South Sudan’s foreign ministry on Thursday said it was deeply concerned by the treatment of its citizens in Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and other countries, accusing authorities of harassment, arrests, and forced deportations.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ambassador Thomas Kenneth Elisapana, addressing a press conference, said the government had been closely monitoring what it described as an ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting South Sudanese nationals abroad.
“It has been observed with serious concern that a higher number of South Sudanese who have been forcefully deported to South Sudan so far were subjected to harassment, arrests, detentions, imprisonment, and maltreatment,” he said, adding that those affected included elderly people, women, students, and children.
The ministry said it had received credible information that abuse was continuing against South Sudanese who remained in the countries mentioned. The statement did not specify how many people had been deported or over what period the incidents had taken place.
South Sudanese citizens have increasingly migrated to neighboring and regional countries in recent years, driven by conflict, economic hardship, and insecurity at home.
Many have sought safety, education, and work opportunities in Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Uganda, Kenya, and other countries.
Elisapana said the ministry remained committed to diplomatic relations and had raised the matter with authorities in both Juba and the capitals of the countries concerned.
He added that a multisectoral task force had been formed to intensify efforts to resolve the crisis.
“The task force is mandated to address the forceful deportation of South Sudanese amicably through diplomatic channels,” he said.
The government urged South Sudanese living abroad to remain calm, respect the laws of their host countries, and cooperate with South Sudanese embassies.
“The government endeavors to resolve these crucial national matters,” he said.
The statement comes as thousands of South Sudanese remain displaced across the region, with many families relying on migration as a way to escape poverty and instability.
South Sudan has faced repeated political and economic crises since gaining independence in 2011, conditions that have pushed many citizens to seek better prospects outside the country.
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