Nairobi Landlord Shuts Down South Sudan Embassy Over Unpaid Rent
The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nairobi has reportedly been closed after the landlord locked the premises due to accumulated rent arrears.
The embassy, located in the Kilimani area, has been a key diplomatic base since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
According to reports shared by embassy staff to South Sudanese media outlet Radio Tamazuj, the closure took place on Friday, November 7, after months of unpaid rent.
Staff members disclosed that the embassy pays a monthly rent of about Ksh1.2 million (approximately $9,000), but the South Sudanese government has not been meeting these payments for almost a year.
“The landlord came on Friday and locked up the embassy buildings. We have been struggling for a long time to pay rent, but now the embassy will remain closed until the government in Juba takes action,” said one staff member.
It is reported that South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Anthony Louis Kon, is currently in Juba awaiting further instructions from his government on how to resolve the crisis.
The shutdown comes at a time when the South Sudanese government is implementing cost-cutting measures across its foreign embassies and consulates worldwide.
In September, President Salva Kiir directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reduce staff numbers and lower operational costs to ease the financial burden on the government.
Apuk Ayuel, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the ministry had begun working on the directive, saying, “We were instructed by His Excellency the President to reduce the financial responsibilities of our missions abroad. The ministry is now planning how to implement the downsizing process.”
However, the closure of the Nairobi mission has sparked criticism and concern among South Sudanese civil society leaders, who view the incident as an embarrassment to the young nation.
They argue that Kenya is a crucial partner for South Sudan, both politically and economically, and losing its embassy presence there could damage diplomatic relations.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), expressed disappointment over the situation, urging the government to act swiftly.
“The condition of our embassy in Kenya is worrying. It’s unacceptable for our mission to be closed over rent issues. Kenya is a vital strategic partner for South Sudan, and maintaining a strong and functional diplomatic presence here is extremely important,” Yakani said.
Observers say the incident reflects the financial struggles facing South Sudan’s government and raises questions about how effectively it is managing its foreign missions.
Many hope the government in Juba will intervene quickly to settle the rent arrears and reopen the embassy, restoring normal diplomatic operations between the two neighboring countries.
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