Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and South Sudan are mainly focused on humanitarian aid and peacebuilding due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
South Sudan is part of the Greater Horn of Africa, one of the five geographical priorities of the Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24.
Switzerland's relations with South Sudan date back to before the country was founded. Since the 1980s, Switzerland has been involved in humanitarian activities in the country – which was then still part of Sudan – as well as in conflict resolution and the prevention of violence. Since South Sudan's independence in 2011, Switzerland has intensified this partnership. It has expanded its commitment to development cooperation in order to strengthen the resilience of the affected population in the long term.
Trade relations are not well developed, although a number of Swiss-based companies are active in the commodities sector in South Sudan.
Researchers who are citizens of South Sudan can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Internal conflicts have affected South Sudan since independence, with far-reaching humanitarian consequences. Switzerland is working to support the peace process in South Sudan at the national and local levels and is contributing to the debate on establishing effective and inclusive governance. A human security adviser based in Juba is responsible for supporting and implementing peacebuilding activities in South Sudan.
Switzerland has been providing humanitarian aid in South Sudan for many years. Switzerland's multi-year international cooperation programme focuses on the three priorities of food security, protection and peacebuilding.
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, 16 Swiss citizens were living in South Sudan and 14 South Sudanese citizens were living in Switzerland at the end of 2020.
Together with the US, Switzerland facilitated a ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains known as the Bürgenstock Agreement in 2002. It then actively participated in the negotiations and implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan in 2005, which served as the basis for the South Sudanese independence referendum in 2011.
Together with the international community, Switzerland recognised South Sudan as a nation in 2011. In 2012, South Sudan opened a permanent representation in Geneva, which is also accredited as an embassy in Switzerland. Switzerland has had a cooperation office in Juba since 2006.
Switzerland and South Sudan have not yet concluded any bilateral agreements.
South Sudan, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
