South Sudan

How one interview sparked diplomatic engagement

Statelessness is often spoken about in legal terms like court decisions, documentation, citizenship laws. But behind these technical discussions are deeply human stories about identity, belonging and the ability to participate in society. For Animu A. Risasi Amitai, a human rights defender and former South Sudanese lawmaker, statelessness is not an abstract concept. It is a lived reality.

Earlier this year, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom supported Animu in amplifying her story through an interview on Channel Africa, the international radio service of South African Broadcasting Corporation. The interview aired on 25 February 2026 and focused on the broader implications of statelessness in South Sudan, particularly ahead of the country’s planned elections in December 2026. In the interview, Animu shared her personal experience of being rendered stateless and reflected on the profound impact it has on people’s lives.

“Statelessness is not just a legal issue, it is about losing identity, citizenship and the right to participate in democracy.” Her testimony sheds light on a reality faced by many individuals in South Sudan and elsewhere, without recognised citizenship, people are often excluded from political participation, basic services and legal protection.

Media visibility creating new momentum

Since the broadcast, the impact of the conversation has extended beyond raising awareness. Animu recently shared encouraging developments that followed the interview. The Ambassador of South Africa to South Sudan reached out to her shortly after the programme aired and indicated that he had discreetly raised the issue with the South Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs. This engagement forms part of wider diplomatic conversations around inclusive participation in South Sudan’s upcoming elections.

Additional outreach is also taking place within the African diplomatic community in Juba. Discussions are expected with representatives of the African Union mission in South Sudan, while the German Ambassador to the country has also contacted Animu to arrange a meeting. These developments highlight how increased visibility, particularly through regional media platforms, can help elevate human rights issues into diplomatic conversations.

South Africa’s role in supporting dialogue

South Africa currently plays a significant role in international engagement with South Sudan. The country chairs the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), which works to support peace and political dialogue in the country. The increased attention generated through South African media platforms appears to be helping foster engagement on issues that have long remained unresolved, including the status and rights of stateless individuals.

Why these stories matter

Statelessness remains a complex and often slow-moving challenge. Legal processes can take years, and meaningful change frequently requires sustained advocacy, dialogue and international cooperation. Yet stories like Animu’s demonstrate the power of sharing lived experiences. By bringing personal realities into public conversation, they can help catalyse new engagement from policymakers, diplomats and civil society.

As South Sudan moves towards its planned elections, ensuring that questions of citizenship, inclusion and democratic participation are addressed will be essential. For Animu and many others affected by statelessness, the hope is simple but profound: that continued collaboration and dialogue can contribute to a more inclusive and rights-based political future.