High-Level October Diplomacy
In October, Juba placed foreign engagement at the heart of its agenda, weaving economics and peace into a single narrative (Eye Radio, 25 Oct 2024).
Officials argue the strategy showcases South Sudan’s readiness to court investors while strengthening multilateral security guarantees.
Presidential Outreach to the UAE
President Salva Kiir’s visit to Abu Dhabi spotlights energy, agriculture, and infrastructure opportunities, with Emirati interlocutors signalling interest in oil services and solar power projects.
Government aides report talks on visa facilitation and direct flights, elements seen as critical to converting memoranda into concrete capital flows.
Renewed Dialogue with Sudan
Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba’s Khartoum mission reopened discussions on border trade corridors, shared power grids and the movement of citizens uprooted by conflict.
Both capitals described the tone as constructive, agreeing to create technical committees that will draft protocols on customs, refugee support and road rehabilitation.
UN Coordination and Peace Efforts
Mid-month, Kiir met UN peace chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix to review UNMISS priorities, including community protection and election logistics.
Deputy Minister Akuei Bona Malual travelled to Ethiopia to brief African and UN officials on Abyei before the Security Council’s report, seeking consensus on stability measures.
Expanding Multilateral Ties
Bilateral sessions with envoys from South Africa, India, Cuba, Norway, Turkey, China and Japan underlined Juba’s determination to diversify partnerships beyond oil.
Ratifying membership in the African Minerals Strategy Group positions the country to negotiate better royalties and new downstream ventures.
Humanitarian Concerns and Next Steps
The ministry says it is monitoring deportations of South Sudanese nationals from Sudan; recent efforts reunited mothers with children, and further repatriations remain on the table.
Spokesperson Apuk Ayuel Mayen concluded that sustained, focused diplomacy will backstop peace, stability and inclusive growth for South Sudanese at home and abroad.