WASHINGTON DC
The United States on
Tuesday issued a travel advisory to its citizens against travelling to South
Sudan, a day after recalling its ambassador to the world’s youngest nation.
"Violent
crime, such as carjacking, 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," it said.
The safety
warning further said armed conflict in South Sudan is ongoing and includes
fighting between various political and ethnic groups. It pointed out that weapons
are readily available to the population.
The travel
advisory also warned journalists that reporting in South Sudan without the
proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is considered
illegal, and any journalistic work there is very dangerous.
The US State
Department, however, advised its citizens who are planning to travel to South
Sudan to exercise extreme care in all parts of the country, including
Juba.
“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,” it
said.
The US
government also urged its citizens to void travel along border areas.
South Sudan
President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar and a handful of other
opposition groups signed a peace deal in September 2018. The rival leaders had
been unable to create a unified army and determine the number of states since
the deal was signed.
On November
7, the parties agreed to give themselves another 100 days beyond the November
12 deadline to form the transitional government.
The United
States, the top humanitarian donor to South Sudan, said it was frustrated by
rival leaders for failing to form the unity government as scheduled. -
Africa
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