U.S. Evacuates Non-Emergency Personnel from South Sudan Amid Violence Escalation

The U.S. has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to rising violence and crime. A Level 4 travel advisory remains in effect, warning Americans against travel to the country. Tensions between political leaders threaten ongoing peace efforts.

The United States government has mandated the immediate evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital, citing a surge in crime, kidnappings, and armed conflict, as reported by the Department of State on Sunday. Travelers are reminded that the advisory for South Sudan remains at Level 4, indicating that Americans should refrain from traveling to the country.

The advisory highlights that violent crimes, including carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings, are prevalent throughout South Sudan, particularly in the capital, Juba. Foreign nationals have been victims of severe crimes such as rape and armed robbery, contributing to the urgent nature of the advisory.

Currently, the U.S. government’s capacity to provide emergency consular services in South Sudan is significantly limited due to the escalating violence. The ongoing turmoil poses a threat to the precarious peace agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar after a devastating civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives.

Despite Machar serving as first vice president in a national unity government, strains persist between him and President Kiir, who regards Machar with suspicion, while Machar denounces Kiir’s leadership style as dictatorial. This rivalry is deemed a primary impediment to lasting peace in the nation.

The State Department regularly issues travel advisories, with Level 4 being the most severe, warning citizens of significant life-threatening risks. The department advises those who may travel to South Sudan to “exercise extreme care” throughout the country, including in Juba. Other nations currently under Level 4 advisories include Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Haiti.

In summary, the United States has ordered non-emergency personnel to evacuate South Sudan due to increasing violence and crime. The Department of State maintains a Level 4 travel advisory, reflecting severe risks to Americans. Tensions between South Sudan’s leaders continue to jeopardize peace efforts, and citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution if they choose to travel to the region.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com