JUBA — The United States of America has warned its citizens against traveling to South Sudan due to the Coronavirus pandemic, crime, kidnapping and armed conflict in the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the US Department of State placed South Sudan in Level 4, the highest level of travel advisories.
A travel advisory is an official warning statement issued by government agencies to provide information about the relative safety of travelling to or visiting one or more specific foreign countries or destinations.
“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 stated.
According to the State Department, armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups.
“Weapons are readily available to the population. In addition, cattle raids occur throughout the country and often lead to violence,” further read the statement.
“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan. U.S. government personnel in South Sudan are under a strict curfew,” it added.
