Uganda closes embassy in South Sudan amid clashes

The Ugandan government on Wednesday said it had closed its embassy in South Sudan's capital Juba amid clashes. Fred Opolot, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Xinhua on telephone that it was prudent to close its mission in Juba for the safety and security of the staff. "At the height of the skirmishes, it was prudent that the mission (embassy) be closed to ensure security and safety of the staff," said Opolot. "As soon as the situation stabilizes our staff will return back to resume work at the mission," he added. The move comes barely a day after the United States closed its embassy in Juba and advised its citizens to immediately leave the country. Opolot said if the clashes between soldiers loyal to the sacked former vice president, Riek Machar, and incumbent President Salva Kiir continue to escalate, the government will evacuate the embassy staff and citizens trapped in the fighting. "At the moment our staffs are still there helping us to monitor the situation. Once the situation escalates then they will be evacuated," said Opolot. The clashes in Juba started on Sunday following an alleged coup attempt by a group of soldiers who raided an armory at the army's main barracks in Juba.