At a Glance
Alliances & Memberships
- UN
- AU
- EAC
- IGAD
Foreign Policy Overview
World's youngest country (2011); fragile peace; oil revenues disrupted by Sudan war (pipeline through Sudan); elections postponed to 2026.
Key Positions on Major Issues
Peace implementation; oil pipeline security; humanitarian; elections.
UN Voting Record Notes
African consensus; abstains on Russia.
Economy & Trade
South Sudan is highly dependent on oil, which accounts for approximately 90% of government revenue and almost all exports, primarily traded in South Sudanese Pounds (SSP). Since the 2024 rupture of the main export pipeline through Sudan, the economy has faced hyperinflation and severe fiscal contraction. Key industries beyond petroleum include subsistence agriculture, though many food staples are imported due to infrastructure deficits and climate shocks. China is the primary destination for oil exports, while trade with East African neighbors like Kenya and Uganda provides vital consumer goods.
Military & Security
The South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) consists of approximately 185,000 personnel, though integration of former rebel groups remains incomplete under the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS). The country is under a long-standing UN arms embargo (renewed 2024) and lacks nuclear or WMD capabilities. Security doctrine focuses on internal stability, border protection against spillover from the Sudanese Civil War, and the gradual professionalization of unified forces. Defense spending is opaque but historically prioritized over social services despite high levels of external humanitarian aid.
Recent History
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan's history has been dominated by a devastating civil war (2013–2018) between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and VP Riek Machar. A 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS) established a unity government, yet implementation remains slow with frequent extensions of the transitional period, most recently moving elections to late 2026. The 2023-2025 conflict in neighboring Sudan has severely destabilized the economy by damaging oil export infrastructure and causing a massive influx of returnees and refugees. Foreign policy is currently defined by maintaining neutrality in the Sudan conflict while seeking regional mediation through IGAD. Persistent communal violence and humanitarian crises continue to challenge the central government's reach.
International Memberships
- East African Community (EAC)since 2016
Full member with recent chairmanship (2023-2024), shifting focus toward regional economic integration.
- Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)since 2011
Active member in regional mediation and security cooperation initiatives.
- African Union (AU)since 2011
Admitted upon independence; subject to periodic scrutiny over peace agreement implementation.
- United Nations (UN)since 2011
Member of the non-permanent observer status in some sub-committees; heavily reliant on UNMISS peacekeeping.
MUN Negotiation Profile
African Group / G77 + China; leans toward regional East African consensus.
Assertive on sovereignty and territorial integrity; cautious regarding international interference; collaborative with regional bodies like IGAD.
- Lifting of the UN Arms Embargo as a prerequisite for national security sovereignty.
- Opposition to any foreign intervention that bypasses the Transitional Government's authority.
- Rejection of sanctions targeting high-level government officials.
- "International support is needed for the graduation and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF)."
- "The global community must provide increased humanitarian funding to address the influx of refugees from the Sudanese conflict."
- "Climate change and historic flooding must be treated as a security priority by the UN Security Council."