The German Foreign Office announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, citing an escalation of violence and a potential resurgence of civil war. This follows the fragile peace established through a 2018 agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which is now at risk of collapsing. Renewed fighting between ethnic groups along the Ethiopian border and accusations between Kiir and Machar are exacerbating tensions, prompting German diplomats and other international representatives to offer mediation.
"After years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced. "President Kiir and Vice President Machar are plunging the country into a spiral of violence. They have a responsibility to stop the senseless violence and finally implement the peace agreement."
The army accuses Machar's party of fueling the conflict, while Machar accuses Kiir of wanting to depose his supporters. Warring parties in neighboring Sudan are also threatening to intervene.
Collection
[
|
...
]