Juba Commissioner Dismisses Claims of Foreigners’ Exit Order

(JUBA COUNTY) – The Commissioner of Juba County has strongly rejected reports circulating on social media alleging that foreigners have been given a seven-day ultimatum to leave Juba and South Sudan, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Speaking on the matter on Tuesday, the Commissioner said he had never issued such a directive, noting that expelling foreigners from the country falls outside his mandate.

“There is no ultimatum given for foreigners to leave the country by the Commissioner, because even this is not my mandate. This is not my work.”

The Commissioner reaffirmed that South Sudan remains open to foreigners who enter the country legally for business, residence, humanitarian work and other lawful activities, provided they respect the country’s laws and refrain from criminal activities.

He clarified that his recent remarks made during a city-cleaning campaign in Kupri Haboba were focused on protecting economic opportunities for South Sudanese citizens and not on expelling foreigners.

According to the Commissioner, foreign investors are encouraged to engage in wholesale trade and invest in companies, industries and factories that can generate employment for South Sudanese, rather than competing with local traders in small-scale retail businesses.

“We are welcoming people, but people who are welcome have to live according to the law, have to respect South Sudanese, and have to do the business that will not affect the lives of other South Sudanese.”

The Commissioner cited activities such as selling chapati, vegetables, onions, tomatoes and operating boda bodas as sectors where South Sudanese should have greater participation and economic opportunities.

He also dismissed reports that county authorities are demolishing structures across the city, explaining that the ongoing exercise is aimed at clearing roads, removing garbage and relocating traders operating on public roadways to designated business areas.

“We are not demolishing structures. We are organizing the road, taking garbage out of the road, and sending those who are putting their goods on the road to be in the rightful places.”

The Commissioner urged foreigners living in South Sudan to remain calm, stressing that law-abiding residents have nothing to fear. He also called on the public to verify information before sharing it and to avoid spreading misinformation on social media.

He reiterated that the county administration remains committed to improving service delivery, maintaining peace and security, organising the city, and supporting preparations for peaceful, democratic and credible elections in South Sudan.