The U.S. ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan due to escalating crime and conflict. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, urging Americans not to travel. Rising violence, including assaults and political arrests, threatens an existing peace agreement. The U.S. government can only provide limited consular services in the area.
The United States Department of State has mandated the immediate evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to a surge in crime and armed conflict. The travel advisory for South Sudan remains at Level 4, advising Americans against traveling to the region due to escalating violence, including carjackings, kidnappings, and assaults targeting foreign nationals.
The advisory underscores the ongoing fighting and readily available weapons among the populace, further complicating the security landscape. The U.S. government has indicated a limited capacity to offer emergency consular services for American citizens in South Sudan, highlighting the need for caution amid these developments.
This directive arrives at a time of rising tensions that threaten the fragile 2018 peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent clashes between armed groups and government forces have resulted in the arrests of significant supporters of Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the peace accord.
Moreover, a recent assault on a United Nations helicopter engaged in an evacuation mission in Nasir has intensified the nation’s security crisis. The State Department continues to recommend that any Americans present in South Sudan exercise extreme caution, particularly within the capital, Juba.
In conclusion, the United States has taken significant measures to protect its personnel amid growing security concerns in South Sudan. The ongoing violence and recent political developments pose serious risks to both American citizens and the stability of the peace process. It is crucial for individuals in the region to heed the State Department’s warnings and those involved in the peace agreement to work towards maintaining stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
