South Sudan Says Nairobi Embassy Remains Open After Closure Reports Over Rent Arrears

South Sudan has dismissed circulating reports indicating that its embassy in Nairobi and other diplomatic missions abroad have been shut down. 

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement on Thursday, August 13, explaining that the Nairobi embassy experienced a temporary technical problem that disrupted some of its operations. 

According to the ministry, efforts were underway to resolve the issue and restore normal operations.

“The Ministry 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 statement read.

It added, “The Embassy in Nairobi has not closed. A temporary technical issue affected some of its operations, and the matter is being resolved.”

The clarification followed reports that the Nairobi embassy in Kilimani had been closed on Tuesday after an alleged failure to settle several months of rent. 

Some visitors were reportedly unable to access the embassy after arriving to seek services during the period of the reported disruption. 

The reported closure raised concerns among South Sudanese nationals in Kenya who rely on the mission for consular services and other assistance. 

In November 2025, the embassy in Nairobi had also faced a reported closure over unpaid rent before operations resumed. 

However, South Sudan’s official statement did not mention any claims of rent arrears, only assuring that the Nairobi embassy has not been shut down.

Further, the ministry dismissed reports claiming that South Sudanese embassies in other countries had also been closed.

The ministry urged the public and media to verify information about its diplomatic missions through official government channels.

The clarification comes ahead of a planned leadership transition at the Nairobi embassy, with newly appointed Ambassador Simon Juach Deng expected to assume office in September.