Germany Closes Embassy in South Sudan Amid Rising Civil War Fears

Germany has temporarily closed its embassy in Juba, South Sudan due to escalating tensions that may lead to civil war. Recent political disturbances, including the dismissal of the Upper Nile state governor, and ongoing violence are raising fears of a relapse into conflict, threatening food security and displacing millions.

Germany has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, amidst rising tensions that could lead the nation to the brink of civil war. This decision reflects growing concerns over the stability of South Sudan, which recently emerged from a devastating civil conflict that lasted for several years. The German foreign ministry highlighted that half of South Sudan’s population is experiencing food insecurity, with millions either displaced within the country or seeking refuge in neighboring nations.

The situation has escalated following South Sudanese President Salva Kiir’s dismissal of the Upper Nile state governor, coinciding with an intensification of clashes between government forces and an ethnic militia accused of aligning with the president’s rival, First Vice President Riek Machar. Analysts observe that this unrest might destabilize progress made since the civil war, which ended in 2018 and led to the deaths of over 400,000 individuals.

Nicholas Haysom, the United Nations peacekeeping chief for South Sudan, voiced his concerns about the nation’s precarious position, stating it is “on the brink of relapse into civil war.” Moreover, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned against an alarming regression that threatens to undo years of hard-won progress toward stability. Their 2024 report underlines that food insecurity affects half of the country’s population, with approximately four million people either displaced or in dire need of assistance.

The temporary closure of Germany’s embassy in South Sudan reflects serious apprehensions regarding the country’s potential return to civil conflict. Following recent political unrest and escalated violence, there are significant humanitarian concerns, particularly involving food insecurity and widespread displacement. The international community, including the United Nations, emphasizes the urgent need for stability and adherence to peace agreements, urging both President Kiir and Vice President Machar to take responsibility for the continued peace in South Sudan.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com