U.S. Orders Immediate Evacuation of Non-Emergency Personnel from South Sudan
The United States has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to escalating violence, including crime and armed conflict. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, warning Americans against travel and emphasizing the risks of violent crimes in the region. The ongoing political rivalry between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar further undermines peace efforts.
On Sunday, the United States government mandated the immediate evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to escalating violence, including increased crime, kidnappings, and armed conflict. The Department of State maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for the country, urging Americans against traveling there.
The travel advisory highlights the prevalence of violent crimes such as carjackings, shootings, and assaults in South Sudan, particularly in Juba, and warns that foreign nationals have fallen victim to serious offenses such as rape and armed robbery. Furthermore, the advisory emphasizes the U.S. government’s limited capacity to provide emergency consular services in the region.
The ongoing violence poses a significant threat to an already fragile peace agreement between South Sudan’s leaders, President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, who signed a peace treaty in 2018 to conclude a devastating civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities. Despite being part of a government of national unity, Machar’s political faction continues to oppose Kiir, exacerbating tensions.
The State Department’s Level 4 alert is the highest available and indicates a substantial risk to life. Citizens traveling to South Sudan are advised to take extreme precautions and prepare for dire circumstances by creating wills and providing medical providers with DNA samples for identification.
Additionally, the advisory notes that over a dozen countries, including Ukraine, Russia, and Syria, are similarly designated under Level 4, reflecting widespread threats to safety in various global regions.
In conclusion, the United States has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan, highlighting the deteriorating security situation characterized by rampant violent crime and political instability. With a Level 4 travel advisory in place, the U.S. government strongly cautions against travel to the nation, urging Americans to remain vigilant and prepared for potential dangers.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
