The U.S. has mandated the withdrawal of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital amid rising violence. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, warning against travel due to common violent crime. Tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar threaten the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, with the situation in South Sudan becoming increasingly perilous.
The United States has ordered the prompt withdrawal of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to a rise in violence, including crime, kidnappings, and armed conflict. This decision was announced by the Department of State on Sunday. The advisory regarding travel to South Sudan remains at Level 4, recommending against any travel to the country.
The advisory explicitly states, “Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are common throughout South Sudan, including Juba.” It further notes that foreign nationals have faced serious crimes like rape and armed robbery. Additionally, the U.S. government has limited capacity to provide emergency consular services to its citizens in the region.
The situation in South Sudan is deteriorating, jeopardizing a fragile peace agreement established between the nation’s leaders. In 2018, President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar signed a peace accord to conclude a devastating civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives. Although Machar holds the position of first vice president, his faction openly opposes Kiir’s regime, contributing to ongoing political tension.
The rivalry between President Kiir and Vice President Machar is perceived as a significant hindrance to stability, with Kiir mistrusting Machar’s intentions and Machar accusing Kiir of authoritarianism. The State Department issues travel advisories, with Level 4 being the most severe, indicating a critical risk to life. Under such advisories, individuals are advised to prepare wills and leave DNA samples for identification.
For those contemplating travel to South Sudan, the State Department emphasizes the necessity of exercising extreme caution throughout the country, including in its capital, Juba. Furthermore, numerous other nations, including Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Haiti, have also been categorized under Level 4 due to heightened risks.
In conclusion, the U.S. government’s directive for non-emergency personnel to exit South Sudan underscores escalating violence and insecurity in the region. The persistent political strife between the nation’s leaders poses a severe risk to the peace and safety of both residents and foreign nationals. With the travel advisory at Level 4, citizens are urged to reconsider any plans to travel to South Sudan and to exercise utmost caution if they choose to proceed.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
