U.S. Orders Withdrawal of Non-Emergency Personnel from South Sudan Amid Violence

The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan due to rising violence and crime, maintaining a Level 4 travel advisory. The ongoing political tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar further complicate the fragile peace in the country.

The United States has mandated the immediate departure of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to escalating violence, as reported by the Department of State. This directive follows a rise in crime, including kidnapping and armed conflict, as well as a heightened risk for U.S. citizens in the region.

Currently, the travel advisory for South Sudan remains at Level 4, indicating that Americans are discouraged from traveling to the country due to the prevalence of violent crime. The advisory highlights incidents of carjackings, shootings, and armed robberies, with foreign nationals often becoming targets of such violence.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing political rivalry between South Sudan’s leaders, President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Despite their 2018 peace agreement aimed at concluding a bloody civil war, tensions remain high, impacting the fragile peace in the nation. Machar, as part of the national unity government, often opposes Kiir, who views him with suspicion.

The State Department’s travel advisories serve as critical warnings for Americans, with Level 4 representing the highest alert due to life-threatening risks. Those advised to travel to South Sudan are warned to exercise extreme caution, particularly in the capital, Juba, where dangers are notably prevalent. Other countries facing similar high-risk designations include Ukraine, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela.

In summary, the U.S. government has ordered non-emergency personnel to evacuate South Sudan due to increasing violence and crime. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, advising against travel to the country and highlighting potential dangers. The ongoing conflict between the nation’s leaders continues to threaten stability, underscoring the precarious situation within South Sudan.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com