South Sudan’s government has denied claims that a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Israel includes any provisions for the resettlement of Palestinians within its borders.
The clarification comes amid speculation on social media suggesting that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Juba on Aug. 13 during a visit by Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, may have involved such plans.
Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s first weekly media briefing in Juba, Ambassador Philip Jada, director general for bilateral relations, said the agreement focuses solely on bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
“In the MoU, there was no discussion about the resettlement of Palestinians in South Sudan,” Jada said. “That is just to clarify.”
Jada emphasized that the agreement reflects the long-standing relationship between South Sudan and Israel, particularly in agriculture, technical training, and infrastructure. He said the MoU formalizes efforts to elevate cooperation to a new level.
“What we wanted to do was to raise this cooperation to a broader framework for future engagements, especially in international forums,” he said.
The ministry also dismissed online rumors that South Sudan would host Palestinians as part of the deal.
“There has never been any discussion on that matter. The MoU focuses only on bilateral cooperation between South Sudan and Israel,” Jada said.
Israel was among the first countries to recognize South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Since then, the two nations have cooperated in areas such as agriculture, water management, and capacity building. Both governments have expressed a desire to expand collaboration in energy, health, and investment.
In July, South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mande Simaya K. Kumba, traveled to Israel for high-level talks. The visit was followed by Haskel’s reciprocal trip to Juba in August, where the MoU was signed.
Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen said the MoU is part of South Sudan’s broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships.
Ambassador Apuk further said the ministry has recently intensified diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond in recent months.
She reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to a foreign policy grounded in peace, development cooperation, regional solidarity, and mutual respect.