Dr. Kuol was reacting to Canada’s decision to temporarily suspend consular services for Canadians in South Sudan and operate its embassy from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking to Eye Radio in an exclusive interview, Dr. Kuol said the decision should concern the government because of Canada’s longstanding support for South Sudan. “You know, as an African, every time your friends or your relatives refuse to be part of you, it becomes a point of concern,” Dr. Kuol said. “Canada’s withdrawal should be taken as a concern because those are the people who have been supporting us,” he said. Dr. Kuol warned that continued deterioration in relations could have serious consequences and called for dialogue to prevent further tensions.