(JUBA) – South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has made two official trips to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this year, the latest ending this past Tuesday, in a diplomatic and economic effort to ease the country’s deepening crisis.
President Kiir’s latest visit began on 22 June and lasted over two weeks. Government officials said the purpose of the trip was to strengthen bilateral relations and encourage investment into South Sudan’s struggling economy. In February, a similar mission aimed to boost cooperation in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and trade.
Speaking before the trip, Presidential spokesperson David Amuor Majur said President Kiir intended to meet investment groups in Abu Dhabi to present a strong case for funding South Sudan’s key growth sectors. Abu Dhabi has not publicly disclosed the outcomes of the meetings, though Juba maintains that it is reforming its systems to become more attractive to foreign investors.
The visit also touched on regional matters, particularly the ongoing war in Sudan. Nearly 200,000 refugees have crossed into South Sudan since the conflict reignited, placing further strain on humanitarian resources. The UAE has taken an active interest in the crisis, using it to grow its regional influence. In March, the UAE opened the Madhol Field Hospital in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, offering 100 beds and several clinics serving an estimated 2 million people, mostly refugees. The UAE had also pledged $200 million (SSP 920 billion) in humanitarian assistance at a donor conference.
South Sudan has been severely affected by both domestic economic mismanagement and the spillover from regional conflict. The government has struggled to pay civil servants, some of whom have sought legal redress abroad, particularly in Nairobi. According to the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), key elements of the 2018 peace agreement remain unfulfilled.
In May, Information Minister Martin Lomuro denied reports that Juba had signed a $13 billion (SSP 59.8 trillion) oil backed loan with the Hamad bin Khalifa Department of Projects, a private UAE based firm. However, he acknowledged that the government continues to explore similar options to stabilise the economy.
South Sudan remains heavily dependent on oil, which accounts for 98 percent of state revenue. But much of its estimated 150,000 barrels per day is pre-sold through forward contracts lasting until at least 2026. The main export route via pipeline through Port Sudan has faced disruptions due to the conflict in Sudan.
The domestic economy continues to deteriorate. Inflation stands at 143 percent, and the country is expected to lose at least 4.3 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025. According to the African Development Bank’s South Sudan Country Focus 2025 report, 92 percent of the population now lives below the international poverty line of $2 per day, a dramatic increase from 51 percent in 2011, when the country gained independence.
Key Economic Indicators (2025)
| Key Economic Indicators (2025) | Value |
|---|---|
| Oil Revenue Share of National Budget | 98% |
| Daily Oil Production | 150,000 barrels |
| Inflation Rate | 143% |
| Projected GDP Loss | 4.3% |
| Population Living Below $2/Day | 92% (Approx. 14.7 million) |
| Poverty Rate in 2011 | 51% |
| Humanitarian Aid from UAE (2025) | $200 million (SSP 920bn) |
Despite the grim outlook, there are cautious signs of hope. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast potential recovery following the repair of a major pipeline damaged in February 2024. This pipeline is essential for crude exports and was previously halted due to the fighting in Sudan.
In June 2025, IMF staff and South Sudanese officials reached a preliminary agreement on a nine month Staff Monitored Programme (SMP), to begin in August 2025. According to an IMF statement, the SMP will help South Sudan design and implement reforms aimed at strengthening economic resilience, improving transparency, and restoring macroeconomic stability.
Whether Abu Dhabi’s influence and aid will provide more than short term relief remains to be seen. For now, South Sudan is betting on external partnerships to manage its multiple crises and revive its economy.