Norway Temporarily Closes Embassy in South Sudan Amid Escalating Violence

Norway has temporarily closed its embassy in South Sudan due to escalating violence. Operations have moved to Nairobi, Kenya, while the closure is not permanent. The situation follows increased unrest associated with government and militia clashes, raising fears of renewed civil war in the country.

Norway has temporarily closed its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, citing escalating security concerns. The decision was announced by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, indicating that the safety of diplomatic staff could not be assured under the current circumstances. Operations will be relocated to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the closure is not permanent and that the embassy will resume operations once it is deemed safe to do so. The decision follows increased violence in the Upper Nile region, where clashes erupted between government forces and an ethnic militia associated with First Vice President Riek Machar, leading to the dismissal of a state governor by President Salva Kiir.

There are heightened concerns regarding a potential resurgence of civil war in South Sudan, nearly seven years after the nation gained independence. While the 2018 peace agreement had initially fostered hope, the recent unrest has reignited fears of returning to conflict. Norway has actively participated in peace and development initiatives in South Sudan, making the embassy’s closure a significant indicator of the region’s instability.

The international community is closely monitoring these developments, uncertain whether this represents a mere temporary disruption or a deeper crisis that could have wider implications for regional stability.

In summary, Norway’s temporary closure of its embassy in South Sudan reflects growing security concerns as violence rises in the region. Relocating operations to Nairobi highlights the fragile state of peace in the country, previously marred by civil war. The international community is apprehensively watching to see if this situation is a passing challenge or the onset of renewed conflict.

Original Source: euroweeklynews.com