South Sudan says it will maintain diplomatic engagement with Canada after Ottawa temporarily suspended operations at its embassy in Juba.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it was aware of the decision by the Canadian side and would continue working with the Canadian government through existing diplomatic arrangements.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is aware of the temporary suspension of operations by the Embassy of the Republic of Canada in Juba,” the ministry said.
The ministry did not provide details on the reasons for the suspension or specify when the Canadian embassy would resume its operations.
It said, however, that the suspension had not affected the broader relationship between the two countries.
“In the meantime, the Ministry will continue its engagement with the Government of the Republic of Canada through agreed diplomatic arrangements,” the statement said.
South Sudan and Canada have maintained diplomatic relations since South Sudan became independent in July 2011.
Canada has been involved in humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan and has worked with the country through diplomatic and international channels.
The latest development comes as South Sudan continues to face political and security challenges, with the implementation of the country’s peace agreement and preparations for elections remaining major issues for the government and its international partners.
Despite the temporary suspension of embassy operations, Juba has sought to reassure Ottawa that bilateral relations remain stable.
“The Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Canada continue to enjoy cordial bilateral relations,” the ministry said.
The statement also expressed confidence that the Canadian diplomatic mission would return to normal operations.
“We look forward to the Embassy’s resumption of operations in Juba in the near future,” it added.
The ministry did not say whether Canada’s diplomatic functions would be handled from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or through another arrangement during the suspension.
There was also no indication in the statement that South Sudan considers the development a severing or downgrading of diplomatic relations.
Instead, the government’s response emphasised continued communication and cooperation between the two countries.
The suspension comes at a time when several foreign governments and international organisations continue to assess the security and political situation in South Sudan.
For Juba, maintaining diplomatic engagement with Canada remains a priority while the temporary suspension is in place.
The Foreign Ministry said it would continue to engage the Canadian government through the “agreed diplomatic arrangements” until the embassy resumes its operations in the South Sudanese capital.
