Türkiye’s ambassador to South Sudan dies

Türkiye’s ambassador to South Sudan, Metin Ergin, died on November 2, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan offered condolences to Ergin’s family and colleagues in a social media post, praising his service to the country.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ambassador Metin Ergin, who represented our country in South Sudan,” Fidan said.

Güney Sudan’da devletimizi temsil eden Büyükelçi Metin Ergin’i kaybetmenin derin üzüntüsü içindeyiz.

Ülkemize 35 sene boyunca özveriyle hizmet etmiş olan Büyükelçi Ergin'e Allah’tan rahmet; değerli ailesine, yakınlarına ve camiamıza başsağlığı diliyorum.

— Hakan Fidan (@HakanFidan) November 3, 2026

South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over Ergin’s death.

The ministry extended its condolences to the government and people of Türkiye, the Turkish Embassy in Juba and Ergin’s family.

“Ambassador Ergin was a great friend of South Sudan, and his passing is a profound loss to the diplomatic community,” the statement said.

It added that his dedication and contributions to strengthening relations between South Sudan and Türkiye would be remembered with respect and appreciation.

The ministry said it stands in solidarity with the government and people of Türkiye during the period of mourning.

Ergin joined the Turkish Foreign Ministry in 1992 and previously served as consul general in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Antwerp, Belgium.

A memorial ceremony will be held at the Foreign Ministry in Ankara on November 5. He will be buried at Istanbul’s Zincirlikuyu Cemetery on November 6.