Norway Temporarily Shuts Embassy in South Sudan Over Security Concerns

March 26, 2025

COPENHAGEN — Norway's foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that it has temporarily closed its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, citing increasing security risks in the area. This decisive action comes in response to escalating violence in the country, particularly following recent political tensions and military clashes.

The announcement of the closure coincides with South Sudan President Salva Kiir's removal of the governor of Upper Nile state last week. This move has intensified confrontations between government forces and an ethnic militia, which President Kiir claims is allied with his political rival, First Vice President Riek Machar. Observers worry that these developments may signal a potential return to the violent conflicts that plagued South Sudan only a few years ago.

In light of the embassy's closure, Norway's foreign ministry indicated that diplomatic responsibilities would be transferred to its mission in Nairobi, Kenya. Officials stated that the embassy in Juba would remain closed until the security situation improves sufficiently for operations to resume.

The closure of the embassy highlights ongoing worries about the stability of South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011. After experiencing a brutal civil war that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, the country has made efforts to establish peace and governance. However, recent developments have caused alarm among international observers and diplomatic entities.

Norway has been actively involved in South Sudan, supporting peace negotiations and humanitarian efforts. The temporary shutdown of the embassy marks a significant shift in its engagement, underscoring the complex security landscape in which international missions operate.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders hope for a resolution to the tensions in South Sudan and a return to a path of stability and peace.