U.S. Embassy Closure Would Harm South Sudan

US Considers Closing Embassies and Consulates Worldwide

The United States is considering closing dozens of its embassies and consulates around the world, including in South Sudan. This decision has raised concerns among experts, who believe it would have negative consequences for the country.

Background on the Proposed Closures

An internal State Department document revealed that the US is weighing the closure of nearly 30 overseas embassies and consulates. The document recommends reducing the footprint at US diplomatic missions in Somalia and Iraq, where the US is engaged in counterterrorism efforts, and resizing other diplomatic outposts. The proposed closures include embassies in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, and South Sudan.

Expert Opinion on the Proposed Closures

Dr. Jok Madut Jok, a renowned academic and Professor of Anthropology at Syracuse University, expressed concern over the proposed closures. He believes that closing the US embassy in Juba would be bad news for South Sudan, as it would limit the US’s ability to monitor and address negative developments in the country. Dr. Jok noted that the closure would mean the US can no longer bear witness to challenges such as famine, disease, violence, and human rights abuses in South Sudan.

Potential Consequences of the Closures

The closure of the US embassy in Juba would also mean a severing of engagement between the two countries, leading to a decline in cultural exchanges and research collaborations. Dr. Jok questioned the rationale behind the proposed withdrawal of American diplomatic presence from regions grappling with instability and conflict. He suggested that the move may not be based on comprehensive policy analysis, but rather on the administration’s ideological drive to reduce international commitments and government spending.

US Foreign Aid and Assistance

The Trump administration is also eliminating more than 90% of the US Agency for International Development’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall US assistance around the world. The funding freeze has stopped thousands of US-funded programs abroad. The administration’s Office of Management and Budget is further proposing to cut funding for United Nations peacekeeping missions, citing recent failures in operations across Africa and the Middle East.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed closure of US embassies and consulates, including in South Sudan, would have significant negative consequences for the country. The move would limit the US’s ability to monitor and address challenges in South Sudan, and would lead to a decline in cultural exchanges and research collaborations. The US should reconsider its decision and prioritize its engagement with South Sudan, rather than abandoning its diplomatic presence in the country.