(JUBA COUNTY) – The Caretaker Commissioner of Juba County, Kalisto Ladu, has denied reports that he ordered foreign nationals to leave the county, saying his recent remarks were aimed at restricting foreigners from small-scale retail businesses rather than forcing them out of the country.
Ladu said on 6th October 2026 that reports circulating on social media that he had given foreigners seven days to leave Juba County or South Sudan were false and beyond his authority.
He said South Sudan remains open to foreign nationals who comply with the law and are not involved in criminal activities. He said the country welcomes people from any country who want to be in South Sudan.
Ladu said his earlier remarks during a campaign to clean and reorganise parts of Juba were intended to encourage foreigners to invest in wholesale trade, companies, factories and other larger businesses, while leaving small-scale retail activities to South Sudanese.
He cited the sale of chapati, onions, tomatoes and other food items, as well as riding motorcycle taxis, commonly known as boda bodas, as activities that should be left to South Sudanese.
He said if South Sudanese are left without protection in business, the authorities would be committing negligence.
The commissioner said the policy is not intended to discriminate against foreigners or prevent them from doing business in South Sudan. He said there is nothing about sending foreigners out of South Sudan, nothing about prohibiting foreigners from business, and nothing about hating foreigners.
Ladu’s clarification follows remarks he made during an inspection of Kubri Haboba market in Juba on 5th October 2026, when he warned foreign nationals against engaging in retail trade and urged them to focus on wholesale businesses and larger investments.
Separately, Ladu has ordered traders operating from roadside and temporary structures to comply with county requirements, including moving businesses away from road reserves and replacing some iron sheet structures with permanent buildings.
Ladu said the county administration is reorganising roads and markets, removing rubbish and moving traders who were operating on roadsides to designated areas.
He said foreigners living in Juba County should not fear the ongoing operations as long as they comply with the law. He said foreign nationals are allowed to do business but should respect South Sudanese laws and leave small-scale retail activities to South Sudanese.
The commissioner said the measures are also part of efforts to improve security, service delivery and preparations for December elections.
According to the County Press Unit, Ladu also rejected claims that his position amounted to a ban on foreign investment or hostility towards foreigners. He encouraged foreign investors to bring capital into South Sudan and establish larger businesses that could employ local people.
He said foreigners operating in Juba would be expected to follow South Sudanese laws and respect local communities. He urged foreigners in South Sudan not to panic over the reports circulating online, provided they obey the law.
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