President Salva Kiir has tasked newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, to actively promote South Sudan’s foreign policy objectives and project country’s good image.
In a statement obtained by Standard Zone News, President Kiir made this appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of Ambassador Semaya, where he highlighted the extensive diplomatic experience of the newly appointed minister.
“President Kiir highlighted Amb. Semaya’s rich experience in diplomacy and foreign affairs and believed in his ability to represent the country well on the global scene,” read the statement.
The statement further noted that Minister Semaya expressed his commitment “to improving the nation’s diplomatic relations with other countries.”
Semaya’s appointment comes at a time when South Sudan has been embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with Washington D.C. concerning the return of a deportees.
The disagreement arose after the South Sudanese government initially denied entry to a US deportee, Congolese national named Makula Kintu, for allegedly impersonating Nimeri Garang.
The United States administration accused South Sudan government of obstructing the deportee’s entry, a dispute that seemingly led to the revocation of all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and threats of further punitive measures if the South Sudan government did not comply with the order.
However, in a dramatic turn, South Sudan government reversed its decision regarding the deportation of the Congolese man, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining friendly relations with the United States and considering the rights of South Sudanese citizens abroad.
“The government of the Republic of South Sudan has decided to grant Mr. Makula Kintu permission to enter the country,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
“In light of the existing friendly relations between South Sudan and the United States government, the government remains committed to facilitating the return of verified South Sudanese nationals.”
These diplomatic tensions are believed to have contributed to the reshuffling in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation that let to removal of Ramadan Abdallah Goc from office.
Mr. Goc’s tenure as cabinet minister was cut short after less than two years. He was appointed as appointed as a Member of Parliament.
The decree initially affected the Deputy Minister, Monday Semaya, who was subsequently appointed as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs.
