Claims that South Sudan has closed its diplomatic mission in Nairobi have been rejected by the government, which says the embassy is still carrying out its work despite a temporary technical problem that disrupted some services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said on Thursday, August 13, that reports suggesting the Nairobi mission had been shut were not true.
The ministry explained that the embassy had experienced a technical issue that affected part of its operations, but said the problem was being addressed.
"The Embassy in Nairobi has not closed. A temporary technical issue affected some of its operations, and the matter is being resolved," the statement read.
The government also sought to correct claims that the alleged Nairobi closure was part of a wider decision to shut down South Sudanese diplomatic missions in other countries.
It described those reports as inaccurate and said South Sudan’s embassies and other diplomatic missions outside the country remain active.
"Reports alleging the closure of other South Sudanese embassies are also incorrect. The Republic of South Sudan’s diplomatic missions abroad remain operational and continue to discharge their diplomatic functions," the statement added.
The ministry said the technical problem at the Nairobi embassy should not be mistaken for a decision to suspend the mission’s activities.
It said efforts were ongoing to deal with the issue and restore the affected services as the embassy continues with its diplomatic responsibilities.
The ministry further asked members of the public and media houses to verify information about South Sudan’s diplomatic missions through official government sources.
"The Ministry advises the public and the media to rely on official channels for information concerning the operations of South Sudan's diplomatic missions Abroad," the statement concluded.
The clarification comes at a time when diplomatic missions have also had to respond to reports about changes affecting their operations and services.
In June, the Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait rejected claims that the Kuwaiti government had imposed a new ban on the recruitment of Kenyan domestic workers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 11, the embassy said Kenya had not recently been barred from sending domestic workers to Kuwait, noting that the suspension of deployment had been a voluntary decision by the Kenyan government made about ten years ago.
"Kenya has not been newly banned from sending domestic workers to Kuwait. The Government of Kenya voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait approximately ten years ago, and that position remains in effect," read the statement in part.
The Kenyan mission said recent communication from Kuwaiti authorities should not be interpreted as a new restriction specifically directed at Kenya.
It said the two governments were holding consultations on a framework for the domestic labour sector, with the talks focused on agreeing on mechanisms, procedures and safeguards for future cooperation.
"The objective of these discussions is to establish mutually agreed mechanisms, procedures, and safeguards that would support future cooperation in this area," the embassy stated.
The mission also stressed that the position only covers domestic workers and does not affect Kenyans seeking jobs in other sectors in Kuwait.
Other categories of Kenyan workers remain eligible to pursue employment in the country subject to Kuwaiti and Kenyan laws and regulations.
"The Embassy therefore wishes to assure the Kenyan public and all stakeholders that the recent reports should not be construed as a new ban on Kenyan workers or as reflecting any adverse change in employment opportunities for Kenyans in Kuwait," the statement added.