The US has ordered its non-emergency government personnel in South Sudan to leave the country because of security concerns, the state department said on Sunday.
"Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population," the state department said.
The UN rights agency said on Saturday that increased violence and political friction in South Sudan threatened the fragile peace process.
Earlier this month, security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir arrested two ministers and several senior military officials allied with First Vice-President Riek Machar.
The arrests have raised fears for the future of a 2018 peace deal which ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar that cost nearly 400,000 lives.
The state department said violent crime including carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are common throughout South Sudan, including in Juba.
The area is very dangerous for journalists as well as US government employees, who are under strict curfew and must use armoured vehicles for nearly all movements.
Reuters
US orders its non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan
Image: REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri
The US has ordered its non-emergency government personnel in South Sudan to leave the country because of security concerns, the state department said on Sunday.
"Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population," the state department said.
The UN rights agency said on Saturday that increased violence and political friction in South Sudan threatened the fragile peace process.
Earlier this month, security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir arrested two ministers and several senior military officials allied with First Vice-President Riek Machar.
The arrests have raised fears for the future of a 2018 peace deal which ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar that cost nearly 400,000 lives.
The state department said violent crime including carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are common throughout South Sudan, including in Juba.
The area is very dangerous for journalists as well as US government employees, who are under strict curfew and must use armoured vehicles for nearly all movements.
Reuters
READ MORE:
General among dozens killed in attack on UN helicopter evacuation in South Sudan
Another South Sudan minister arrested in escalation of standoff
South Sudan detains oil minister, military officials: VP's spokesperson
Attack on South Sudan cattle camps kills 35, says community leader
South Sudan suspends social media platforms over videos of Sudan killings
South Sudan says 16 Sudanese nationals killed in last week's unrest
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
News and promos in your inbox
subscribeMost read
Latest Videos