Norway Temporarily Closes Embassy in South Sudan Amid Rising Violence

Norway has temporarily closed its embassy in South Sudan due to escalating violence. Operations have moved to Nairobi, Kenya, as the situation worsens. Recent conflicts raise fears of renewed civil war in the fragile nation, despite previous peace efforts.

Norway has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, due to serious security concerns. This decision, revealed by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, stems from increasing violence and instability in the region, which has made it impossible to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel.

Norwegian embassy operations will now be conducted from Nairobi, Kenya, as the situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate. The ministry emphasized that this is not a permanent closure; the embassy will reopen once conditions permit.

The recent escalation in violence in South Sudan, particularly in the Upper Nile region, prompted this decision. Just last week, President Salva Kiir dismissed the state governor following clashes between government troops and an ethnic militia associated with First Vice President Riek Machar.

The unrest has revived fears of a renewed civil war in a country still recovering from a devastating conflict that ended nearly seven years ago. Although the 2018 peace agreement brought a measure of optimism, the current turmoil threatens to unravel progress and stability in the world’s youngest nation.

Norway’s active involvement in fostering peace and development in South Sudan underscores the significance of the embassy’s closure, reflecting the fragility of the situation. Observers are keenly monitoring developments to determine whether this is merely a temporary setback or a precursor to more serious conflicts ahead.

In summary, Norway’s temporary closure of its embassy in South Sudan highlights the escalating security crisis in the country. With operations being relocated to Nairobi, the move indicates significant concern for diplomatic staff safety amidst rising violence and instability. As South Sudan faces the threat of renewed civil war, the international community remains vigilant regarding its potential implications for peace and development in the region.

Original Source: euroweeklynews.com