In a significant move reflecting rising tensions in South Sudan, the German Foreign Office has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in the capital, Juba, citing safety concerns amid a worsening security situation. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued a stern warning that the world's youngest country is on the brink of spiraling back into civil war, just over a decade after its independence.
According to Baerbock, the fragile peace that had been maintained since the formation of a national unity government in 2020 is crumbling under the weight of renewed violence. "After years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war," Baerbock stated, highlighting the grave responsibilities of both President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Vice President Riek Machar, whose leadership has been marred by conflict. The minister urged, "They have a responsibility to stop the senseless violence and finally implement the peace agreement." The urgent call to action emphasizes the collective responsibility of South Sudan’s leaders to restore stability and uphold peace.
South Sudan, which gained its independence from Sudan in July 2011, has been engulfed in turmoil since its inception, marked by a brutal civil war that erupted shortly after independence. The conflict primarily revolved around the power struggle between Kiir and Machar, both of whom have deep-rooted ties to rival ethnic groups. Although they agreed to establish a transitional government following a 2018 peace deal—bringing Machar back as vice president—this arrangement now appears precarious as ethnic tensions reignite.
In recent weeks, clashes have flared up involving a militia from the Nuer ethnic group, which is closely tied to Machar. Reports indicate that government soldiers have been engaged in fierce battles on the border with Ethiopia, accusations swirling that Machar’s party is fueling this resurgence of violence. Yet, Machar himself claims that Kiir’s agenda includes a plan to eliminate his supporters and consolidate power. The complexities of these accusations paint a grim picture of the political landscape in South Sudan, exacerbated by foreign threats from warring factions in neighboring Sudan potentially intervening in the conflict.
Baerbock's reluctance to keep the embassy operational reflects the increasing instability in South Sudan, where diplomats' safety has become a pressing concern. With approximately eleven million people residing in the country, fears of widespread violence loom large, especially with the backdrop of ongoing ethnic conflicts. The fighting, which is currently more than 1,300 kilometers (about 800 miles) from Juba, raises the stakes for ordinary citizens and national security alike.
To mitigate the escalating crisis, an international coalition including German diplomats, as well as representatives from Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Great Britain, the USA, and the EU, has stepped forward with offers to mediate between Kiir and Machar. The involvement of these nations underscores the global stakes at play in South Sudan's internal strife. Their collective aim is to support the peace process and avert further violence, highlighting the international community's commitment to ensure stability in the region.
The backdrop of this international mobilization is crucial as South Sudan faces threats from its own history of strife. Analysts warn that the fragile peace achieved post-civil war is susceptible to unraveling at any moment, with citizens remaining caught in a crossfire of political ambitions and ethnic rivalry. As politicians draw deeper into conflict, the hope for a stable, unified nation dims, stirring fears among both residents and diplomats.
The temporary closing of the German embassy is just one of many indicators that the situation in South Sudan is deteriorating rapidly. Each decision made by the country's leaders and the international community may very well decide the fate of millions and the future trajectory of a nation that is still struggling to find its footing on the global stage.
As the world watches attentively, the call for accountability rings louder, with leaders urged to abandon their disputes for the collective good of their nation. The urgent message from Baerbock resonates beyond the borders of South Sudan: peace is not merely the absence of war but an active commitment to dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among all involved stakeholders.
The citizens of South Sudan, living under the specter of violence once again, find themselves at a critical juncture. They yearn for the implementation of a genuine peace agreement—one that holds the promise of a brighter future amidst the shadows of insecurity. Whether such aspirations can be fulfilled lies in the hands of their leaders and the broader international community's resolve to intervene decisively.
