Juba County caretaker commissioner Kalisto Ladu has clarified his recent remarks regarding foreign nationals in Juba, denying reports that he ordered them to leave the county. On October 7, 2026, Ladu stated that reports circulating on social media, claiming he had given foreigners seven days to leave Juba County or South Sudan, were false and beyond his authority. He emphasized that his role does not include evacuating or sending people out of South Sudan.
According to Ladu, his initial remarks were made during a campaign to clean and reorganize parts of Juba, aiming to encourage foreigners to invest in larger businesses such as wholesale trade, companies, and factories. He specified that small-scale retail activities, including the sale of chapatti, onions, tomatoes, and other food items, as well as riding motorcycle taxis, should be left to South Sudanese citizens. Ladu stressed that the goal is to protect South Sudanese people in business.
Ladu reiterated that South Sudan remains open to foreign nationals who comply with the law and are not involved in criminal activities. He welcomed people from any country who want to do business in South Sudan, provided they adhere to the country's laws. The commissioner's clarification aims to dispel misconceptions about his stance on foreigners in Juba.
During an inspection of Kubri Haboba market in Juba on Monday, Ladu warned foreign nationals against engaging in retail trade and urged them to focus on wholesale businesses and larger investments. He also ordered traders operating from roadside and temporary structures to comply with county requirements, including relocating businesses away from road reserves and replacing iron-sheet structures with permanent buildings.
The county administration, under Ladu's leadership, is reorganizing roads and markets, removing rubbish, and relocating traders who were operating on roadsides to designated areas. Ladu assured foreigners living in Juba County that they should not fear the ongoing operations as long as they comply with the law. He urged them to respect South Sudanese laws and leave small-scale retail activities to South Sudanese citizens.
Ladu emphasized that the policy is not intended to discriminate against foreigners or prevent them from doing business in South Sudan. He stated that there is nothing about sending foreigners out of South Sudan, prohibiting them from business, or hating foreigners. The commissioner's goal is to create a fair business environment for all.
The measures implemented by the county administration are part of efforts to improve security, service delivery, and preparations for December elections. Ladu's clarification and the county's reorganization efforts aim to promote a conducive business environment for both South Sudanese and foreign nationals.
Key points
- Juba County commissioner Kalisto Ladu clarifies that his remarks targeted small-scale retail businesses, not foreign nationals in general.
- Ladu denies reports that he ordered foreign nationals to leave Juba County or South Sudan, saying such actions are beyond his authority.
- The county administration aims to improve security, service delivery, and preparations for December elections through its reorganization efforts.
