Germany Temporarily Closes Embassy in South Sudan Amid Civil War Fears

Germany has temporarily closed its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, due to escalating tensions that threaten civil war. Political unrest follows the dismissal of Upper Nile state governor, leading to increased violence. The UN has reported widespread food insecurity and displacement, emphasizing the urgent need for leadership to restore peace.

Germany has made the decision to temporarily close its embassy in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, amid escalating tensions threatening the nation’s stability. The announcement from the German foreign ministry follows increasing fears that South Sudan may revert to civil conflict, barely seven years after a devastating civil war concluded. The ongoing unrest is exacerbated by political power struggles, specifically the recent dismissal of the Upper Nile state governor, intensifying clashes between government forces and rival militias.

The situation is critical, as the United Nations has reported that approximately half of South Sudan’s population is facing food insecurity. Millions remain either internally displaced or have sought refuge in neighboring states. This humanitarian crisis is coupled with warnings from international bodies regarding the potential relapse into civil war, jeopardizing the tenuous peace achieved since 2018. During the previous civil war, over 400,000 lives were lost, underscoring the dire implications of renewed conflict.

Senior officials, including South Sudan’s United Nations peacekeeping chief, Nicholas Haysom, share concerns over the country’s precarious state, declaring it is “on the brink of relapse into civil war.” The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has labeled the current regression alarming, threatening years of progress in stability and security. As such, the German foreign ministry has emphasized the responsibility of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to cease hostilities and adhere to peace agreements, stating, “After years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war.”

In summary, Germany’s temporary closure of its embassy in South Sudan highlights the escalating tensions that could lead to renewed civil war. With half of the population facing food insecurity and millions displaced, the international community, including the United Nations, is calling for immediate action from local leadership to restore stability. As the situation continues to evolve, the potential for humanitarian catastrophe remains a pressing concern.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com