By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
South Sudan, August 14, 2026 - Sweden has officially closed its diplomatic office in Juba after 18 years of engagement in South Sudan, but both countries say the move will not end their bilateral relationship.
The Swedish flag was lowered during a ceremony in Juba, marking the end of the country's diplomatic office in South Sudan.
The closure is part of a broader Swedish government decision to restructure its international cooperation and diplomatic presence, with several offices in Africa reportedly affected.
South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the decision should not be interpreted as a breakdown in relations between the two countries.
Undersecretary John Samuel Bugo said Sweden had informed the government about the planned closure in advance and described relations between the two countries as "good and cordial".
“The Sweden Embassy was not an embassy as such because the embassy was based in Khartoum in 2012, and then they opened an office here in Juba after the independence of South Sudan,” Bugo said.
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He added: “Our relationship with Sweden will continue as it used to be, good and cordial.”
Sweden has also indicated that it will continue supporting South Sudan's development despite the closure of its Juba office, including through international financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
The development brings an end to Sweden's 18-year diplomatic presence in the country, but officials from both sides have sought to make clear that the closure is an administrative change rather than the end of cooperation.