The statement followed the alleged foreign media report that the U.S. government was considering closing nearly 30 embassies and consulates globally, including the mission in South Sudan

By James Chatim

The United States Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler, has confirmed that the Embassy in Juba remains fully operational, although the number of American staff has been significantly reduced.

Ambassador Adler disclosed this during a meeting with the Presidential Advisor for National Security, Thoi Chany on Tuesday.

The statement followed the alleged foreign media report that the U.S. government was considering closing nearly 30 embassies and consulates globally, including the mission in South Sudan.

These reports were based on an internal U.S. State Department document, which also recommended downsizing diplomatic missions in other countries like Somalia and Iraq.

According to the leaked document, posts identified for closure included embassies in countries such as Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.

Additionally, consulates in France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and South Korea were also mentioned for possible closure.

Responding to this statement, Ambassador Adler emphasized that while the embassy’s staff has been reduced, operations in South Sudan continue.

He further reinforced the U.S. commitment to supporting peace efforts in the country, urging the resumption of dialogue among the leaders of all parties in South Sudan’s transitional government to help advance long-term peace.

“We strongly support those who are working to implement peace commitments,” he said.

“We call for a resumption of dialogue among recognized leaders of all parties in the transitional government to push for lasting peace.” “Regarding the reports of possible embassy closures, I have no basis to comment on the press reports other than to say there has been no decision to close any U.S. embassy or consulate anywhere,” Ambassador Adler stated.

However, the diplomat stressed that while staffing has been scaled back, the U.S. embassy’s role in South Sudan remains intact, continuing its diplomatic functions in support of peace initiatives.

According to an internal State Department document issued on 14 April 2025, the Trump administration said it was looking at closing nearly 30 overseas embassies and consulates as it eyes significant changes to its diplomatic presence abroad.  

The United States Embassy in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, is among dozens of overseas diplomatic missions considered for a complete shutdown by the Trump administration, the internal State Department document revealed.

The proposed changes come amid a broader expected overhaul of the US diplomatic agency as the Trump administration, spurred by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency, makes dramatic efforts to shrink the federal government.

The document recommends closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates. Many of the posts are in Europe and Africa, though they also include ones in Asia and the Caribbean.

“We strongly support those who are working to implement peace commitments,” Michael J. Adler, United States Ambassador to South Sudan, said.