South Sudan, the world’s youngest country (independent since 2011), has been working to build diplomatic and regional relationships while dealing with internal conflict and economic challenges. Here’s an overview of South Sudan’s relationships with other countries and international bodies:
Sudan (North Sudan)
- Complicated and sensitive relationship due to shared history and unresolved issues since independence.
- Key disputes include:
- Oil transit fees (South Sudan relies on pipelines through Sudan)
- Citizenship and border demarcation
- Abyei region – a contested, oil-rich border area
- Periods of cooperation and tension, with efforts at normalization through peace agreements and AU mediation.
Uganda
- Strong ally and trading partner.
- Uganda supported South Sudan during its independence struggle and deployed troops during the civil war to stabilize Juba.
- Significant economic ties, with Ugandan businesses and workers active in South Sudan.
- Shared concerns about refugees and border security.
Kenya
- Close diplomatic and economic relationship.
- Nairobi hosts many South Sudanese refugees, students, and political figures.
- Kenya was a key mediator in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that led to independence.
- Supports South Sudan’s infrastructure and banking development.
Ethiopia
- Important neighbor with deep involvement in peace negotiations, especially through IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development).
- Hosts many South Sudanese refugees.
- Has sometimes experienced tension due to rebel groups near the shared border.
United States
- Strong supporter of South Sudan’s independence.
- Provides significant humanitarian aid and development support.
- Relations have been strained at times over concerns about corruption, human rights abuses, and governance issues.
- Continues to push for peace and democratic reforms.
China
- Major player in oil and infrastructure projects in South Sudan.
- Offers loans, builds roads and hospitals, and trains civil servants.
- Maintains a neutral diplomatic stance, often avoiding political involvement while investing heavily in the oil sector.
European Union and United Nations
- The UN has a major presence through UNMISS (UN Mission in South Sudan), focusing on peacekeeping, protection of civilians, and humanitarian aid.
- The EU supports peacebuilding, governance reforms, and human rights work.
African Union & IGAD
- South Sudan is an active member of both.
- IGAD plays a major role in mediating peace talks between South Sudanese factions.
- The African Union has promoted accountability and reconciliation processes.
