Authorities in South Sudan have moved to calm concerns among foreign nationals in Juba after social media reports claimed that small-scale foreign traders had been given seven days to leave the country.
Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado rejected the reports, saying he never issued an order requiring foreigners to leave South Sudan. He explained that his recent remarks were instead focused on the participation of foreign nationals in small-scale retail businesses.
The controversy followed comments Lado made during a campaign to clean up and reorganise parts of Juba, including the Kubri Haboba area. His remarks were subsequently circulated online, prompting claims that foreigners had been given a seven-day deadline to leave.
Commissioner explains his position
Lado said the reports had distorted the message he intended to deliver and insisted that removing foreigners from the country was outside his authority.
According to the commissioner, his concern is primarily about protecting business opportunities for South Sudanese citizens, particularly young people and women who depend on small-scale trading and informal businesses for their livelihoods.
He maintained that foreign nationals should not dominate areas such as small retail shops, food vending and motorcycle taxi services.
Instead, Lado encouraged foreign entrepreneurs to concentrate on wholesale trading and larger investments, including factories and companies that could generate employment for local residents.
Foreigners still welcome
Despite his position on small-scale retail activities, Lado stressed that South Sudan remains open to foreign nationals who enter the country legally and comply with its laws.
He said foreigners are free to live, work and invest in South Sudan for legitimate purposes, including business and humanitarian activities.
The commissioner also rejected suggestions that his remarks represented hostility towards foreigners or a wider attempt to stop them from doing business in the country.
His message, he explained, was that foreign investors should bring capital into larger commercial ventures capable of creating jobs and expanding economic activity rather than competing with South Sudanese in very small businesses.
Focus on local businesses
Lado’s comments reflect concerns over the involvement of foreign nationals in businesses traditionally associated with informal and small-scale employment in Juba.
He specifically pointed to motorcycle taxi operations and the sale of basic food products such as chapati, tomatoes, onions and potatoes.
The commissioner questioned what opportunities would remain for South Sudanese youths and women if foreign traders occupied many of these small businesses.
His position is that protecting these areas of commerce would allow more South Sudanese citizens to earn a living while still leaving room for foreign investors to participate in larger areas of the economy.
Road and market clean-up also underway
Lado also addressed another issue surrounding his administration’s activities in Juba.
He denied allegations that authorities were carrying out indiscriminate demolitions, explaining that the ongoing exercise was aimed at clearing roads, removing rubbish and relocating businesses operating on road reserves.
Traders occupying roadside areas are being encouraged to move to appropriate locations as part of efforts to improve the organisation and accessibility of roads and markets.
The commissioner said the clean-up campaign should not be interpreted as an operation targeting foreigners.
He urged foreign nationals living in Juba to remain calm and continue observing South Sudanese laws.
What happens next?
The clarification is likely to ease some of the uncertainty created by the viral reports about a seven-day deadline.
While Lado maintains that foreign nationals should stay away from small-scale retail activities, he has made clear that this position is different from ordering foreigners to leave South Sudan.
Foreign investors are instead being encouraged to focus on larger commercial activities, including wholesale operations, industrial ventures and companies that can provide employment for local citizens.
For now, the Juba County administration says its broader priorities include improving public services, maintaining security, organising commercial areas and supporting preparations for the country’s upcoming elections.
