Published on 5 May 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–South Sudan

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and South Sudan are mainly focused on humanitarian aid and development cooperation. Following the African Union model, the Swiss strategy for Africa 2025–28 is divided into five regions with South Sudan being part of the Eastern Africa region.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Switzerland's relations with South Sudan date back to before the country was founded. Since the 1990s, Switzerland has been involved in humanitarian activities in Southern 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 South Sudanese population and institutions in the long term.

Switzerland’s engagement in Africa is guided by the Swiss Strategy for Africa 2025–2028.

Treaty database

Economic cooperation

Trade relations are not well developed, although a number of Swiss-based companies are active in the commodities sector in South Sudan.

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers being 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)

Measures to promote peace and human security

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.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Switzerland has provided humanitarian assistance to Southern Sudan for several decades. This engagement has been complemented with development cooperation after South Sudan’s independence in 2011. The Swiss Cooperation Programme 2026–2029 focuses on two priority areas:

  • Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods
  • Protection and Social Cohesion

South Sudan, SDC's countries of intervention

Swiss nationals in South Sudan

According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, 11 Swiss citizens were living in South Sudan and 104 South Sudanese citizens were living in Switzerland at the end of 2024.

History of bilateral relations

Together with the US, Switzerland facilitated a ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains in 2002, known as the Bürgenstock Agreement. Switzerland then actively participated in the negotiations and implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) for Sudan in 2005, which served as the basis for the South Sudanese independence referendum in 2011.

Together with the international community, Switzerland recognized 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 opened an Office in Juba in 2006.

South Sudan, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Documents

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