LEVEL 4:Do not travel to South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
Nov 5, 2019(Nyamilepedia) —The US Department of State puts South Sudan on level 4 and warn citizens not to travel to anywhere in South Sudan including the capital, Juba, due to high crime rates, kidnapping and armed conflict.
“Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes.” Reads part of US Department of State warning published on their website and extended to their embassy in South Sudan.
“Armed conflict is ongoing throughout the country and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups, and weapons are readily available to the population.”
The statement further warns that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan adding that U.S. government personnel in South Sudan are under a strict curfew.
“They must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements in the city, and official travel outside Juba is limited. Due to the critical crime threat in Juba, walking is also restricted; when allowed, it is limited to a small area in the immediate vicinity of the Embassy and must usually be conducted in groups of two or more during daylight hours. Family members cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in South Sudan.” The warning reads.
The statement further adds if you decide to travel to South Sudan you must exercise extreme care in all parts of the country, including Juba or travel outside of Juba with a minimum of two vehicles along with appropriate recovery and medical equipment in case of mechanical failure or other emergency.
The department issued many conditions such as:
- Avoid travel along border areas.
- Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Even events intended to be peaceful can become violent.
- Be aware that photography in public is strictly controlled and you are required to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Information before taking any photographs or video in public – including while inside a vehicle.
- Monitor local/international news and consular messages.
- Enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Review your personal security plan and visit our page on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
The warnings are reiterated by other western countries as South Sudan heads to another shaky period where the peace agreement signed in 2018 could collapse.
South Sudan’s main rivals will meet today in Uganda and will meet again in the neighboring Ethiopia to decide whether they should form a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity on November 12 although many provisions that should have been implemented in the last 12 months are yet to be implemented.
