Ambassadors and senior diplomats from across Africa donated food and essential supplies to the Juba Orphanage on Friday as part of African Day celebrations.
The items, including food, blankets, clothing and sports equipment, were delivered by Jerome Biswaro, dean of ambassadors to South Sudan, along with representatives from the African Union, Egypt, South Africa and other nations.
Yohannes Teklemichael, Eritrea’s ambassador and dean of African ambassadors to South Sudan, said the diplomats chose to mark African Day — observed annually on May 25 — with charity rather than traditional receptions.
“Before, we used to organize receptions, but this year we decided it would be more meaningful to support these children,” Teklemichael said.
He added that a committee would monitor the supplies to ensure they are used properly and pledged continued support for the orphanage.
Jerome Mukama Biswaro, the African Union’s special representative to South Sudan, said the donation was a gesture of solidarity with Africa’s future leaders. He also called for reparations for historical injustices suffered by Africans, including slavery and colonialism.
“Africans and their descendants have contributed greatly to global development, yet they have endured immense suffering,” Biswaro said. “This theme of reparation must remain central in our discussions.”
Zendia Eluzai Abu, Central Equatoria State’s minister of gender, child and social welfare, said the orphanage cares for 82 children from across South Sudan, many of whom lost parents during the country’s civil conflicts.
“This center is one of the oldest orphanages, taking in children who have been abandoned or left with no family,” she said.