South Sudan
Kenya continues to face political instability exacerbated by the public debt crisis. Economically, the government seems close to finalizing an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for a $1.5 billion loan, with an expected interest rate of around 8.2%, lower than the current yields on Kenyan sovereign bonds. However, the agreement's details may change as negotiations progress, and both parties have remained silent on the specifics. Nairobi’s decision to seek support from the UAE is also linked to delays from the International Monetary Fund, which has yet to release around $600 million in aid. The IMF postponed this funding, expressing doubts about recent government measures amid fears of further public protests. This situation is part of a complex financial landscape in which Kenya struggles to access funding, especially after its sovereign bonds were downgraded to "junk" by major rating agencies. An IMF spokesperson stated, “Discussions are ongoing regarding the policies and reforms the Kenyan authorities are considering to address the current economic and fiscal challenges,” without commenting on Kenya’s negotiations with specific bilateral creditors.
Meanwhile, Kenya's political scene was shaken by the impeachment case of Vice President Rigathi Gachagua. After Gachagua’s removal by Parliament, a Kenyan court nullified the decree appointing his successor, Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki, following an appeal against the removal. Gachagua also claimed to have survived two poisoning attempts: one on August 30, when undercover agents allegedly tried to taint his food, and another on September 3, in an incident that involved the Kikuyu council of elders. He further lamented the withdrawal of his personal security and the security detail at his residences, accusing President William Ruto of ordering the removal. Gachagua emphasized the political nature of the charges against him (corruption and serious constitutional violations), claiming that the impeachment was executed right after the assassination attempts. President Ruto has not commented on these allegations, likely to avoid compromising sensitive ongoing negotiations with the opposition regarding a possible cabinet reshuffle.
On a regional level, significant developments in the security sector have emerged. In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir replaced the head of the intelligence services, General Akol Koor Kuc, a prominent and controversial figure within his circle. Kuc, who led the National Security Service (NSS) since the country's independence in 2011, has been appointed governor of Warrap State, one of South Sudan’s most unstable areas and Kiir’s birthplace. The leadership of the NSS has been transferred to General Akec Tong Aleu, previously serving in the Ministry of Defense. The sudden removal of Kuc has sparked speculation about the reasons behind it: some believe it may be due to internal power struggles, while others suggest Kuc may be preparing to succeed the 73-year-old Kiir, whose health has been the subject of considerable speculation.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia and the United Kingdom’s intelligence agencies announced plans to strengthen their cooperation on security matters, with a focus on regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts. The statement was issued by Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) following a visit to Addis Ababa by Richard Peter Moore, director of MI6, leading a high-level delegation. Discussions focused on regional and international issues, including Red Sea security, terrorism threats, and human trafficking. NISS Deputy Director Sisay Tola condemned destabilizing propaganda attempts related to Ethiopia’s initiative for Red Sea access and emphasized that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) should serve as a catalyst for cooperation rather than fueling conflict. Moore’s visit aligns with London’s plan to reassert its influence in the region: the Labour government aims to strengthen navigation security in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, in response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, through active cooperation with African coastal states.
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| Head of state | President Salva Kiir Mayardit |
| Head of Government | President Salva Kiir Mayardit |
| Institutional Form | Presidential Republic |
| Capital | Juba |
| Legislative Power | Bicameral Parliament composed of the Council of States and the Transitional National Legislative Assembly |
| Judicial Power | Supreme Court (11 judges) |
| Ambassador to Italy | Dhanojak Obongo |
| Total Area kmq | 644,329 km2 |
| Land | 644,329 km2 |
| Weather | hot with seasonal rainfall, especially in the south |
| Natural resources | diamonds, hydroelectricity, wood, iron ore, gold, petroleum, limestone, copper, fertile agricultural land, zinc, tungsten. |
| Economic summary | South Sudan's economy is severely underdeveloped and poverty is rife after several decades of civil war with Sudan. The vast majority of the population depends on subsistence agriculture and humanitarian assistance. |
| GDP | $5,2 billion (2021) |
| Pro-capite GDP (Purchasing power parity) | $1600 (2017) |
| Exports | $ 3,5 billion (2021) |
| Export partner | China 88%, United Arabs Emirates 5% (2019) |
| Imports | $ 3,9 billion (2021) |
| Import partner | United Arabs Emirates 37%, Kenya 18%, China 18% (2019) |
| Trade With Italy | $ 91,62 million (2021) |
| Population | 11.544.905 (2022) |
| Population Growth | + 4,91% (2022) |
| Ethnicities | Dinka (Jieng) 35-40%, Nuer (Naath) 15%, Shilluk (Chollo), Azande, Bari, Kakwa, Kuku, Murle, Mandari, Didinga, Ndogo, Bviri, Lndi, Anuak, Bongo, Lango, Dungotona , Acholi, Baka, Fertit (2011) |
| Languages | English (official), Arab (includes Juba and Sudanese variants), ethnic languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk |
| Religions | Christians 60.5%, popular religion 32.9%, Muslims 6.2%, others |
| Urbanization | 20.8% (2022) |
| Literacy | 34.5% |
South Sudan is a landlocked country located in East-Central Africa, which proclaimed its independence from Sudan after a referendum in 2011. The state borders to the west with the Central African Republic, to the southwest with Congo, to the south with Uganda, to the southeast with Kenya, to the east with Ethiopia and to the north with Sudan. It has a population of 11,5 million and the official language is English, but the most spoken one in the capital is “Juba Arabic”.
South Sudan is a member of the United Nations and the African Union, and the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development. Relations between South Sudan and Sudan have significantly improved following the regime change in Khartoum in 2019. However, there still remain unresolved issues with neighbouring Sudan, especially with regard to the distribution of oil profits. This problem originates from the uneven distribution of oil fields, 80 percent of which now lie in South Sudan, while almost all the oil refining plants and transport infrastructures are located in Sudan. A further issue concerns the disputed Abyei District, an oil-rich border area, which currently enjoys "special administrative status" under the Abyei Conflict Resolution Convention, which is contained in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the two countries.
Although there is a small volume of trade between Italy and South Sudan, the country is one of the main recipients of Italian development cooperation assistance in the region. The Italian Development Cooperation agency has a presence in the country, where it has always been appreciated for its moderate political approach and the promotion of dialogue.
