Germany Shuts Embassy in South Sudan Amid Escalating Civil War Fears

The German embassy in South Sudan has been temporarily closed due to rising tensions indicating a risk of civil war. Political instability has intensified, particularly following President Kiir’s dismissal of a state governor, and over half the population is experiencing food insecurity. Warnings from international officials highlight the potential for a return to violence.

Germany has made the decision to temporarily close its embassy in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, due to intensifying tensions within the country. The German foreign ministry announced this move on Saturday, highlighting concerns about South Sudan’s potential relapse into civil war, a scenario feared after the nation just emerged from a severe conflict.

The current unrest in South Sudan is exacerbated by President Salva Kiir’s recent firing of the governor of Upper Nile state, a region where clashes have increased between government forces and an ethnic militia allied to his political rival, First Vice President Riek Machar, as reported by Reuters.

This escalation of violence poses a significant threat to South Sudan’s fragile peace, raising alarms that the youngest nation in the world may return to conflict only seven years after a civil war that resulted in the deaths of over 400,000 individuals.

The German foreign ministry stated, “After years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war.” Moreover, they emphasized that both President Kiir and Vice President Machar have a duty to halt the cycle of violence and implement the peace agreement effectively.

Concerns have also been echoed by Nicholas Haysom, the United Nations peacekeeping chief in South Sudan, who warned that the nation stands perilously close to slipping back into a civil war. In its 2024 report, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights highlighted the alarming regression in South Sudan’s condition, noting that half of the population is currently facing food insecurity. Approximately two million individuals have been internally displaced, with an equal number seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

In summary, the closure of the German embassy in Juba underscores the growing fears of a potential civil war in South Sudan, spurred by political instability and escalating violence. The situation is further complicated by widespread food insecurity affecting half of the nation’s population and millions displaced. International concern remains high as key political leaders are urged to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com