JUBA—Türkiye’s ambassador to South Sudan, Metin Ergin, has died at the age of 59, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
Ergin died on Monday, November 2, 2026, after serving as Türkiye’s representative in Juba since 2024.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed condolences to Ergin’s family and colleagues in a social media post, praising his service to the country.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ambassador Metin Ergin, who represented our country in South Sudan,” Fidan in a statement on Tuesday.
“I offer my condolences to his esteemed family, loved ones and our community, and pray that God grants His mercy to Ambassador Ergin, who served our country with dedication for 35 years,” he added.
Born in Istanbul in 1967, Ergin joined Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992 and spent more than three decades in diplomatic service.
He previously served as consul general in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Antwerp, Belgium, before becoming ambassador to South Sudan. He presented his credentials to President Salva Kiir in November 2024.
During his tenure in Juba, Ergin worked to strengthen bilateral relations between Türkiye and South Sudan, including cooperation in economic development, humanitarian assistance and security.
His recent diplomatic engagements included discussions on Turkish support for police training ahead of South Sudan’s scheduled December 2026 elections, as well as cooperation on development and visa-related agreements.
Türkiye has also provided humanitarian and development assistance to South Sudan through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
A memorial ceremony for Ergin will be held at the Turkish Foreign Ministry in Ankara on November 5. He will be buried at Istanbul’s Zincirlikuyu Cemetery on November 6.
