Government Condemns Leak of Confidential Diplomatic Letter to UNMISS

(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has condemned the unauthorised release of a confidential diplomatic communication between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which was recently circulated by some media outlets.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry said the leaked document was part of routine diplomatic exchanges between the Government and UNMISS.

The communication, according to the statement, was a formal government response to a United Nations contingency plan proposing a possible downsizing of the peacekeeping mission due to financial challenges within the UN system.

Officials described the letter as a legitimate and good faith expression of South Sudan’s views and proposals regarding the future of the UN mission in the country. They said the communication was never intended for public release and had been shared confidentially in line with established diplomatic procedures.

The Government expressed concern that the leak could cause misunderstandings between Juba and its international partners:

“Such actions violate diplomatic protocol and risk creating unnecessary confusion,” the statement said.

The Ministry confirmed that investigations were under way to determine how the document was leaked and to strengthen measures to protect future diplomatic correspondence.

Authorities also urged journalists and social media commentators to refrain from speculating on the contents of the leaked letter, warning that partial or inaccurate interpretations could mislead the public and harm relations between South Sudan and the United Nations.

“The Government of South Sudan remains fully committed to constructive cooperation with UNMISS and other international partners,” the statement added. “Our approach continues to be based on sovereignty, mutual respect, and the shared goal of promoting peace and development for the people of South Sudan.”

The Ministry’s statement reaffirmed the government’s support for the work of UNMISS, noting that discussions on the mission’s presence and future operations will continue through formal diplomatic channels.