The South Sudanese government has clarified that it has not issued a directive requiring foreign nationals to leave the country over their involvement in small-scale commercial activities in Juba.
In a statement dated October 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation denied claims circulating online that the government had ordered foreign nationals to leave the country.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has taken note of recent public statements concerning the participation of foreign nationals in small-scale commercial activities in Juba.
The Ministry wishes to clarify that there is no directive from the national government requiring foreign nationals to leave South Sudan,” read part of the statement.
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The ministry noted that commercial activities must comply with applicable laws and regulations, adding that the relevant authorities should handle any measures concerning such businesses in accordance with the law.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, legitimate foreign investment, and maintaining constructive relations with foreign nationals and their respective countries.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan remains committed to the rule of law, legitimate foreign investment and maintaining constructive relations with foreign nationals and their respective countries,” read part of the statement.
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What Prompted the Clarification?
The clarification follows remarks by Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado, who reportedly told traders at a local market that foreign nationals should stop running small retail businesses and focus instead on wholesale trade and larger investments.
According to the Sudan Post, Lado cited businesses such as selling chapati, onions, tomatoes and charcoal, as well as operating boda bodas, as activities that should be left to South Sudanese nationals.
He said foreigners, including Kenyans, Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans and Ugandans, were welcome to live and work in the country without discrimination, but maintained that small-scale retail trade should be reserved for South Sudanese citizens.
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Lado’s comments subsequently spread on social media, with claims that foreign nationals had been given seven days to leave Juba or South Sudan.
He later denied issuing an eviction directive, stating that he lacked the authority to order foreigners to leave the country.
“Any foreigner must not be a retail trader in Juba County. No foreigner should do small business. You cannot leave your country to come and make chapati, retail kilos of onions and tomatoes. What will our women in South Sudan sell?” Lado said.
“To all Somalians, Ethiopians, Eritreans, Kenyans, Ugandans and all other nationals. We welcome you; we will give you security and have you stay without discrimination, but the retail business is only for South Sudanese.”
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