The U.S. has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to increasing crime and violence, maintaining a Level 4 travel advisory. It warns of prevalent violent crime and limited emergency support for American citizens, amidst conflict affecting a fragile peace deal between political leaders.
The U.S. government has mandated the departure of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to rising incidents of crime and violence. The State Department cited increasing crime, kidnapping, and armed conflicts as key reasons for the departure and has maintained a Level 4 travel advisory, indicating that Americans should avoid traveling there. The advisory notes that violent crimes, such as carjackings, shootings, assaults, and kidnappings, are prevalent.
The U.S. travel advisory highlights that foreign nationals in South Sudan have been victims of various crimes, including sexual assaults. It also mentions the government’s limited ability to provide emergency consular services in the region, underscoring the dangers faced by Americans there.
Escalating violence in South Sudan poses a risk to a weakening peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, who signed a peace deal in 2018 to end a devastating civil war. Despite Machar serving as vice president, his political faction continues to oppose Kiir, leading to significant political tensions that hinder peace efforts.
The State Department’s Level 4 advisory is the highest warning issued, intended for instances of serious life-threatening risk. In such situations, Americans are encouraged to prepare for potential emergencies by making wills or providing DNA samples for identification. Travelers to South Sudan are urged to exercise extreme caution everywhere in the country, including in the capital, Juba.
Similar Level 4 advisories have been issued for numerous countries facing instability, such as Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Haiti, reflecting the global nature of such risks in volatile regions.
The U.S. has ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan due to escalating violence and a high risk of crime, while maintaining a Level 4 travel advisory. The political tension between President Kiir and Vice President Machar threatens peace efforts. Americans are advised to exercise extreme caution if traveling to the region, which faces significant threats.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
