SOUTH SUDAN: Norwegian Embassy In Juba Temporarily Closed Due to Security Concerns

By Debora Akur Chol,South Sudan

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday, the temporary closure of its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, due to escalating security concerns in the country.

This move follows recent tensions in South Sudan, after President Salva Kiir dismissed the governor of Upper Nile state last week.

The region has seen heightened clashes between government forces and an armed youth group, which Kiir accused of supporting his rival, First Vice President Riek Machar.

The situation escalated further on Wednesday evening when President Kiir placed Machar under house arrest.

An armed convoy, including top security officials and the defense minister, arrived at Machar’s residence in the capital, disarming his bodyguards.

These developments have raised concerns that South Sudan, which gained independence just seven years ago, could be on the brink of another conflict, following the devastating civil war that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

“The security situation in South Sudan has significantly worsened in recent days. While the civilian population is the most affected, the safety and freedom of movement of our staff are also at risk.

“As a result, we have decided to temporarily close the embassy in Juba. We will continue our extensive engagement in South Sudan from Nairobi until the situation improves,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The embassy’s operations will now be conducted from Nairobi, Kenya, with plans to reopen the Juba mission when conditions allow.

In the meantime, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised its travel advisory for South Sudan to the highest level, advising against all travel to the country and urging Norwegian citizens currently in South Sudan to depart.

The Norwegian embassy in Juba also confirmed the temporary closure in a statement seen by African Culture TV.

Norway has been involved in South Sudan for over 50 years, with Norwegian aid to the country reaching 825.6 million kroner in 2023.