South Sudan deploys 13 ambassadors to foreign missions
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has disclosed that President Salva Kiir has approved the deployment of 13 ambassadors to various foreign missions.
The statement shared by the ministry noted that the new ambassadors were to be deployed to South Sudan missions in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Eritrea and Nigeria.
“On Friday 11th March 2022, the President of the Republic of South Sudan approved the deployment of thirteen Heads of Mission to replace the outgoing ambassadors who have completed their tour of duty in our foreign Missions,” the statement read.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation joins President Salva Kiir in thanking the outgoing ambassadors for their dedicated service to their country for the last four to five years despite many challenges they faced while advancing our country’s interest abroad.”
The statement further noted that the new ambassadors would revive and bolster bilateral and multilateral relations in the aforementioned countries.
“They represent a new chapter in South Sudanese diplomacy, and will further invigorate and strengthen our engagements in both bilateral and multilateral relations with our allies and friends,” the statement continued.
The ministry boasted that the ambassadors were appointed based on competence, diversity and inclusion, and pledged commitment to back them up as they discharge their duties.
Restoring image
Last year, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mayiik Ayii Deng, promised that his ministry would strive to restore the tarnished image of the country by advancing foreign policy agenda.
Mayiik cited peace in Sudan as a major step taken by the government to restore its image and the country should encourage more bilateral relations and promote conflict resolution in the region with the help of the African Union, the United Nations and other sub-regional, regional and international organizations.
“As you all know, South Sudan has been active in mediating the Sudan Peace Process until an agreement was reached. This is one success story in our foreign policy engagement,” Minister Ayii said.
Paying debts
Minister Mayiik said they would prioritise settling of debts at the foreign missions in the soonest time possible.
“The ministry has been exerting efforts with the Ministry of Finance and Planning to secure funds for our embassies and missions abroad so that their monthly salaries and rents reach regularly and on time, as the delay in paying salaries and rents is one of the factors tarnishing the image of our country and should be resolved once and for all,” Mayiik stated.
“Another issue which has been also contributing in tarnishing the image of the country, and needs to be given due attention, is non-settlement of the country’s arrears in the sub-regional, regional and international organisations.”
He stressed that delayed clearance of membership fees in sub-regional, regional and international organisations rid South Sudanese of employment opportunities.
“Notwithstanding, this also has another negative…impact of hindering employment of qualified South Sudanese in these sub-regional, regional and international organizations as the employment or recruitment is conditioned with the honouring of a member country’s financial obligations,” he added.
He promised the public that the country would strive to attain peace, security, environmental protection, respect for human rights and installing sustainable development.
List of Recalled Ambassadors
1. Amb. Ajiing Adiang Marik – Italy
2. Amb. Lazarus Akoi -France
3. Amb. Dr. Mawien Makol Arik -Switzerland
4. Amb. Majak Philemon Majok -Norway
5. Amb. Mohamed Hassan Bakheit -Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
6. Amb. Deng Deng Nhial -United Arab Emirates
7. Amb. Daniel Peter Othol -India
8. Amb. Mariano Deng Ngor -Tanzania
9. Amb. Gabriel Gai Riak -Zimbabwe
10. Amb. Malek Ruben Riak -Eritrea
11. Amb. Paul Molong Akaro –Nigeria
List of Nominated Ambassadors
1. Amb. DhanoJak Obongo -Italy
2. Amb. Samuel Luate Lominsuk -Belgium
3. Amb. Alier Deng Ruai -Switzerland
4. Amb. Michael Milli Hussein -France
5. Amb. Johnson Okot Jekery -Tanzania
6. Amb. Mawien Makol Ariik -Germany
7. Amb. Mustafa Lowo Jabi -Norway
8. Amb. Malek Reuben Riak -Zimbabwe
9. Amb. David Buom Choat -Nigeria
10. Amb. Victoria Samuel Aru -India
11. Amb. Garang Garang Diing -United Arab Emirates
12. Amb. Mary Babodo Francis -Eritrea
13. Amb. John Samuel Bogo -Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
