British citizens warned of ‘serious criminality’ in South Sudan amid escalating violence

JUBA – The British government has renewed its warning against all travel to South Sudan after week of fighting in the country’s north between rebel groups and the government that witnessed the killing of the commissioner of Unity State’s Mayom County Maj. Gen. Chuol Gatluak Manimeh.

In an advisory on its website, the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it advice its citizens against travel to South Sudan where sporadic fighting in different parts of the country has been reported despite a 2018 peace deal that has since reduced political violence.

“The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all travel to South Sudan. If you choose to travel to South Sudan against FCDO advice, exercise caution and vigilance at all times and avoid any travel during the hours of darkness,” the advisory reads in part.

“A ceasefire is currently in place, and has largely held since September 2018. However, there are regular reports of intercommunal violence in some areas of the country, as well as sporadic reports of fighting between armed groups,” it added.

It said that “Serious criminality in Juba, and other urban areas, particularly during the hours of darkness, is also a regular concern. A deterioration in the security situation remains possible, and could be prompted by a number of factors including developments in the fragile economy and the ongoing peace process.”

“In the event of a serious deterioration in the security situation, similar to those of July 2016 and December 2013, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may be closed or inaccessible, and flights may be suspended at short notice.

“Regional developments may also increase the unpredictability of infrastructure and transport, as happened in April 2019 when events in Sudan led to the temporary closure of South Sudan’s airspace.

“The main road connecting Juba to Uganda is extremely dangerous, with regular reports of accidents and attacks on vehicles by armed groups.

The advise further said that “Terrorist attacks in South Sudan can’t be ruled out.”