North Korea continues to close its embassies around the world, with the recent announcement of the closure of its embassy in Angola. This unilateral decision comes in a context where the North Korean regime is encountering economic and diplomatic difficulties.
The North Korean ambassador to Angola paid a farewell visit to the country’s leader, signifying the severance of diplomatic relations between the two countries. For many years, North Korea sent workers to Angola and secured construction contracts, but international sanctions have made these economic activities increasingly complicated.
This closure comes after that of the embassy in Uganda, announced last week. In this country also, North Korea has decided to end a diplomatic presence which lasted more than fifty years. According to the North Korean authorities, this decision aims to “increase the effectiveness of action in Africa”, but it is also indicative of the regime’s financial difficulties.
Indeed, North Korea has a vast diplomatic network with 46 embassies and consulates around the world, including 12 in Africa. However, the regime appears to be struggling to maintain these establishments due to the shortage of foreign currency. Since 2020, sanctions imposed by the United Nations have limited North Korea’s economic activities and also led to a reduction in the number of North Korean workers overseas.
In the coming weeks, more North Korean embassies may be closed, reflecting the regime’s financial woes and shifting diplomatic ambitions. Countries that decide to close their North Korean embassies could reflect the regime’s desire to refocus its diplomatic efforts or attract needed financial resources.
In conclusion, the closure of North Korea’s embassy in Angola and Uganda highlights the economic difficulties facing the regime and the changes in its diplomatic objectives. With a struggling diplomatic network, North Korea will need to find solutions to maintain a significant international presence while meeting its economic needs.