(JUBA) – South Sudanese lawmakers have called on the Foreign Affairs Ministry to provide clear information regarding reports that the country is negotiating to host Palestinians from Gaza. Some legislators described the alleged plan as inconsistent with South Sudan’s established foreign policy.
The issue was raised in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly following last week’s reports by international media outlets, including CNN and Al Jazeera, which cited anonymous sources suggesting discussions were underway between Israel and South Sudan. The Foreign Ministry has dismissed the reports as “baseless.”
Parliamentarians expressed differing views during the session on Monday, highlighting the need for official clarification.
“My concern is on the foreign policy. There is a total violation of our foreign policy,” said Luka Matanta Akuei, representing Cueibet County.
He referenced a recent case in which the United States deported convicted individuals to South Sudan and noted that parliament had not been consulted on matters affecting national security. Akuei urged that the foreign affairs minister be summoned to address the resettlement reports, describing them as “troubling.”
Other members of the assembly, however, argued against debating unconfirmed claims. Ahamed Muhammed Musa, acting chief whip for the ruling SPLM party, emphasised that the foreign minister had already denied the reports.
“We cannot work on rumors,” Musa said.
Assembly Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba agreed, ruling that the matter should not be discussed further until the Foreign Ministry provides definitive information.
“The minister is the only person that can tell us the reality about it. But for now, please don’t mention Palestinians again because we don’t have information about it,” she said.
The lack of clear information on the alleged resettlement plan has also raised concerns among advocacy groups. Ter Manyang Gatwech, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, said that limited public communication can foster misinformation and mistrust.
“As an organisation committed to promoting human rights and access to information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of public communication,” Manyang said. “Withholding such critical information fosters misinformation, fear, and mistrust between the government and its citizens.”
He urged the government to prioritise transparency, especially on issues affecting national stability and public welfare.
“Given South Sudan’s ongoing internal challenges and the vulnerability of its own population, the government must weigh its decisions carefully and ensure that its actions are guided by the best interests of its citizens,” Manyang added.
| Stakeholder | Position | Key Points | County / Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Matanta Akuei (MP) | Concerned | Claims alleged plan violates foreign policy, parliament bypassed on national security issues; calls for minister to clarify | Cueibet County |
| Ahamed Muhammed Musa (Acting SPLM Chief Whip) | Opposed to debate | Argues issue is based on rumours, foreign minister has denied reports | SPLM Party |
| Jemma Nunu Kumba (Assembly Speaker) | Cautious / Neutral | Decided discussion should be paused until official confirmation from Foreign Ministry | Transitional National Legislative Assembly |
| Ter Manyang Gatwech (Advocacy Group) | Critical | Warns lack of transparency fosters misinformation, fear, and mistrust; urges openness and public communication | Center for Peace and Advocacy |
