The U.S. Department of State has updated its Travel Advisory for South Sudan as of March 8, 2025, maintaining a Level 4 warning against travel due to security threats. This advisory reflects the ordered departure of non-emergency personnel from Juba, highlighting ongoing armed conflicts and violent crime endemic to the area. Journalism in South Sudan is also perilous without proper documentation.
The Department of State has revised its Travel Advisory for South Sudan as of March 8, 2025, due to the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel in Juba. The advisory remains at Level 4, indicating a strong warning against travel to the country. This update supersedes the previous advisory issued on July 31, 2023.
The updated Travel Advisory explicitly warns against travel to South Sudan owing to significant security threats, including crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The advisory highlights ongoing armed conflicts characterized by fighting among various political and ethnic factions, where weapons are abundantly available.
Historically, violent crimes such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are prevalent, impacting areas including the capital, Juba. Foreign nationals have been particularly vulnerable, experiencing incidents of rape and armed robbery in the country.
Furthermore, any reporting in South Sudan without the appropriate clearance from the South Sudanese Media Authority is deemed illegal. Journalistic activities are fraught with enormous risks, as journalists often face harassment, and numerous incidents of killings have been reported while covering the conflict.
In conclusion, the Department of State’s updated Travel Advisory for South Sudan underscores the severe risks associated with travel in the region. The continued conflict, rampant violent crime, and stringent regulations against journalism necessitate heightened caution for any potential travelers.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
