Concerns are mounting over the speculations that South Sudan and Israel are in talks to have more than half-a-million Palestinians resettled in Juba.
Reports have emerged alleging that the South Sudanese government officials are engaging in discussions with Israel over the possible resettlement of a large number of Palestinians to the East African country.
While no official confirmation has been issued by Juba or Tel Aviv, the speculations has sparked heated debate among the South Sudanese, fellow East Africans, activists, and political analysts.
Critics warn that if such a plan were to proceed and potentially bring up to 500,000 Palestinians into South Sudan, the social, economic, and political consequences could be profound and irreversible.
“If this is true and it happens, the damage will already be done. Regrets will not undo it—our people will bear the cost,” one concerned commentator told the media in Juba.
Opponents argue that large-scale resettlement could exacerbate ethnic tensions, strain already fragile infrastructure and entangle the already troubled South Sudan in the ongoing complex Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Some people even accuse President Salva Kiir’s administration of pursuing policies that could destabilize the nation, questioning the rationale behind such a move.
The South Sudan’s Government officials in Juba have however yet to respond to the allegations or clarify South Sudan’s stance on refugee resettlement from outside the African region.
Meanwhile, analysts caution that transparency and public consultation are essential before any agreement of such magnitude is considered.