By William Maduok and James Chatim
The United Kingdom government will not close its mission in South Sudan, though some countries had closed their embassies in Juba, said Ambassador David Ashley.
Ashley reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development in the country.
Addressing a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, Ambassador Ashley emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the UK and South Sudan, underlining the UK’s continued support for peace and humanitarian aid.
“The British embassy will remain in Juba, though some countries had closed their embassies,” he promised.
“The UK has been a steadfast champion of the people of South Sudan for many years. I confirm to His Excellency, the President, that the British Embassy will stay and will continue its support to the South Sudanese people,” Ambassador Ashley said.
“Our mission here is simple: to support peace and development so that the people of South Sudan can enjoy the fruits of their very hard-won independence.”
Since South Sudan’s independence, the UK has so far provided over $2.2 billion in assistance, focusing on critical sectors such as health, education, and humanitarian aid, according to the ambassador Ashley.
Despite global financial challenges, Ashley noted that the United Kingdom would continue to provide major international assistance to South Sudan’s most vulnerable population.
Western countries, including Norway, Germany, had closed their embassies in Juba last month, citing a deteriorating security situation in the country.
Last month, the Netherlands announced plans to close five embassies, including the one in Juba, as part of a reorganization of its diplomatic network in response to budget cuts.
Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp said in a letter to the President of the House of Representatives that there is a strategic realignment of the Netherlands’ global diplomatic relations.
“The move aims to cut the mission network’s budget by 10%. This step comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and a broader government effort to cut costs,” the statement read.
However, the British, as the then southern Sudan’s (South Sudan) former colonial power, has vowed not to leave South Sudan but rather to continue to support the government and people of South Sudan in their quest for sustainable peace.