South Sudan: Soldiers maintain visible presence in Juba amid fighting

Event

The South Sudan's People Liberation Army (SPLA) is maintaining a strong presence on the streets of Juba after taking control of the Riek Machar-led opposition forces' headquarters in Kodok, Upper Nile state, on April 26 after three days of fighting. Approximately 25,000 people were displaced due to the violence and peacekeepers were reportedly blocked from accessing the area. The SPLA has stated that it will continue to maintain a visible presence in Juba until allegations of a coup have dissipated. According to the government, soldiers have been deployed to ensure the safety and security of residents.

Separately, the United Nations (UN) announced that an advance team of at least 13 peacekeepers arrived in Juba on May 1. They are the first of some 4000 peacekeepers with an expanded mandate to use force who are expected to be deployed to the country by June or July. The government of South Sudan previously blocked their deployment to the country, where more than 12,000 peacekeepers are already deployed.

Context

A power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar escalated into a military conflict in December 2013, leading to tens of thousands of deaths. The conflict has pitted Kiir's Dinka ethnic group against Machar's Nuers. Other ethnic groups have also created militias that have allied with one side or the other, creating a complex network of opposing sides. The number of South Sudanese citizens displaced by conflict currently stands at some 3.5 million. At least 1.7 million people are estimated to have fled the country because of the war and 1.9 million are displaced internally. According to the UN, more than 390,000 South Sudanese have fled to neighboring Sudan since the beginning of the war in 2013, including 95,000 since early January 2017.

Advice

Most Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place and maintain a low profile at all times as criminals may target foreigners due to their perceived affluence. Be particularly vigilant after dusk and avoid traveling by foot after nightfall. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and all personal possessions stored out of sight.