Germany Temporarily Closes Its Embassy in Juba Amid Fears of Renewed Civil War

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced on Saturday that Germany has decided to temporarily close its embassy in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, due to rising concerns over a potential return to civil war.

In a statement on X, Baerbock said, “After years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war. This week, we decided to temporarily close our embassy in Juba due to the current situation. The safety of our colleagues is our top priority,” according to AFP.

Escalating Political Tensions in South Sudan

Baerbock accused South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar of fueling violence in the country, stating that they are “dragging the nation into a spiral of violence.” She added that both leaders must “take responsibility to end this senseless violence and implement the peace agreement.”

Amid growing instability, the embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union mission, have offered to mediate efforts to restore peace in South Sudan.

The German Foreign Ministry has long advised against traveling to South Sudan due to persistent security risks and ongoing unrest in the country.