JUBA – South Sudan has begun diplomatic engagement with Canada in an effort to strengthen bilateral relations following the closure of its embassy in Juba.
Canada’s foreign ministry announced on August 10, 2026, that it would “temporarily” cease operations at its mission in South Sudan.
According to the embassy, responsibility for maintaining Canada’s diplomatic relations with South Sudan will be transferred to the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The decision comes as Global Affairs Canada reviews and adjusts the country’s diplomatic footprint based on several factors, including foreign policy priorities, operational costs, and security conditions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement released on Tuesday that the renewed engagement will focus on restoring diplomatic cooperation and resolving outstanding issues that have strained relations between the two countries.
“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, as communicated by the Canadian side,” read part of the statement seen by Sudans Post.
It said the ministry will continue its engagement with the government of the Republic of Canada through agreed diplomatic arrangements.
“The Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Canada continue to enjoy cordial bilateral relations, and we look forward to the Embassy’s resumption of operations in Juba in the near future.”
In 2024-25, South Sudan was the 10th-highest destination for Canadian international assistance, being earmarked for $91 million in bilateral aid and $23 million in multilateral assistance.
The 2025 budget pledged to cut Canada’s foreign aid contribution by $2.7 billion over four years.
