U.S. Orders Non-Emergency Staff Withdrawal from South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions
The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan due to increasing crime and conflict as tensions threaten a fragile peace agreement. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, discouraging travel to the country.
The United States Department of State has mandated the immediate departure of all non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital, due to a significant uptick in crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. This directive coincides with the country’s travel advisory remaining at Level 4, indicating that American citizens should refrain from traveling to South Sudan.
The travel advisory underscores a concerning prevalence of violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, and kidnappings, particularly targeting foreign nationals who face risks of sexual assaults, armed robberies, and other attacks. It further notes ongoing hostilities, stating that “weapons are readily available to the population,” and acknowledges the U.S. government’s limited capacity to provide emergency assistance to citizens in the region.
This warning arises amidst escalating tensions that threaten the tenuous 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent clashes in Upper Nile State between government forces and an armed faction have resulted in the arrest of prominent allies of Mr. Machar, including the petroleum minister and the deputy army chief.
Moreover, military personnel have encircled Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba, although no formal rationale has been given for this action. Supporters of Mr. Machar have expressed concerns that these detentions could jeopardize the delicate peace accord that concluded a civil war between Kilr’s and Machar’s factions.
The situation further deteriorated on Friday when a United Nations helicopter, engaged in an evacuation operation, was attacked in Nasir, escalating the security crisis. In light of these developments, the State Department continues to advise Americans in South Sudan to exercise “extreme caution,” particularly while in Juba. Attempts to reach Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth for comments were unsuccessful.
In summary, the U.S. has mandated the immediate withdrawal of non-emergency staff from South Sudan due to rising security risks. The current travel advisory, rated Level 4, warns Americans against traveling to the country amid ongoing violent crime and potential threats to safety. Escalating tensions over the fragile peace agreement have exacerbated the situation, underscored by recent arrests of key political figures and attacks on UN missions.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
