South Sudan's government has announced that it is planning to reduce the number of the country's foreign missions and diplomatic staff.

The world’s youngest nation has been struggling to pay its diplomats and maintain its embassies around the globe. Currently, South Sudan has diplomatic presence in 24 countries in Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and America.

In a press statement after the cabinet meeting last Friday, South Sudan’s deputy minister of information, Lily Albino Akol Akol said the government has resolved to reduce the number of foreign missions and embassy staff.

Lily, however, did not say which or how many embassies were going to be shut down.

“The ministry of foreign affairs will also consider staff reductions in the headquarters to improve the quality of service. The ministry will also look into the deployment of ambassadors and support staff,” she said.

“The proposed reforms will also consider redeployment of ambassadors … It will also look at multiple accreditations so that our embassies and missions will be able to serve in more than one state,” she added.

The deputy minister noted that huge economic cost generated by the expansion of the country’s diplomatic presence in many countries is behind the move.

Lily pointed out that the new plan would be implemented immediately.” The reforms would start this December through May 2019,” she said.