South Sudan: Deadly militant clashes leaves four dead in Central Equatoria state May 5

Event

Deadly militant clashes in Central Equatoria state on Tuesday, May 5, left at least four people dead and several others wounded. The fighting reportedly erupted when members of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and South Sudan People's Defense Force (SSPFD) militants attacked several military bases belonging to militants from the National Salvation Front. Engagements were reported in Lainya, Yei, Ketigiri, Wonduruba, and Kupera areas of the state.

Further clashes are possible in the area over the near term.

Context

South Sudan has been wracked by years of political, interethnic, and intercommunal violence - exacerbated by border and oil revenue disputes with Sudan. President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar signed an initial peace agreement in September 2018, following a series of negotiations. The unity government was only agreed on February 22, 2020.

Advice

Due to the high threat of intercommunal conflict and violent crime, all travel to South Sudan should be subject to a thorough localized threat assessment and undertaken in coordination with a trusted security provider. Members are advised to subject all travel, particularly to remote and rural areas, to strict journey management protocols. Avoid travel at night, vary routines and maintain a heightened sense of situational awareness. Monitor local media sources to remain apprised of security-related developments and adhere to any directives issued by local authorities.