• South Sudan plans to open embassies in Algeria, Brazil, Djibouti, Australia and Rwanda, plus a consulate in Kenya.
• Authorities keep the project at a preliminary stage with no official timeline.
• Budget pressures and economic fragility could delay implementation despite IMF forecasts of improvement.

South Sudan plans to expand its diplomatic network by opening new embassies across several continents, although authorities still keep the project at an early stage against a backdrop of economic fragility.

The government targets new embassies in Algeria, Brazil, Djibouti, Australia and Rwanda, while it also plans to open a consulate in Mombasa, Kenya. Thomas Kenneth, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, announced the plan on Monday, April 13, according to local media.

However, authorities approved the initiative last year but they still classify it as preliminary. The ministry states that ongoing diplomatic procedures condition the rollout, while officials have not yet provided an official timeline. The government presents the expansion as a strategic lever to strengthen the country’s global presence. Meanwhile, officials have not confirmed certain details, including the potential opening of a mission in Australia.

Diplomatic ambitions under budget pressure

This expansion plan emerges as budget constraints continue to weigh on the country’s existing diplomatic missions abroad. Authorities acknowledge these financial challenges while they maintain that the situation will improve over time.

“The country faces financial difficulties, but these will not be permanent,” Kenneth said, as he pointed to an expected gradual recovery.

Moreover, the International Monetary Fund states that spillovers from the conflict in neighboring Sudan have worsened South Sudan’s economic conditions. The IMF highlights refugee inflows and damage to an oil pipeline as key factors that have slowed economic activity. These pressures have also driven sharp currency depreciation and elevated inflation, while government revenues have declined.

Nevertheless, the IMF forecasts an improvement in fiscal performance. The institution expects a budget surplus of 3.3% for the 2025/26 fiscal year, compared with an estimated deficit of 1.9% a year earlier.

In this context, South Sudan will need to stabilize its economy and secure sustainable funding to deliver on its diplomatic expansion strategy.

Charlène N’dimon