February 14th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – The United Kingdom has advised its citizens of travelling to South Sudan over what it said is an increasing inter-communal violence and criminality in the country’s capital Juba.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said in a statement seen by Nyamilepedia this afternoon that as the country approaches the February deadline in which the government and opposition groups are expected to form the long-awaited Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), there was need for the citizens to avoid travel to the world’s youngest nation.
“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to South Sudan,” the foreign office said in a statement this afternoon.
“If you choose to travel to South Sudan against FCO advice, you should ensure that you exercise caution and vigilance at all times, have robust contingency plans in place, and avoid any travel during the hours of darkness,” the travel warning further added.
“Levels of intercommunal violence remain high across the country, and there are sporadic reports of fighting between armed groups in certain areas. It is possible that such violence will increase in the run-up to, and beyond, the late February deadline for the formation of a new Transitional Government of National Unity.
“There are also regular reports of serious criminality in Juba, particularly during the hours of darkness. There’s no official government curfew in Juba, but the British Embassy and most international organisations observe a self-imposed curfew, the timing of which changes in response to the situation.
“Juba Airport is open and commercial flights are operating, but you should check flight schedules with airlines before travelling to the airport. Timings are subject to change at short notice. You should make sure you have a valid visa before travelling.
“Consular support is severely limited in South Sudan. The British Embassy in Juba does not have a consular section. If you are in South Sudan and need urgent help from the UK Government, contact the British High Commission in Nairobi.
“If you choose to travel, you should monitor this travel advice, subscribe to email alerts for updates, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
“You should be vigilant of the local security situation, monitor the local media, and stay in a safe location. Most international organisations in South Sudan employ a security manager to monitor the situation and keep employees safe.”
