Historic Diplomatic Visit to Juba
Sharren Haskel, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, landed in Juba on 13 August, marking the highest-level Israeli delegation to South Sudan since independence.
Officials framed the visit as proof of growing ties, with both governments emphasising mutual respect and shared post-conflict reconstruction goals.
One-Million Shekel Relief Package
In a live interview, Haskel pledged up to one million Israeli shekels—roughly 296,000 dollars—in food and medical supplies for vulnerable communities.
She said the consignment would prioritise malnutrition hotspots and remote clinics, complementing existing UN and African Union efforts without duplicating them.
Medical Collaboration Beyond Relief
The deputy minister toured an Intensive Care Unit previously donated by Israel, noting that nearly 600 critical patients have been treated there since 2022, according to hospital data.
Israeli technicians have reportedly offered remote maintenance and training, a model Juba’s Health Ministry hopes to replicate in provincial hospitals.
Looking Ahead to Strategic Partnership
Haskel hinted at future projects in agriculture technology, water management and youth entrepreneurship, saying proposals are already under inter-ministerial review in Tel Aviv.
South Sudan’s Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan welcomed the overtures, describing Israel as a ‘partner that delivers quickly’ and inviting investors to a planned energy forum later this year.
Regional Implications for East Africa
Analysts in Nairobi note that the aid aligns with Israel’s broader push to deepen alliances in East Africa, a region crucial for Red Sea security and emerging energy corridors.
For Juba, diversifying partners could ease reliance on traditional donors, while maintaining cordial ties with all actors, including neighbours and Congo-Brazzaville, remains central to its non-aligned stance.