By Philip Buda Ladu
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, to adopt a more “assertive” foreign policy.
According to the president, Foreign Affairs ministry should aim at strengthening South Sudan’s relationships with regional and international partners.
The directive came following a briefing at State House where Minister Kumba provided President Kiir with updates on his recent diplomatic engagements.
Notably, Ambassador Kumba led South Sudan’s delegation to London Conference for Sudan, and also conducted diplomatic missions to the United Kingdom and Ethiopia.
During the briefing, Minister Kumba highlighted the government’s dedication to improving bilateral relations and actively promoting peace in the region.
He emphasized the importance of engaging with key international stakeholders to address South Sudan’s challenges and advance its national interests.
President Kiir acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts thus far, but stressed the necessity of a “consistent and proactive diplomacy” that aligns with the nation’s strategic goals.
The Head of State urged his foreign affairs minister to pursue a more dynamic approach in engaging with foreign partners, suggesting a need for a more robust and visible presence on the international stage.
The call for a more assertive foreign policy comes at a critical time for South Sudan, as the nation continues to navigate regional complexities and seeks to solidify its position within the international community.
South Sudan is currently under pressure to mend broken ties with the world’s superpower, the United States, following a diplomatic row triggered by Juba’s initial refusal to grant entry to a deportee from U.S an act which angered Washington DC to indefinitely suspend visas to all South Sudanese passport holders.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced, that it is actively working to strengthen South Sudan’s relationship with the United States amidst recent tensions.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Monday, Semaya Kumba, formally communicated with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirming the “strong and enduring bilateral relations” between the two nations, a statement from the foreign ministry affirmed.
In further signaling a commitment to improved ties, the Ministry announced Amb. Kumba’s plans for an official bilateral visit to the United States.
The intended discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will focus on “matters of mutual interest and cooperation,” underscoring the South Sudanese government’s desire to bolster diplomatic, political, and economic links with the U.S.
This move comes shortly after a period of strained relations, highlighted by the U.S. State Department’s decision earlier this month to revoke all existing visas and suspend the issuance of new visas for South Sudanese passport holders.
That decision was a direct response to South Sudan’s initial reluctance to accept the return of its citizens being deported from the U.S.
Despite the existing visa restrictions, the Ministry expressed its “sincere appreciation” to the U.S. government and its Embassy in Juba for their cooperation in issuing entry visas to a South Sudanese delegation.
The high-level delegation headed by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater was supposed to be in Washington DC participating in the ongoing 2025 Annual Spring Meetings organized by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund but the U.S. visa issue held back their early departure.
President Kiir’s directive signals a clear intention to enhance South Sudan’s diplomatic influence and actively shape its foreign relations.