Government welcomes reopening of German, Norway embassies
By Staff Writer
The transitional unity government on Monday welcomed the reopening of both the German and Norwegian embassies in the capital, following their closure in late March, due to rising political tensions amid fears of renewed violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a statement, said the development reflects the continued strengthening of bilateral ties with the two countries, which have provided over the years critical support to the development of the youngest nation since independence in 2011.
“This development reflects the continued strength of the bilateral relationship and the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining close diplomatic engagements, which South Sudan is fully committed to take further,” it said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The German embassy closed in March 22 following the arrests of several members of the opposition-Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in opposition (SPLM-IO) including it’s chairman and First Vice President, Riek Machar.
The arrests which sparked tensions amid fears of renewed violence followed intense fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army militia in Nasir and Ulang Counties in Upper Nile State since February, 2025.
The transitional unity government accused the SPLM-IO of inciting the White Army to attack SSPDF bases in Nasir, in what it termed a well hatched rebellion to overthrow the government of President Salva Kiir by the opposition.
The fighting caused the death of more than 180 people and displaced tens of thousands to Gambella region of Ethiopia, according to the United Nations.
