(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has firmly dismissed recent reports alleging that it is in talks with Israel over the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza in South Sudan.
In a statement issued on 13 August 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation clarified that no consultations or discussions of any kind had taken place on the relocation of Palestinians. It described the reports as “unfounded” and warned that such claims risk misrepresenting the country’s foreign policy and national priorities.
The Ministry said the government’s diplomatic engagements are guided by the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and constructive international cooperation. It stressed that South Sudan’s position on matters of foreign policy should only be understood through official government channels.
Officials expressed concern that the spread of misinformation could damage diplomatic relations and create confusion among the public. The Ministry therefore urged media outlets, journalists and commentators to exercise responsibility and verify sensitive information before publishing it.
“The importance of checking with authorised government sources on issues of national interest cannot be overstated,” the statement noted, adding that accuracy is particularly vital on matters involving South Sudan’s foreign policy.
To strengthen communication and enhance transparency, the Ministry announced that it will begin holding weekly press briefings every Thursday, starting on 4 September 2025.
The announcement was delivered by Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, the Ministry’s spokesperson, who appealed to the media to act responsibly in reporting on issues of foreign policy.
However, the statement has generated mixed reactions from observers and commentators in Juba and abroad.
South Sudanese political analyst Ajak Deng Chiengkou questioned why the Ministry cautioned journalists before directly addressing reports published by major international outlets. “When South Sudanese journalists raised the issue, it was not a fabrication. They were citing stories carried by Associated Press, Israeli newspapers, Al Jazeera, and others. The question is simple: why issue caution before answering? Why prevent South Sudanese journalists from asking the Minister directly?” he said. Ajak added that if the government believes the reports are false, it should formally challenge the outlets that quoted six independent sources and named a lobbyist allegedly briefed by a South Sudanese official.
Another commentator, Dak Tito Liet, argued that simple denials may not be enough to restore public confidence. “Official denials alone are no longer sufficient. Instead of merely issuing denials, the government could have demanded an official apology from the media outlets to convince citizens that the reports were indeed false,” he said.
Public scepticism was also evident in local discussions. Thon Ayuen Aguek said repeated denials could suggest that the information has some truth. “When UPDF was reported to be present in Juba, the government denied it, but later, it was confirmed. Let’s wait and see until the government confirms it,” he remarked.
The Ministry has not directly responded to these criticisms but insists that South Sudan’s foreign policy remains unchanged and that the country has no involvement in plans to resettle Palestinians.