Dar es Salaam, March 24 -- Juba, SOUTH SUDAN: Germany has temporarily closed its embassy in South Sudans capital, Juba, saying Africas newest country is on the verge of civil war amid reports of heightened tensions between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy, Riek Machar.

The German Foreign Office announced the move on Saturday, two weeks after the US ordered its non-emergency government personnel in South Sudan to leave the country, citing security concerns.

“After years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war. President Kiir and Vice President Machar are plunging the country into a spiral of violence,” the ministry wrote on X.

“Germany has decided to temporarily clos...