North Korea Closes Several Embassies, Including Some in Africa

North Korea confirmed today, Friday, that it will close several of its embassies in an effort to "effectively reorganize its diplomatic capabilities," a move that South Korea claims indicates Pyongyang is struggling under sanctions. A spokesperson for the North Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed the closure of some missions and mentioned that new missions have been opened. Observers concerned with international sanctions stated that "North Korean missions have at times engaged in illegal activities to raise funds for its operations and send money to Pyongyang." The South Korean Ministry of Unification noted that "the closure of some diplomatic missions by North Korea is a sign that it is facing difficulties in raising funds abroad due to international sanctions."