U.S. Orders Non-Emergency Personnel to Evacuate South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

The U.S. has ordered non-emergency staff to leave South Sudan’s capital amid rising crime, kidnappings, and escalating tensions which threaten the 2018 peace deal. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, warning all Americans against travel due to violent crime targeting foreign nationals. Significant political unrest is evident following recent arrests and attacks affecting security operations.

The United States has mandated the immediate evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to escalating crime, kidnappings, and violent conflicts. As announced by the Department of State, the travel advisory remains at Level 4, indicating that Americans should avoid traveling to the nation.

The advisory underlines the pervasive violent crime prevalent in South Sudan, which includes incidents such as carjackings, shootings, and kidnappings. Foreign nationals are specifically at risk of sexual assaults and armed robberies. It also highlights ongoing combat situations and the easy availability of weapons among the population.

The advisory coincides with rising tensions that threaten the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent clashes in Upper Nile State resulted in the detention of key associates of Mr. Machar, further straining the already tenuous political landscape.

Armed groups engaged government forces, leading to heightened security concerns. The military has reportedly encircled Mr. Machar’s residence, although no formal rationale has been provided for these actions. Supporters have cautioned that such detentions could jeopardize the peace accord, which ended a lengthy civil conflict in the region.

Additionally, an attack on a United Nations helicopter on an evacuation mission in Nasir has worsened the security situation. In light of these developments, the State Department advises Americans in the region to exercise extreme caution, particularly in Juba. Attempts to reach Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth for comment were unsuccessful.

In conclusion, the U.S. Department of State’s decision to evacuate non-emergency personnel from South Sudan highlights serious security concerns due to rising violence and crime. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, recommending against travel to the country, especially amidst ongoing tensions that threaten the fragile peace established in 2018. The recent detention of political figures has only exacerbated an already precarious situation, calling for extreme caution among any Americans present.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org