JUBA, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan said on Thursday that accreditation of more envoys shows Juba was still open to business, diplomatic engagement with other countries in the region and globally, despite the tainted image due to more than four years of violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mawien Makol told Xinhua in Juba that the accreditation of the five envoys from Pakistan, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Namibia and Nigeria meant the youngest nation is now slowly building it's profile on the international scene.
"It means South Sudan is still able to receive new diplomatic engagement and cooperation with other countries, despite the ongoing crisis," Makol revealed.
The five ambassadors presented their credentials to President Salva Kiir and both the Nigerian and Sudanese envoys will take up residence in Juba while the rest non-residence.
South Sudan is grappling with a weakened economy due to hyper inflation after oil production plummeted due to ongoing conflict, amid huge humanitarian suffering that has forced thousands to flee to neighbouring countries as refugees.
The UN and global powers have condemned the ongoing violence, and urged the South Sudanese warring parties to end the conflict and even threatened arms embargo and sanctions, leading to strained relations and standing of the nation.
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.
The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing Machar to flee into exile.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
