The U.S. has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan amid rising violence, reinforcing a Level 4 travel advisory. This advisory outlines the prevalence of violent crime and expresses concern over the government’s limited capacity to offer assistance to Americans in the region. The ongoing political tensions threaten the fragile peace established by key leaders in South Sudan.
In response to rising violence in South Sudan, the United States has mandated the immediate departure of non-emergency personnel from the capital, as announced by the Department of State. The agency cited a notable increase in crime and armed conflict within the region, prompting the issuance of a Level 4 travel advisory, which warns Americans against travel to South Sudan.
The travel advisory highlights the prevalence of violent crime, including carjackings, shootings, and kidnappings, which are common across South Sudan, particularly in Juba. The advisory also notes that foreign nationals have suffered severe crimes, such as rape and armed robberies, indicating heightened risks for individuals within the country.
Given the deteriorating security situation, the U.S. government has acknowledged its limited ability to provide emergency consular services to American citizens in South Sudan. The current instability threatens the fragile peace established by President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, who signed a peace accord in 2018 to conclude a devastating civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities.
The political rivalry persists between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, viewed as a substantial barrier to sustainable peace. Kiir harbors suspicions regarding Machar’s ambitions, while Machar has openly criticized Kiir’s leadership style as dictatorial. The State Department’s Level 4 travel advisory indicates a heightened risk of life-threatening danger, urging Americans to take necessary precautions, including preparing wills and providing DNA samples for identification.
In light of these circumstances, the Department of State advises any Americans who may choose to travel to South Sudan to exercise extreme caution, with similar advisories affecting countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Iraq, and Venezuela, all categorized under Level 4.
The U.S. Department of State has mandated the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to escalating violence and an increase in crime. With a Level 4 travel advisory in place, Americans are urged not to travel to the region and to exercise extreme caution when considering any visits. The ongoing political tensions between the nation’s leaders further complicate the already precarious security situation, with the government unable to guarantee the safety of its citizens and foreign nationals.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
