By Philip Buda Ladu
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has renewed his directive to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to prioritize restoration and enhancement of South Sudan’s global image.
The call comes amidst efforts to strengthen the nation’s diplomatic presence and foster positive international relations.
President Kiir made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Akuei Bona Malual.
He emphasized the critical role of effective diplomacy in shaping international perceptions and pledged his unwavering support to bolster the Foreign Service.
“The President tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to take a proactive role in restoring and improving the country’s image on the global stage,” stated an official release from the President’s office.
Foreign Minister Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba, who attended the ceremony, reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with his team to promote a more accurate and positive representation of South Sudan on the international stage.
The newly sworn-in Deputy Minister, Akuei Bona Malual, a seasoned diplomat with an impressive track record, including his tenure as Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2016 to 2023, pledged to utilize his extensive experience to elevate the ministry’s performance.
“Akuei Bona Malual, a seasoned diplomat and former Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2016-2023), pledged to leverage his experience to advance the ministry’s performance,” the official release noted.
Senior government officials present at the event expressed optimism that Malual’s deep understanding of international relations will significantly contribute to advancing South Sudan’s foreign policy objectives and effectively address the challenges of rebuilding the nation’s international image.
On Monday, President Salva Kiir Mayardit appointed Akuei Bona Malwal as deputy minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, in a republican decree read over the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
Ambassador Akuei, a career diplomat, succeeded Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba, who was elevated to the foreign ministerial post earlier this month after serving as a deputy.
Kumba’s appointment comes as South Sudan grapples with a deepening diplomatic row with the United States, following a controversial deportation saga involving Congolese national Makula Kintu, initially denied entry at Juba International Airport, prompting U.S. visa restrictions to all South Sudanese passport holders.
This latest appointment to the foreign ministry is seen as a strategic move to reinvigorate South Sudan’s diplomatic efforts and cultivate stronger international partnerships.