On 13th August 2025, President Salva Kiir met with Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, to discuss strengthening diplomatic and development relations between South Sudan and Israel.
South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Monday Semaya Kumba, said the meeting reaffirmed President Kiir’s commitment to strengthening ties with Israel.
The two foreign ministries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to “promote effective coordination and cooperation on matters of common interest,” escalating speculations about a potential relocation, an agenda being pushed by Israel.
However, in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday, officials reiterated their earlier position that the government has neither considered nor discussed any plan to host Palestinian refugees on South Sudanese soil.
“As per the Ministry’s statement dated 13 August 2025, the Ministry firmly reiterates that these reports are unfounded and do not reflect the policies, intentions, or diplomatic engagements of the Government of South Sudan,” the statement read.
It further clarified that no consultations, formal or informal, have been held between South Sudan and any foreign state or international body regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to the East African nation.
The government cautioned that such narratives, if left unchecked, could damage the country’s diplomatic image and undermine its foreign relations. “These claims are not only inaccurate but also risk misrepresenting South Sudan’s foreign policy positions and domestic priorities,” it added.
The Ministry expressed particular concern over the spread of misinformation, warning that careless reporting on sensitive issues can have “serious implications for diplomatic relations and public perception.” It urged journalists and media houses to rely on official sources before publishing stories tied to foreign policy.
“The Ministry, therefore, calls upon all media outlets, journalists, and commentators to exercise the utmost responsibility and due diligence in their reporting,” the statement said. “The importance of verifying information through official and authorized government channels, particularly on sensitive matters of foreign policy and national interest, cannot be overstated.”
At the same time, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constructive engagement with the global community. It promised that any significant policy shift or international cooperation agreement would be communicated transparently and through official channels.
In an apparent response to its often-strained relationship with local media, the Ministry announced that it will begin holding weekly press briefings starting 4 September 2025. The move, officials say, is aimed at improving transparency and preventing the spread of inaccurate information.
“The Ministry appreciates the continued cooperation of the media and international partners in ensuring the accurate and responsible dissemination of information,” the statement concluded.
In mid-August, the Foreign Ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, along with the Secretaries-General of the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, issued a strong joint statement rejecting any plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, amid reports suggesting that Israel has considered South Sudan among potential host countries.
The statement, released on 15th August 2025, warned that any attempt to displace Palestinians “in any form and under any pretext” would not only constitute a violation of international humanitarian law but also risk triggering uncontrollable conflict, with dire implications for both regional and global stability.
