By Riak Chol

Ethiopia has successfully concluded a five-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats, underscoring its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing diplomatic capacity across Africa.

The Third Diplomatic Training Program, organized by the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took place in Addis Ababa from June 5 to June 9. The initiative brought together diplomats from South Sudan for intensive discussions on key issues affecting Africa’s diplomatic, political, and security landscape.

According to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the training forms part of the country’s broader efforts to promote regional collaboration, build institutional capacity, and foster stronger diplomatic relations among African nations.

Participants underwent a comprehensive program covering a wide range of contemporary diplomatic topics, including Pan-Africanism, modern diplomacy and negotiation techniques, hydro-politics, transboundary resource management, peacekeeping operations, conflict resolution, and peacemaking.

The training was designed to equip South Sudanese diplomats with practical skills and knowledge required to navigate emerging regional and global challenges.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, emphasized the significance of the initiative in promoting professional exchange and strengthening bilateral ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan.

He noted that the program not only enhanced participants’ diplomatic expertise but also provided an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Ambassador Hadera highlighted the enduring relevance of the historic Victory of Adwa, which participants explored through a visit to the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum.

He said the victory remains a powerful symbol of African unity, sovereignty, resilience, and the continent’s collective determination to overcome challenges through cooperation and solidarity.

“The lessons of Adwa continue to inspire African nations in addressing contemporary political, economic, and security challenges,” he said.

The state minister further stressed that beyond academic learning, the training served as a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and the establishment of lasting professional networks among diplomats and institutions from both countries.

South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Ambassador Butros Thok Deng, praised the initiative and described it as timely and valuable. He said the program had provided participants with practical tools and insights needed to respond effectively to evolving regional dynamics.

According to Ambassador Butros, strengthening diplomatic skills is essential as countries in the Horn of Africa continue to confront complex issues ranging from peace and security concerns to migration, resource management, and economic integration.

Representing the participants, Ambassador Achwil Biong Arop Kuol expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian government and organizers for the opportunity to participate in the training.

He said the program offered valuable lessons in peacebuilding, negotiation, development cooperation, and migration management, adding that the knowledge gained would contribute significantly to the work of South Sudanese diplomats.

The training concluded with both countries reaffirming their longstanding friendship and commitment to working together in pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and South Sudan while contributing to broader regional efforts aimed at fostering cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and shared prosperity among African nations.