(WASHINGTON, DC) – South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya K. Kumba, has met with a group of American faith based leaders and long time friends of South Sudan during his official visit to the United States.
The meeting held on 17 July 2025 in Washington DC was part of the Minister’s ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening ties between South Sudan and international partners, including non governmental and religious institutions that have supported the country before and after independence.
Among the attendees were Faith McDonell, Director of Advocacy at Katartismos Global, Barbara Nelson, Chair of the Good Shepherd Educational Foundation, Fran Boyle from Connecting Lives International Ministry, Sister Dede Byrne, a missionary and medical doctor; and Arielle del Turco from the Family Research Council.
During the meeting, Minister Kumba expressed appreciation for the longstanding commitment and contributions of American faith based organisations. He noted that many of these groups played a vital role during South Sudan’s liberation struggle and continue to support peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts across the country.
The Minister said, “These organisations walked alongside South Sudan during the most difficult periods of its history. Today, they are still present providing spiritual guidance, education, health care and support to vulnerable communities.”
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the areas of peace, development, and mutual understanding. Specific areas raised included coordination on humanitarian outreach, faith based reconciliation programmes, and education support for rural areas.
While the visit was not tied to a formal aid agreement, South Sudanese officials have highlighted the important role these faith based organisations play, particularly in remote and underserved areas where government services are limited.
Faith based actors remain among the most trusted institutions in South Sudan. In many rural counties, religious groups provide schooling, primary health care and food assistance. Their efforts are often sustained by private donations and church linked support from American and European partners.
The Foreign Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with civil society, churches and international friends of South Sudan. He added that trust building through faith and cooperation is key to long term peace and reconciliation.
