(Access Radio Audio, Thursday 8th Oct, 2026) – The Commissioner of Juba County has rejected reports circulating on social media that foreigners have been given seven days to leave Juba and South Sudan, calling the claims 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.
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 do not engage in criminal activities.
He clarified that his recent remarks during a city cleaning campaign in Kupri Haboba focused on protecting economic opportunities for South Sudanese citizens, 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 create jobs for South Sudanese, rather than competing with local traders in small scale retail businesses.
The Commissioner listed activities such as selling chapati, vegetables, onions and tomatoes, and operating boda bodas, as sectors where South Sudanese should have greater participation and economic opportunities.
He also denied reports that county authorities are demolishing structures across the city, explaining that the ongoing exercise aims to clear roads, remove rubbish and relocate traders operating on public roads to designated business areas.
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 false information on social media.
He repeated 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.
Juba Attracts UAE Investment in Petroleum Sector
South Sudan has signed a strategic investment memorandum with a company based in the United Arab Emirates, as the country seeks to broaden its investor base in the oil and gas sector ahead of a major energy conference in Juba.
The Ministry of Petroleum signed the agreement with Bianchi Gold Trading Investment Company on 8th July 2026, according to the Ministry of Petroleum South Sudan.
The memorandum establishes cooperation across petroleum exploration and development, oil and gas infrastructure, refining, storage and distribution, feasibility studies and capacity building.
The partnership is intended to mobilise financial and technical resources to support the development and modernisation of South Sudan’s petroleum industry.
Undersecretary Dr Santino Ayuel Longar signed on behalf of the government, while Eng. Abubaker Abass Ale Zein signed for Bianchi Gold Trading Company.
Dr Longar welcomed the company into South Sudan’s petroleum sector and praised its commitment to invest financial and technical resources in the country’s oil industry.
He said strategic partnerships with reputable investors are essential to accelerate economic growth, enhance energy security and promote sustainable national development.
Dr Longar said the memorandum reflects the ministry’s commitment to create a favourable environment for potential investors.
In Regional News
Ethiopia releases Sudanese journalist after week long detention
Ethiopian authorities have released Sudanese journalist Haitham Osman after holding him for more than a week, local Sudanese media reported on Wednesday.
Osman was freed following efforts by individuals and groups monitoring his case and seeking to secure his release from Ethiopian security authorities.
The circumstances surrounding his detention and the reasons for his arrest have not been publicly detailed.
Reports said the procedures related to his detention were completed before Ethiopian authorities allowed him to leave custody.
His release ends more than a week of detention in Ethiopia, during which Sudanese media and supporters had followed his case and called for its resolution.
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