U.S. government issues travel warning for South Sudan

U.S. government issues travel warning for South Sudan

2011-07-13 18:16:06 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The U.S. government has issued a travel warning for the Republic of South Sudan which broke away from Sudan on Saturday to become the world's newest nation.

The travel warning was expected as a travel warning had long been in effect for Sudan. According to the U.S. State Department, American travelers should not travel to South Sudan and - if they do - avoid all travel to the states in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan.

The U.S. government noted that in recent months, skirmishes have broken out between forces loyal to the Government of Sudan and forces loyal to the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in this region. There has also been a build-up of military forces along both sides of the border and Sudanese aircraft have bombed areas in Unity and Southern Kordofan states.

"You should exercise extreme care in all areas of South Sudan. In addition to the fighting in the border region, there are at least seven different rebel militia forces that frequently engage in violent clashes with SPLA forces in various areas of South Sudan; these clashes can flare up with little warning," the travel warning said. "The Government of South Sudan has limited capacity to deter crime or provide security to travelers outside of the capital city of Juba."

Because of an increase in security-related incidents, the U.S. Embassy in Juba has imposed a curfew from 11.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. to better ensure the safety of its personnel. In addition to the curfew, the Embassy has implemented other measures to protect U.S. government personnel living and working in South Sudan. These include requiring personnel to travel in armored government vehicles at all times at night, and to obtain advance permission for any travel outside of Juba.

South Sudan became the world's 193rd country as recognized by the United Nations on Saturday. It followed a referendum in January during which 98.83 percent of the voters approved a breakaway from Sudan.

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