By Matik Kueth
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has dismissed reports that South Sudan’s embassy in Nairobi has been shut down, saying a temporary technical issue disrupted some services at the mission.
The ministry’s clarification comes after reports emerged about the Nairobi mission’s operations and amid wider claims that some South Sudanese diplomatic missions abroad had been shut down.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the Nairobi embassy remains operational.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has noted reports by media outlets concerning the operations of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nairobi, Kenya, and claims regarding the alleged closure of other South Sudanese diplomatic missions abroad. The Embassy in Nairobi has not closed. A temporary technical issue affected some of its operations and the matter is being resolved,” Mayen stated.
She noted that reports about the closure of other South Sudanese embassies were also inaccurate, insisting that the country’s diplomatic missions continue to operate and perform their official duties.
“Reports alleging the closure of other South Sudanese embassies are also incorrect. The Republic of South Sudan’s diplomatic missions abroad remain operational and continue to discharge their diplomatic functions. The Ministry advises the public and the media to rely on official channels for information concerning the operations of South Sudan’s diplomatic missions abroad,” she added.
The ministry urged the public and media organizations to verify information through official government channels before reporting on the status of South Sudanese diplomatic missions.
It also apologized for any inconvenience caused by the temporary technical issue and reaffirmed that South Sudan’s diplomatic representations abroad remain operational.