The Netherlands to Close Embassy in South Sudan Due to Budget Constraints

The Netherlands has announced it will close its embassy in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as part of a wider restructuring of its diplomatic missions due to budget constraints. This decision is part of plans to shut five embassies and two consulates worldwide, saving €25m (£21m) as the Dutch government aims to reduce its foreign ministry budget by 10%.

Reasons for Closure

In a letter to parliament, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the closures were necessary to adapt to “far-reaching changes” in global politics, including shifting power dynamics and rising operational costs. Alongside Juba, embassies in Burundi, Libya, and Myanmar will also close, as will consulates in Antwerp, Belgium, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Impact on South Sudan

The closure of the Dutch embassy in South Sudan has raised concerns among analysts, who warn it could signal declining international engagement with the country. Dr. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, an international politics expert at the University of Juba, urged authorities to investigate the reasons behind the move and strengthen ties with remaining partners.

Security Risks and Operational Costs

The Dutch government cited high security risks and operational costs as key factors in closing missions in Juba and Libya’s capital, Tripoli. South Sudan has faced instability since gaining independence in 2011, with a fragile peace agreement under strain and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

International Withdrawals

If the closure goes ahead, the Netherlands will become the third country to withdraw its embassy from South Sudan, following Norway and Germany. The US has also reportedly considered scaling back its diplomatic presence in the country under proposed cuts by the Trump administration.

Historical Relationship

The Netherlands recognized South Sudan’s independence in 2011 and has supported peacebuilding and development efforts for decades. However, the decision to close the embassy in Juba reflects the challenges posed by budget constraints and evolving global politics.

In conclusion, the closure of the Dutch embassy in South Sudan highlights the impact of budget constraints on diplomatic missions and underscores the need for countries to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics. It is essential for South Sudan to address the concerns raised by the closure and work towards strengthening its diplomatic relationships with other nations.

Vice President Taban Deng Proposes Firing Squad to Combat Corruption

Authors: Alhadi Hawari | Michael Daniel | Published: 11 mins ago

VP President Taban Deng, the chairperson of Infrastructure Cluster- Credit: Office of the President

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio ) — Vice President Taban Deng Gai, who also chairs the Infrastructure Cluster, has proposed the use of a firing squad to combat rampant corruption, warning that continued mismanagement could lead to the collapse of key national institutions.

Speaking after the country’s first-ever National Trade Forum on Monday in Juba, the Vice President made the controversial proposal at a national trade forum, citing massive losses from electricity theft and systemic corruption.

Deng revealed that the company is losing an estimated $8 million annually due to electricity theft, facilitated in part by insiders within the system. Despite filing over 350 cases of electricity theft with the police, only two have reportedly made it to court—something he attributed to entrenched corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary.

Deng warned that if these issues are not urgently addressed, JEDCO could face collapse. “The company said if the problem is not resolved, it will collapse and shut down,” he noted. “We must act. There are serious discussions on how to stop corruption. We should consider a firing squad.”

The Vice President’s controversial remarks came in response to reports that some engineers are helping residents bypass power meters, effectively stealing electricity. He described this as a deliberate criminal act that is undermining the country’s fragile economy.

South Sudan has long grappled with systemic corruption. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, the country scored just 8 out of 100, ranking 180th out of 180 countries—making it the most corrupt nation in the world, according to the index.

The two-day National Trade Forum was organised by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to explore ways of boosting the economy through improved trade policy and investment climate.

SSNBS Re-Exports Non-Compliant Maize Flour

Violation of Quality Standards

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) recently re-exported a consignment of maize flour that was found to be non-compliant with regional quality standards. The inspection at the Nimule Border Station revealed that a total of 1,800 bags of maize flour violated the East African Standard (EAS) No. 44:2019.

Enforcement of Regulations

Following the SQMT Measures 2017, Section 23.3, the shipment was promptly re-exported to its country of origin under the supervision of authorized SSNBS officers. This action was taken to uphold public health and safety, emphasizing that only products meeting the required quality standards would be allowed into the country.

Commitment to Public Health

The SSNBS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health, enhancing consumer protection, and ensuring that only products meeting the requisite quality and safety standards are permitted into the Republic of South Sudan. The bureau’s strengthened inspection efforts at key border entry points underline the country’s dedication to enforcing quality regulations on imported goods.

Disposal of Non-Compliant Grains

Earlier in April, the SSNBS intercepted and disposed of a consignment of non-compliant yellow peas and maize grains at the Nimule border. Laboratory testing revealed that the grains failed to meet necessary quality and safety benchmarks, with physical damage, high levels of impurities, and poor overall appearance prompting their disposal.

Call for Compliance

The Bureau urged importers and stakeholders to strictly adhere to national and regional quality standards, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in ongoing efforts to ensure the quality assurance of goods entering the country. Compliance with regulations is essential to protect public health and safety.