Sing'Oei raises safety concerns for Kenyans in South Sudan

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei has announced that he has formally raised concerns with the South Sudan government over the treatment of Kenyan nationals in the country, citing the continued detention of a Kenyan citizen without charge, the denial of consular access, and increasing attacks on Kenyan truck drivers.

In a statement on his official X account, Sing'Oei said he conveyed the concerns during a meeting on Tuesday with South Sudan's Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Ambassador Barnaba Bol Nyuol.

The discussions focused on the welfare and safety of Kenyans living and working in South Sudan, one of Kenya's key regional trading partners.

Among the issues raised was the case of a man who, according to the Kenyan government, has remained under house arrest in South Sudan for the past eight months without being formally charged before a court.

Sing'Oei said officials from the Kenyan Embassy in Juba had also repeatedly been denied consular access to the man despite making formal requests.

"During our discussions, I conveyed the Government of Kenya's concern regarding the welfare and treatment of Kenyan nationals in South Sudan," Sing'Oei said.

"In particular, I raised the case of a man who has reportedly remained under house arrest for the past eight months without formal judicial charges."

The Principal Secretary also raised concerns over the security of Kenyan truck drivers transporting goods into South Sudan, saying they continued to face armed attacks, robberies, extortion, harassment and intimidation.

He also cited the case of another man, a Kenyan truck driver who was allegedly attacked by South Sudanese security personnel along the Juba-Nesitu Road.

Sing'Oei said that, according to the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association, the driver sustained serious injuries during the attack and is currently admitted to hospital in critical condition.

He said Kenya had urged the South Sudan Embassy to engage the relevant authorities and address the concerns urgently.

"I called upon the Embassy to urgently engage the relevant authorities to address these concerns in the spirit of the longstanding friendship, mutual respect and brotherly relations between Kenya and South Sudan, while ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of Kenyan nationals," he said.

The meeting comes amid growing concern among Kenyan transporters over the safety of cargo operators using the Juba transport corridor, a key trade route linking Kenya and South Sudan.

Kenya and South Sudan maintain close diplomatic, economic and security ties, with thousands of Kenyans living and working in the neighbouring country in sectors including transport, trade, banking, education and hospitality.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued to work with regional partners to protect Kenyan citizens abroad, in line with international law and Kenya's commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its nationals overseas.