NIGERIA: Kiir Directs Foreign Ministry To Enhance South Sudan’s Global Standing

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to undertake initiatives aimed at improving the nation’s image on the global stage.

This directive comes in the wake of a deteriorating diplomatic relationship with the United States, triggered by a contentious deportation incident involving Congolese national Makula Kintu. The U.S. government accused Juba of failing to accept the deportee, who was mistakenly identified as a South Sudanese citizen.

Tensions heightened when the U.S. implemented a blanket visa ban affecting all South Sudanese nationals and subsequently withdrew its peacekeepers from the United Nations mission in South Sudan on April 9.

Analysts within South Sudan have raised concerns regarding the decline in the government’s international engagement, especially after several Western diplomatic missions signaled their intentions to close their embassies in Juba.

During a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Deputy Foreign Minister Akuei Bona Malwal on Wednesday, Kiir underscored the importance of robust diplomacy and pledged unwavering support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s foreign relations.

Akuei, a seasoned diplomat and South Sudan’s former permanent representative to the United Nations (2016-2023), expressed his determination to leverage his extensive experience to boost the ministry’s effectiveness.

Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba, who was present at the ceremony, reiterated his dedication to improving South Sudan’s international standing.

Officials are optimistic that Akuei’s background—as a former ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, as well as his roles within the African Union – will contribute positively to advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives.

Akuei holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.