In a decisive move on Saturday, the German government announced the temporary closure of its embassy in South Sudan amidst escalating concerns over civil war. “After years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war,” stated German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the social media platform Bluesky. The embassy in Juba has been shuttered to prioritise the safety of its staff, underscoring the critical situation.
Baerbock expressed her dismay at the current state of affairs, as South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar drive the nation deeper into violence. She urged them to halt the senseless bloodshed and honour their peace agreement. The situation points to a responsibility that rests heavily on their shoulders.
Since its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has been marred by political turmoil and violence. A peace treaty in 2018 between Machar and Kiir had temporarily put an end to a brutal five-year civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives. Machar, while serving as the first vice president, continues to navigate a challenging political landscape wherein his faction fundamentally opposes Kiir’s leadership.
This rivalry is seen as a significant hurdle to achieving lasting peace in the country. Kiir’s mistrust of Machar and Machar’s accusations of dictatorship towards Kiir only heighten the tensions, leaving prospects for stability uncertain as the country teeters on the edge of further conflict.
The German government has temporarily closed its embassy in South Sudan due to fears of civil war, prioritising staff safety. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock commented on the worsening situation caused by the continuing violence between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, urging an end to the bloodshed. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with political instability and violence, and the rivalry between its leaders remains a crucial barrier to peace.
The German embassy’s closure serves as a stark reminder of the precarious state of South Sudan, where civil war looms threateningly. The ongoing power struggle between President Kiir and Vice President Machar continues to obstruct peace efforts. For South Sudan to overcome its violent legacy, both leaders must act decisively to uphold their peace agreements and prioritise national stability.
Original Source: www.millenniumpost.in
