Perceptions about Dual Citizenship and Diaspora Participation in Political, Economic, and Social Life in South Sudan

Abstract

Dual citizens, especially dual citizens in the diaspora, are the subject of an important debate among South Sudanese residents. This article seeks to explore South Sudanese residents’ attitudes towards dual citizenship and the role dual-citizen individuals play in the political, economic and social life of the country. During recent Rift Valley Institute research projects, conducted for the Australian Government from 2017–2020, we interviewed residents in South Sudan and South Sudanese members of the diaspora in the UK, Australia, and Ethiopia to understand arguments about citizenship and diaspora participation in the political, economic, and social life of South Sudan. The South Sudanese diaspora are perceived within South Sudan to have dubious national identification and loyalty. However, the research also established that the South Sudanese diaspora have always been part of the political organization, economic activities and social fabric of South(ern) Sudan both directly and indirectly.