The American government warned citizens to leave South Sudan immediately because another civil war might start soon. Officials sent out this warning on March 8, 2025, telling Americans not to visit the East African nation at all. The State Department ordered all non-emergency staff to pack up and leave the country immediately. They described many dangers, including crime, kidnapping, and active fighting.
Armed battles happen regularly between different political groups and tribes across South Sudan. Most people can easily find weapons throughout the country. Violent fights often break out when cattle raiders attack communities. These problems affect every part of the nation, even the capital city called Juba.
Dangerous situations face visitors daily, including carjackings, people shooting guns, surprise attacks, beatings, theft, and kidnappings. Many foreigners suffered terrible experiences like rape, sexual attacks, armed robberies, and other violent acts. Reporters from America face extra dangers when working in South Sudan.
Any journalist needs official papers from the South Sudanese Media Authority before reporting news there. Many reporters faced harassment, and several died, covering stories about conflicts. Embassy workers must follow strict safety rules if they stay behind in South Sudan.
These remaining American officials cannot go outside after certain hours each day. They travel only in bulletproof cars for almost every trip. Their movements outside Juba hardly ever happen. Walking around brings danger, so officials can only walk during daylight in small areas very close to the Embassy building.
This travel warning came after authorities detained Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam recently. He serves as Deputy Chief of Defense Forces and leads the opposition army under First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. His detention might signal growing tensions that could lead to widespread fighting once again.
Armed battles happen regularly between different political groups and tribes across South Sudan. Most people can easily find weapons throughout the country. Violent fights often break out when cattle raiders attack communities. These problems affect every part of the nation, even the capital city called Juba.
Dangerous situations face visitors daily, including carjackings, people shooting guns, surprise attacks, beatings, theft, and kidnappings. Many foreigners suffered terrible experiences like rape, sexual attacks, armed robberies, and other violent acts. Reporters from America face extra dangers when working in South Sudan.
Any journalist needs official papers from the South Sudanese Media Authority before reporting news there. Many reporters faced harassment, and several died, covering stories about conflicts. Embassy workers must follow strict safety rules if they stay behind in South Sudan.
These remaining American officials cannot go outside after certain hours each day. They travel only in bulletproof cars for almost every trip. Their movements outside Juba hardly ever happen. Walking around brings danger, so officials can only walk during daylight in small areas very close to the Embassy building.
This travel warning came after authorities detained Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam recently. He serves as Deputy Chief of Defense Forces and leads the opposition army under First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. His detention might signal growing tensions that could lead to widespread fighting once again.
