PERTH, WA, AU—(7 January 2024)—H.E. Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba, South Sudan's current ambassador to China and non-resident ambassador to Australia, is set to arrive on February 26 with his team. On February 28, Amb. Semaya will present his credentials to David Hurley, the governor-general of Australia in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot, the first Western Australian state Member of Parliament (MP) of African and South Sudanese ancestry, will accompany the ambassador to meet the governor-general.
In addition, the ambassador will meet Penny Wong, Australia's minister of foreign affairs, other government officials, and business and community leaders.
South Sudanese communities are invited to the February 28 event to greet the ambassador and his entourage. Please check with state association leaders for more information.
Amb. Semaya intends to visit ACT, Victoria, Western Australia (WA), New South Wales, Queensland, and Southern Australia. He plans lengthy stops at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and investor forums at ACT and Perth, WA.
Amb. Semaya has already held two successful meetings with South Sudanese leaders in Australia and friends of the South Sudanese, such as Tim Costello and many others.
"H.E. Amb. Monday Semaya is an industrious, compassionate, exceptional orator, dedicated visionary, and true diplomat," The Lualplus Team and The Africa World Books Australia Community Education Link (AWBCE Link) said. "We anxiously await the arrival of Amb. Semaya and his team. We are confident that the South Sudanese community in Australia will flourish and prosper under his direction."
AWBCE Link is assisting with the coordination of the visits. South Sudanese association leaders are orchestrating the values and topics of the meetings.
On December 8, Amb. Semaya gave a keynote address via Zoom during the South Sudan Forum at the University of Western Australia. The forum focused on topics relevant to South Sudanese communities. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of education in nation-building and developing solid educational pathways for the South Sudanese Diaspora.
"Over the years, the Diaspora and the host community have significantly assisted numerous developing nations," Amb. Semaya said. "I express my gratitude to the Australian government and its people for the substantial support they have extended to us."
South Sudan became a country in 2011 following years of civil war. In 2013, another armed conflict broke out. Millions fled the country to neighbouring countries, Europe, Australia, and the United States. According to the 2021 Australian Census, 8,255 people born in South Sudan reside here, and 14,273 people stated they have South Sudanese ancestry.
About Africa World Books Community Education Link
AWBCE Link, a nonpartisan initiative, serves as the bridge between South Sudanese academics, researchers, and organisations in the Diaspora and the Government of South Sudan (GOSS). Our commitment revolves around education, support, and community strengthening, encouraging South Sudanese and African youth to explore their history, culture, and traditions. Proposing collaboration with leaders in various fields, AWBCE Link aims to support and educate South Sudanese communities, achieving social inclusion and community empowerment.
Contact:
H.E. Amb. Monday Semaya K. Kumba
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan
Phone: +86 10 6464 9921
Address: Chancery, No. 18 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Contact:
Peter Lualplus Deng
Email: info@africaworldbooks.com