South Sudan Embassy in Nairobi Sealed Off Over Unpaid Rent
The South Sudan Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, has been shut down by its landlord over accumulated rent arrears, sparking a diplomatic standoff between the property owner and Juba’s foreign mission.
According to reports, the embassy premises located in the upmarket Kilimani area were locked earlier this week after the landlord claimed that the South Sudanese government had failed to pay rent for several months, despite repeated reminders.
Witnesses said embassy staff were denied access to the building, with security guards enforcing the closure under the landlord’s directive. The incident has embarrassed South Sudan’s diplomatic representation in Kenya, raising questions about the country’s financial management of foreign missions.
Sources close to the embassy revealed that officials have been negotiating with the landlord to settle the outstanding payments, but no agreement has yet been reached. Meanwhile, the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Juba has reportedly been informed of the situation and is working to resolve the matter urgently.
The closure has temporarily disrupted embassy operations, including consular services and visa processing for citizens and visitors. Kenyan authorities have not issued an official statement, viewing the matter as a civil dispute between the landlord and the embassy.
This is not the first time South Sudan’s foreign missions have faced financial challenges. Several embassies across Africa and Europe have previously reported delayed funding and unpaid salaries, citing the country’s ongoing economic strain.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, both sides remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution that will allow the embassy to reopen and resume normal operations soon.