President Salva Kiir Mayardit has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to act swiftly in restoring South Sudan’s standing on the global stage. This order comes amid heightened tensions with the United States, triggered by a controversial deportation incident involving Congolese national Makula Kintu.
Washington has accused the South Sudanese government of refusing to accept Kintu, whom U.S. authorities allegedly mistook for a South Sudanese citizen. The dispute intensified after the United States responded with a sweeping visa ban on all South Sudanese nationals and withdrew its peacekeepers from the United Nations mission in South Sudan on April 9.
The diplomatic standoff has sparked alarm among South Sudanese political analysts, many of whom warn of a broader breakdown in international relations. Their concerns have deepened as some Western embassies prepare to shut down operations in Juba — a move that could further isolate the country diplomatically.
Speaking at the swearing-in of the new Deputy Foreign Minister, Akuei Bona Malwal, President Kiir underscored the urgency of reinforcing South Sudan’s diplomatic presence abroad. He assured full government backing for efforts aimed at rehabilitating the nation’s image and rebuilding trust with international partners.
Akuei, who brings a wealth of experience from his time as South Sudan’s permanent representative to the United Nations and ambassadorial roles in Ethiopia and Djibouti, pledged to use his diplomatic background to strengthen the ministry. He vowed to improve strategic engagement with both African and Western allies.
Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba echoed this commitment during the ceremony, expressing confidence in Akuei’s leadership. Government insiders believe Akuei’s education from the University of California and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with his African Union experience, positions him well to lead a renewed foreign policy push.
