The Department of State has issued a revised Travel Advisory for South Sudan, maintaining a Level 4 – Do Not Travel status due to ongoing violence and security threats. Non-emergency U.S. government personnel have been ordered to depart from Juba. The advisory highlights rampant violent crime and legal dangers for journalists in the region.
The Department of State has updated its Travel Advisory for South Sudan as of March 8, 2025, following the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Juba. The advisory remains at a Level 4 – Do Not Travel, indicating serious risks. This new advisory supersedes the previous one issued on July 31, 2023.
The updated advisory emphasizes the security threats present in South Sudan, including ongoing armed conflict among various political and ethnic factions. The easy availability of weapons further exacerbates these threats, with frequent cattle raids that often escalate into violence.
Violent crime rates in South Sudan are alarmingly high, particularly in areas such as Juba. Incidents of carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are prevalent. Foreign nationals are especially vulnerable, having been subjected to severe crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery.
Moreover, individuals seeking to report in South Sudan without adequate documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority face significant legal risks. Journalistic activities in the region are perilous, with many journalists experiencing harassment and even fatalities while covering local conflicts.
In summary, the revised Travel Advisory for South Sudan underscores the heightened dangers associated with travel to the region. The ongoing armed conflicts, rampant violent crime, and legal risks for journalists necessitate extreme caution or the avoidance of travel altogether. Individuals should heed these guidelines to ensure their safety.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
