The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan amid increasing violence and a Level 4 travel advisory remains in effect. Violent crimes in the country are common, and the U.S. government has limited consular support. The ongoing political rivalry threatens the fragile peace agreement between the nation’s leaders.
The United States government has mandated the immediate evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to a significant rise in violence, including crime, kidnappings, and armed conflicts. The Department of State issued this directive on Sunday. The travel advisory for South Sudan remains classified as Level 4, indicating that U.S. citizens are strongly discouraged from traveling to the region.
According to the advisory, violent crimes, such as carjackings, shootings, and assaults, are prevalent throughout South Sudan, including the capital city, Juba. Foreign nationals have suffered from a range of violent acts, including armed robbery and sexual assault. The U.S. government has limited capacity to provide emergency consular services to its citizens in the area.
Violence has intensified in South Sudan, jeopardizing a delicate peace agreement made between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. This agreement was established in 2018 to conclude a civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities. Machar, despite being the first vice president in a unity government, faces political opposition from Kiir, which continues to threaten peace efforts.
The State Department issues travel advisories based on varying levels of risks present in different countries. The Level 4 advisory signifies that there is a significant risk to life, prompting the U.S. government to recommend that citizens take precautionary measures, such as preparing a will and leaving DNA samples with medical providers.
For Americans who may still travel to South Sudan, the advisory recommends exercising extreme caution, especially in all regions of the country. Several other nations, including Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Haiti, also fall under the Level 4 advisory category issued by the State Department.
In summary, the U.S. has ordered the withdrawal of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to escalating violence and crime. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, signifying significant risks to Americans. The ongoing political tensions between South Sudan’s leaders pose further threats to stability in the region, requiring extreme caution from those who may travel there.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
