,000 bpd capacity to cut fuel imports and lower prices. Dar Blend Market Signal: More South Sudan Dar Blend barrels are returning to marine fuel blending pools in Singapore and Malaysia as China’s demand eases, tightening low-sulphur fuel supply. Digital Payments: Bank of South Sudan talks with the British ambassador highlight plans to accelerate digital payments, IFMIS rollout, and stronger oversight of public money. Logistics Hub Drive: Transport Minister Rizik Zakaria Hassan says South Sudan is preparing policy and transport bills to turn the country into a regional logistics hub, including progress on the LAPSSET corridor. Roads Under Strain: Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam Both blames overloaded East African trucks for damage to the Juba–Nimule road and says a weighbridge will control axle loads during reconstruction. Drought & Food Systems: Agriculture Minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia calls for more direct drought funding and early-warning support using satellite and offline tools. Water Crisis in Mining Areas: Civil society warns of severe water shortages in Kapoeta East’s gold-mining settlement, urging emergency supplies and health checks. Ebola Preparedness: CAR, DRC, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan commit to cross-border coordination to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread. Regional Energy Competition: East Africa’s refinery rivalry heats up again as countries position themselves around major oil projects and storage/refining hubs. Humanitarian Pressure: UN warns DRC Ebola response could run out of money within weeks, while Sudan’s refugee crisis continues to strain education, healthcare and protection systems in neighbouring states.