According to South Sudan’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Deng Dau Malek, who witnessed the recent developments, the two leaders have discussed various ways of cooperation that would strengthen their bilateral relations and boost the ties they have built to safeguard their political interests as brotherly countries that share a land border. Mr. Dau also mentioned that the diplomats have turned their focus to international issues and regional dimensions.
Mr. Deng, who serves as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been given the green light to act as the head of the foreign affairs institution following the removal of his boss by President Kiir. This move came after the President fired the country’s first female Defense Minister, who is also the wife of his political rival, Dr. Riek Machar, with a republican decree read on state-run television. The situation remains unresolved, and political activists have criticized the move as a bad move and a clear violation of the Agreement signed in 2018. The removal of Hon. Angelina Teny from the Defense Ministry has put peace at risk, despite Machar’s call on the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to address the situation.
On the other hand, the Eritrean State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Osman Saleh Muhammad, spent half a day at the South Sudanese State House, where he emphasized that they had fruitful discussions with H.E. the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, on bilateral cooperation and regional and international affairs. Diplomat Osman highlighted the reasons behind their ties with Juba, while appreciating the South Sudanese Government for the hospitality shown to foreigners living in the country. He also acknowledged that his country was among the list of countries whose citizens were involved in business in South Sudan.
The discussions and cooperation between South Sudan and Eritrea are crucial in promoting development, fostering peace and stability, and addressing regional challenges. It is hoped that these diplomatic efforts will bear fruit and help in advancing the interests of both countries.
