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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation has disclosed its intention to recall several ambassadors
who are currently serving abroad and deploy the 59 newly appointed Grade 3
ambassadors to international missions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc
officially welcomed the 59 newly appointed diplomats at a briefing at the
Ministry's main hall in Juba on Tuesday, emphasizing that their promotion to
ambassadorial status comes with greater responsibilities.
"As ambassadors, you will be given new roles within
Headquarters as well as officials serving in foreign missions according to
administrative rules and regulations," Goc stated in a statement shared by
the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation.
He clarified that the reassignment and recall of diplomats
is part of the routine foreign service procedure, conducted with fairness and
in accordance with administrative guidelines.
“A number of diplomats by law may be recalled as normal
routine of the foreign service and no favoritism in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation,” Goc asserted.
President Salva Kiir swore in the 59 newly promoted
ambassadors to Grade 3.
During his address, Kiir highlighted the government’s
commitment to address the economic hardships currently facing the nation and
its workforce.
“The Head of State reassured the ambassadors of his
administration's readiness to diligently work together with relevant
authorities to find robust solutions to some of the challenges facing the
country's foreign missions,” a statement from the office of the president
reads.
“The top authority further directed the Ministry of Finance
and Planning to swiftly explore every possible avenue to clear the backlog of
salary arrears and to ensure effective utilization of resources.”
In September 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation in Juba graduated 123 diplomats and interns who
completed competency-based training according to the curriculum of the
Institute of Diplomatic Studies (IDS) from May 27, 2024, to August 30, 2024.
The planned reshuffle comes at a critical juncture for South
Sudan as the country continues to build its foreign relations and address
challenges such as peacekeeping, trade agreements, and international
cooperation.
The diplomats, now set to represent the country abroad, are
expected to enhance South Sudan's image and diplomatic clout on the global
stage.
The ministry's leadership expressed high hopes for the new
ambassadors. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba
highlighted the role they would play in advancing South Sudan’s foreign policy.
“The country is expecting a lot from you, and try your level
best to be an ideal ambassador that is equipped with knowledge as
christianistic of being an ambassador,” said Semaya.
Minister Goc clarified that the recall of some ambassadors
is part of a regular and necessary process. This guarantees the infusion of new
talent and perspectives into the country's foreign service, facilitating the
ongoing enhancement of South Sudan's diplomatic missions.
The reshuffle comes as South Sudan prepares for major
regional engagements and continues its work to stabilize and develop diplomatic
ties worldwide.
The Director General of Multilateral Relations, Amb. Deng
Deng Nihal, underscored the importance of the diplomatic corps’ role in
promoting and protecting South Sudan’s national interests abroad.
“The core values of being a diplomat are to be an informed
person and be able to protect and promote the national interest of the country
and positively contribute to the development of the country diplomatically,”
Deng stated.
