By Staff writer
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba, met with Sudanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ambassador Issam Mohammed Karrar, on Saturday in Juba.
The meeting aimed to foster mutual understanding and address shared concerns between the two neighboring countries. Both Foreign Ministries reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue to navigate challenges and enhance bilateral relations.
During the discussions, several critical matters were addressed, including the voluntary return process for both South Sudanese and Sudanese citizens, recent developments concerning the investigation into the Wad Madani incidents, and the provision of consular services to South Sudanese nationals in Sudan.
Acting Minister Kumba announced the endorsement of the voluntary return process for Sudanese nationals at the request of the Sudanese Government.
He outlined a strategic framework and conditions for its implementation in accordance with South Sudan’s domestic laws and international norms governing voluntary return.
Furthermore, as proposed and agreed upon, the implementation of the Sudanese voluntary return from Juba to Port Sudan will commence immediately in collaboration with the Sudanese Embassy in Juba.
From the South Sudanese side, these efforts will involve close collaboration and coordination between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Interior, National Security, and Humanitarian Affairs, as well as the Commissions for Refugees and Relief and Rehabilitation, and other related institutions.
Amb. Kumba also announced an initiative for the voluntary return of South Sudanese residing in Sudan, which will be coordinated effectively by the South Sudanese Embassy in Port Sudan, in close collaboration with the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities. He urged the Sudanese Government to facilitate this process and ensure the protection of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan.
The Acting Minister expressed concerns about the progress of the investigation into the tragic Wad Madani incidents, where South Sudanese nationals were brutally killed, and specifically inquired about the status of the outcomes promised by the Sudanese Government.
He reiterated the request for permission for the South Sudanese Embassy in Port Sudan to visit South Sudanese citizens in Sudan, including those in Wad Madani, to provide essential consular services.
Additionally, the Acting Minister conveyed his dissatisfaction with the recent statement issued by the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 23 January 2025.
He assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Juba will respond to the statement and the unjustified allegations in a responsible and timely manner.
In response, Ambassador Issam expressed appreciation for the meeting and acknowledged the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries.
He reiterated his full commitment to fostering closer ties, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and addressing recent challenges amicably.
He thanked the Government of the Republic of South Sudan for ensuring the safety and security of Sudanese nationals in South Sudan following the Wad Madani incidents.
Ambassador Karrar welcomed the approval of the voluntary return process and confirmed his readiness to work alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions in Juba to facilitate its implementation.
Regarding the investigation committee, the Sudanese Ambassador noted the concerns raised and promised to respond promptly and share updates upon the completion of a preliminary report in good faith and transparently.
He also expressed the Sudanese Government’s readiness to facilitate consular visits as requested by the South Sudanese side.
Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining open lines of communication to ensure effective cooperation and collaboration in various areas, including the implementation of voluntary return processes, timely reporting on the investigation into the Wad Madani incidents, and addressing issues of mutual concern for the benefit of both countries.