The South Sudan embassy in Kenya, has been closed over unpaid rent. The closure followed repeated delays in settling arrears, leaving embassy operations at a standstill.
The President Salva Kiir Mayardit-led country's Kenyan embassy, was closed on Friday, November 7, after defaulting on the $ 9,000 monthly rent payment for about a year, translating to approximately KSh 14 million.
The embassy was housed in Senteu Plaza in Nairobi's Kilimani area. The landlord is said to have locked the embassy's premises, forcing the mission, led by Ambassador Anthony Louis Kon, to fly to Juba.
"The landlord came on Friday and locked the embassy buildings. So the embassy will remain closed until the government in Juba intervenes. The embassy has been unable to pay rent for nearly a year, and the monthly rent is about $9,000,” the embassy's staffers said.
The concerned parties back in Juba have pleaded with President Salva Kiir to intervene and address the matter.
Reacting to the incident, a South Sudanese civil society leader appealed to the Office of the President to take immediate action following the closure of the embassy.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), described the development as “disturbing, discouraging, and embarrassing,” noting that it comes at a time when the country’s political uncertainty demands active regional diplomacy.
“The status of our embassy’s rental fee is alarming. Kenya is a strategic country for South Sudan, and maintaining a functional and influential diplomatic presence there is critical,” Yakani emphasised.
He urged President Salva Kiir and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the matter promptly and ensure the embassy resumes its operations.
Ever since South Sudan's independence 14 years ago, Kenya has been its key partner.
It has had one president since its independence in 2011. The embassy closure is a culmination of the government's efforts to reduce staff in its diplomatic missions, not only in Kenya but across the world.
In september, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to reduce staff numbers in embassies and consulates worldwide to lower operational expenses. The government in Juba said such measures are aimed at cutting costs as the country grapples with a limping economy.
“This is an internal administrative procedure. We were directed by His Excellency the President to reduce the financial obligations of our foreign missions, and the ministry is working out how to do that and will begin implementing the downsizing plan.” the ministry said at the time.
South Sudan, which relies on oil for more than 90 per cent of its national revenue, continues to face severe financial constraints.
The country has struggled to recover from prolonged civil conflict, widespread corruption, and weak governance structures
The ongoing economic crisis has left the government short of funds, with many South Sudanese diplomats across the globe reportedly going for months without receiving their salaries.
With the closure, South Sudanese citizens will have challenges accessing consular services such as renewals of passports, visa applications, and other critical assistance.
The government has yet to issue a statement on the matter nor address the way forward, at the time of this publication.
