The Cost of Diplomacy: South Sudan faces tough choices abroad
Francis Nazario
The Republic of South Sudan faces a significant challenge in maintaining its embassies and supporting its diplomats abroad due to severe financial constraints. The country’s limited resources and ongoing economic struggles have put a strain on its ability to represent itself on the global stage effectively. Given the economic situation of the country, it is crucial for South Sudan to adapt its foreign affairs management to its constrained resources before reaching a point of total incapacity to pay its officials at the Ministry HQ and abroad. As South Sudan strives to maintain its presence internationally, finding sustainable solutions to address these challenges is crucial for its diplomatic success. To maintain and develop its diplomatic standing in the global arena, South Sudan needs a well-articulated policy, a strong Ministry HQ, and a few embassies in strategically selected locations with a limited number of efficient diplomats.
South Sudan is classified in the World Economic Report of the year 2024 as the poorest country in the world. It has obtained that less honourable position in the world economic classification mainly because of the poor management of its resources, chaotic economic and financial governance of the country and widespread Corruption practices. The economic hardship evolving in South Sudan has direly impacted the population and all the government structures, including the foreign affairs service. The question that imposes itself is: Has the government already a plan for economic recovery and an exit from the extreme poverty cycle? If the answer is Yes, then South Sudan’s short-term foreign policy should necessarily strive to reflect that in all its international engagement to gain support for its economic recovery and the national development plans.
The Financial Burden of Maintaining Embassies
Operating embassies and supporting diplomatic missions abroad is a costly endeavour for any country, and South Sudan is no exception. The expenses associated with maintaining diplomatic missions include rent for embassy buildings, salaries for diplomatic staff, travel costs, and operational expenses. However, South Sudan’s extremely fragile economy, which results in its total dependence on oil revenues, has made it difficult to allocate sufficient funds to support its embassies effectively. Not only widespread but also stylish corruption and nepotism practices have complicated the foreign affairs function of the young nation.
Furthermore, the political instability and conflict that have plagued South Sudan since its independence in 2011 have further strained the country’s financial resources. The government has had to prioritize funding for security and humanitarian needs, leaving little room for economic sector and service sector development, and no room to diplomatic missions abroad. As a result, many of South Sudan’s embassies face challenges in meeting their operational expenses and providing adequate support to their diplomatic staff who are left to survive in foreign land miserably.
The Impact on Diplomats Abroad
The financial constraints faced by South Sudan have had a direct impact on its diplomats stationed abroad. Diplomatic staff often face delays in receiving their salaries, limited access to resources and support from their government, and difficulties in carrying out their duties effectively. These challenges not only affect the morale and well-being of diplomats but also hinder their ability to represent South Sudan’s interests and engage with the international community. Moreover, the lack of financial resources has limited South Sudan’s ability to participate in key diplomatic events, conferences, and negotiations on the global stage. This has hindered the country’s efforts to build relationships with other nations, advocate for its interests, and address critical issues affecting its citizens. Without adequate support for its diplomats abroad, South Sudan risks being marginalized and overlooked in international affairs.
Exploring Solutions
To address the challenges of maintaining embassies and supporting diplomats abroad amid financial constraints, the government of South Sudan must adopt a plan of reform of the ministry. Reduce the number of staff inside and outside the country with the aim of changing the face and the content if you want to have functional foreign service. Explore innovative solutions and partnerships. One potential approach is to seek assistance from international organizations, donor countries, and development partners to provide financial support for its diplomatic missions, which will require the ministry to make drastic structural reforms to reduce its expenses. By leveraging external resources and expertise, South Sudan can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with operating embassies abroad.
Additionally, South Sudan could consider restructuring its diplomatic missions to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. This may involve consolidating embassies in regions (like Europe) where multiple countries are represented or exploring alternative models for delivering diplomatic services. By streamlining its operations and maximizing resources, South Sudan can enhance the effectiveness of its diplomatic efforts while minimizing financial strain.
To address the challenges posed by limited resources, South Sudan must adopt strategic approaches to enhance its foreign affairs management. One key strategy is to prioritize diplomatic engagements that align with the country’s core national interests and development priorities. By focusing on targeted initiatives that yield tangible benefits, South Sudan can maximize the impact of its diplomatic efforts despite resource constraints. Another critical aspect of effective foreign affairs management is investing in the professional development of its diplomatic corps. Build the skills and expertise needed to navigate complex international relations effectively. By investing in its human capital, South Sudan can enhance and renew its diplomatic capabilities and improve its standing on the global stage.
South Sudan’s ability to maintain its embassies and support its diplomats abroad is critical for its diplomatic engagement and representation on the global stage. However, the country’s financial constraints will not change soon unless there is a miracle, and there is absolutely nothing like that in the economy. The situation poses significant challenges that must be addressed through strategic planning and innovative solutions. This endeavour requires policy, steadiness, and courage because it should start with a reform plan that includes reducing the number of embassies and their staffs, then seeking external support, optimizing resources, and prioritizing diplomatic engagement. South Sudan can overcome these obstacles and strengthen its foreign affairs functions by replanning its work at the Ministry HQ and embassies, considering the country’s financial situation. The Ministry should resolve to deploy only a few diplomats abroad to a few embassy locations that are strategically selected to be maintained physically open.
Dr. Francis G. Nazario, Independent consultant, PhD Political Science, former ambassador, and former United Nations official. Can be reached through: [email protected]