(NAIROBI) – The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nairobi has issued a press statement rejecting claims made in a recent newspaper article alleging that President Salva Kiir’s visit to the United Arab Emirates was a plea for financial aid. The Embassy also clarified the situation regarding salary arrears affecting its local staff, including both Kenyan and South Sudanese employees.
The article, published by The EastAfrican in its July 5–11, 2025 edition (Issue No. 1601), bore the headline “Kiir seeks UAE bailout as staff sue over salaries”, a title the Embassy described as misleading and damaging to South Sudan’s diplomatic image.
According to the Embassy, the President’s visit was a high level engagement focused on strengthening bilateral relations with the UAE and not related to financial assistance.
The Embassy confirmed that salary arrears do exist and affect a number of local staff employed at the Nairobi mission. While the article mentioned legal action by some Kenyan employees, the Embassy clarified that South Sudanese staff are also impacted, depending on their contracts and length of service.
It also acknowledged the longstanding contributions of Kenyan staff who have served since the days of the liberation struggle, including roles within the SPLA offices and the South Sudan Liaison Office before independence in 2011. These individuals are regarded by the Embassy as part of the institutional memory of South Sudan’s foreign service.
Efforts to resolve the matter began prior to the article’s publication. On July 3, the new Head of Mission held a 40-minute meeting with a lawyer representing some of the affected Kenyan staff, alongside one of the complainants. During the meeting, the diplomat acknowledged the salary delays, explained the challenges, and assured the lawyer of ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to implement a phased payment plan.
The lawyer welcomed the transparency and submitted key documents, including a letter addressed to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, which the Embassy then forwarded to Juba. However, Embassy officials said they were surprised when the matter appeared in the press only hours after the legal discussion took place.
Earlier that week, the Embassy had also held a general meeting with all local staff, both Kenyan and South Sudanese, to discuss their grievances. The Head of Mission reportedly provided similar assurances during that session.
The Embassy criticised The EastAfrican for not seeking its comment before publication. According to the statement, the May salaries were paid on Friday, July 4, just a day before the newspaper went to print, indicating that progress was underway.
Despite acknowledging the article raised legitimate issues, the Embassy argued that its tone and title presented an unfair image of South Sudan and its government. It called on the media to exercise more responsibility, suggesting that a consultative approach would support regional understanding and truth.
The statement reaffirmed the Government of South Sudan’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities to all diplomatic staff and improving its foreign service operations globally. It also expressed appreciation for Kenya’s continued support during South Sudan’s post conflict recovery.
Online reactions to the Embassy’s response were mixed. Among those commenting, South Sudanese citizen Diney Gatkuoth praised Kenya’s democratic culture, stating, “Kenyans understand the weight of democracy. Journalists are the medium who unearthed the covered truth for the citizens.”
Key Timeline of Events
| Date | Event/Action |
|---|---|
| July 3, 2025 | Embassy meets legal team representing Kenyan staff over salary arrears |
| July 4, 2025 | May salaries paid to local staff |
| July 5, 2025 | Article published by The EastAfrican claiming South Sudan seeks UAE bailout |
| July 6, 2025 | Embassy issues public clarification |