The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan due to rising crime and conflict, maintaining a Level 4 travel advisory against visiting the region. The advisory points out ongoing violence and tensions surrounding the fragile peace pact between President Kiir and Vice President Machar.
The United States has mandated the immediate evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to an alarming rise in violent crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict, as stated by the Department of State. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, advising Americans against traveling to the nation indeed.
This advisory underlines the widespread violent crime that includes carjackings, shootings, and kidnappings, particularly targeting foreign nationals who face heightened risks of sexual assaults and armed robberies. Furthermore, the advisory notes ongoing conflicts and highlights the availability of weapons among the local populace.
The warning arises amid escalating tensions threatening the fragile peace accord established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Significant clashes in Upper Nile State this past week resulted in the arrests of close associates of Mr. Machar, including the Minister of Petroleum and a Deputy Army Chief.
Following these events, military personnel surrounded Riek Machar’s residence in Juba without offering any formal justification. His supporters cautioned that these detentions could jeopardize the tenuous peace established in 2018, which successfully ended a debilitating civil war.
Moreover, an attack on a United Nations helicopter during an evacuation mission in Nasir has further deepened the nation’s security crisis. The U.S. State Department has urged Americans in South Sudan to exercise utmost caution, particularly within Juba. Attempts to reach Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth for comments were unsuccessful.
In summary, the United States’ evacuation of non-emergency staff and the continued advisory against travel to South Sudan highlights the deteriorating security situation marked by increasing violent crimes and political tensions. The fragile peace agreement between key leaders is at risk due to recent clashes and arrests, necessitating vigilant caution from anyone currently in the country.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
