Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal during a high-level meeting with the IOM, June 2025. Courtesy of Amb. Bona.

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal confirmed that ten Nile Basin water ministers will attend the 20th Nile Day in Juba this Sunday.

This marks the first time the country has hosted the prestigious event, signaling its deepening commitment to the Nile Basin community.

Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, confirmed that ten water ministers from Nile Basin member states have already pledged their attendance.

The annual event serves as a platform for member countries to celebrate ongoing water cooperation, share strategies for the sustainable management of the Nile River, and strengthen regional collaboration and diplomatic ties.

“South Sudan, on February 22nd, will be hosting a regional celebration of Nile Day. This is an important celebration for South Sudan to host for the first time. The members of the Nile Basin, this will be a ministerial, and they have already confirmed their attendance,” stated Ambassador Malwal.

The event is being organised by a high-level committee established by President Salva Kiir and led by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr Martin Elia Lomuro. Ambassador Malwal noted that preparations are well underway to ensure the capital is ready for the international spotlight.

“Already, Juba is being cleaned. This is the effort of the high-level committee to prepare the city. We want to give our best so that the streets are clean and the public will enjoy themselves. On February 22nd, we will host the ministers at the Bank of South Sudan building,” Malwal added.

Ambassador Malwal stated via the Ministry’s official channels that this is an important celebration for South Sudan to host for the first time. Efforts to ready the capital are already visible as the high-level committee works to ensure the city is prepared to give its best to visiting dignitaries and the public.

The two-day program blends diplomatic dialogue with community engagement. The celebration begins on February 21 with a marathon, public lectures, and a high-level dinner along the White Nile. The main ministerial conference will take place on February 22 at the Bank of South Sudan building in Juba.

Ambassador Malwal encouraged the citizens of Juba to extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegates. Beyond water management, the summit is an opportunity to showcase Juba as a peaceful city and South Sudan as a reliable, committed partner in regional water management and East African affairs.