U.S. Orders Non-Emergency Personnel to Exit South Sudan Due to Violence Escalation
The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan amid rising violence and crime, maintaining a Level 4 travel advisory. The situation threatens a fragile peace deal between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, with serious implications for safety and political stability.
The U.S. Department of State has mandated the departure of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to a significant rise in violence, including crime, kidnappings, and armed conflict. The travel advisory for South Sudan remains at Level 4, indicating that Americans should refrain from traveling to the country.
According to the advisory, violent crimes such as carjackings, assaults, and kidnappings are prevalent in South Sudan, with similar incidents occurring in Juba. Foreign nationals have been reported as victims of various violent crimes, including sexual assault. The U.S. government’s capacity to provide emergency consular services in South Sudan is described as “limited.”
In recent months, violence in South Sudan has escalated, jeopardizing the peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The two leaders signed a peace deal in 2018 aimed at ending a civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities. Although Machar is currently the first vice president in a unity government, his political faction remains in opposition to Kiir.
The ongoing political rivalry between Kiir and Machar is regarded as a significant barrier to achieving lasting peace in South Sudan. Kiir harbors doubts regarding Machar’s intentions, while Machar accuses Kiir of dictatorial governance.
The State Department issues travel advisories categorized by risk level, with Level 4 being the most serious designation. This level signifies a heightened risk to life and safety. The department advises Americans traveling to South Sudan to consider their safety seriously and take precautions, including preparing a will and providing DNA samples for identification purposes if necessary.
Furthermore, the State Department has designated more than a dozen countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Haiti, under this same Level 4 designation, highlighting the widespread concern for safety in various regions globally.
The U.S. government has taken decisive action due to escalating violence and crime in South Sudan, advising non-emergency personnel to leave the capital. The travel advisory remains at its highest level, emphasizing the risks for Americans considering travel. The political tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar continue to pose significant challenges to peace, underlining the precarious situation in the region.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
