Rumours of a Juba-Tel Aviv Dialogue
Whispers of undisclosed talks between South Sudan’s foreign ministry and Israeli officials burst onto social media last week, suggesting a plan to relocate foreign nationals from the Middle East to Sudanese soil.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry swiftly dismissed the reports as baseless, yet the silence that followed drew scrutiny from lawmakers accustomed to receiving policy updates long after international headlines surface.
Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Reacts
Committee chair Joseph Malwal Dong told Eye Radio, “We learnt of this through the press, not through official channels, and that is worrying.”
Malwal confirmed plans to summon Minister Monday Semaya, pledging a public hearing that will clarify whether any memorandum exists, who authorised it, and how it aligns with South Sudan’s foreign-policy principles.
Minister Semaya’s Recent Jerusalem Visit
Semaya visited Israel two weeks ago for what officials described as a ‘bilateral consultation tour’; observers now wonder if relocation discussions featured on his agenda despite Juba’s official denial.
Wider Regional Dimensions of the Story
South Sudan would not be the first country floated as a safe haven for displaced Palestinians; earlier leaks cited Egypt and Uganda in similar proposals originating from Israeli and U.S. think-tanks.
Analysts in Nairobi argue that any such move could strain Juba’s fragile ties with Khartoum, while also testing its capacity to host large refugee populations amid ongoing economic reform.
What Happens Next in Juba
For now, parliamentary scrutiny may restore transparency; Malwal expects the minister’s testimony within a fortnight, followed by a plenary report that could either quell speculation or open a new diplomatic chapter.