The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to evacuate South Sudan’s capital due to rising violence and instability, maintaining a Level 4 travel advisory. Violent crimes, ongoing conflict, and governmental instability threaten the 2018 peace agreement between key leaders. Americans in South Sudan are advised to exercise extreme caution amid these developments.
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, as indicated by the Department of State on Sunday. The travel advisory for South Sudan remains at Level 4, signifying a strong warning against travel to the nation due to deteriorating safety conditions.
The advisory elaborates on rampant violent crimes such as carjackings, shootings, and kidnappings. Foreign nationals have been specifically targeted in assaults and armed robberies. It also highlights ongoing fighting and notes that the populace has ready access to weapons, creating a precarious situation for Americans in the area.
Furthermore, the State Department warns that its capability to deliver emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan is severely limited. This warning is particularly relevant in light of escalating tensions that pose a threat to the delicate 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Recent clashes in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State saw government forces arrest key allies of Riek Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy army chief. Government forces also surrounded Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba without any formal explanation, raising concerns among his supporters regarding the peace agreement’s stability.
In an additional incident, a United Nations helicopter was attacked while on an evacuation mission in Nasir, further intensifying the ongoing security crisis. Consequently, the State Department has urged any Americans present in South Sudan to practice extreme caution, particularly in the capital city of Juba. Meanwhile, attempts to reach Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth for comments were unsuccessful.
In conclusion, the U.S. government’s decision to evacuate non-emergency personnel from South Sudan emphasizes the escalating security concerns, marked by increased violence and strained political relations. The ongoing risks posed by armed conflict, kidnappings, and the government’s limited consular capabilities further necessitate caution among American citizens in the country. The fragile peace established in 2018 is increasingly threatened by recent political arrests and clashes.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
