The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan due to increased crime and armed conflict. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, warning Americans against travel. Ongoing violence includes targeted injuries to foreign nationals, and tensions rise between government leaders, risking the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
The United States has mandated the immediate evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital, citing a rise in crime, kidnappings, and armed conflict. This announcement was made by the Department of State on Sunday. Currently, the travel advisory for South Sudan is at Level 4, advising Americans against travel to the country due to increasing violent crime incidents, including carjackings and targeted assaults on foreign nationals.
The travel advisory underscores the ongoing violence, stating that weapons are widely available among the public. Furthermore, it highlights the U.S. government’s limited capability to provide emergency consular services to American citizens in South Sudan. This warning emerges amidst heightened tensions threatening the fragile 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Recent clashes in Upper Nile State resulted in the arrests of several key associates of Riek Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy army chief. On Tuesday, military forces surrounded Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba without any formal explanation, prompting concerns that these detentions could undermine the delicate peace established in 2018, which concluded a civil war between their opposing factions.
Additionally, a recent attack on a United Nations helicopter during an evacuation operation in Nasir has aggravated the existing security crisis. The State Department has urged Americans in South Sudan to maintain a high level of caution, particularly in Juba. Attempts to contact Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth for comments were unsuccessful.
In summary, the United States has directed non-emergency staff to leave South Sudan due to escalating crime and conflict. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, discouraging travel to the region as violence and tensions threaten the peace agreement between key leaders. Recent incidents, including military detentions and attacks on UN missions, exacerbate the precarious situation. Americans in South Sudan are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
