South Sudan mulls closing some embassies to cut costs

Photo: South Sudan foreign minister Nhial Deng

South Sudan government said on Monday that it may soon close some of its embassies due to the worsening economic situation.

The world’s youngest nation has been struggling to pay its diplomats and maintain its embassies around the globe. South Sudan has diplomatic presence in many countries in Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and America.

Mawien Makol, the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Radio Tamazuj that they plan to reduce the number of the country's foreign missions.

“We have not yet identified the number of the embassies to be closed, but we are planning to scale down the embassies. The reason for the move is the economic situation in the country,” Mawien said.

“The plan to reduce the foreign missions will be implemented this year,” he added.

Last week, South Sudan government sacked 40 overseas diplomats for allegedly not showing up for work.

Oil production resumed recently, five years after production was reduced because of fighting between government troops and rebels.

President Salva Kiir and opposition groups failed to form a new government as stipulated in the peace agreement by May 12. The formation of the unity government was extended by six months to November.