South Sudan: Roadside ambush reported in Yei River state on September 1

Event

Police in South Sudan reported a roadside attack in Yei River state on Tuesday, September 1, that left two civilians dead and five others wounded. The ambush took place in Yei River State on the Yei-Lasu road, near Sanja-Siri town, with unknown gunmen targeting a civilian vehicle. Local authorities have called for an increased security presence in the area.

Further roadside bandit attacks are likely in the near term.

Context

Overland travel in all areas of South Sudan is hazardous. Banditry and lawlessness are common in remote regions, particularly along the borders with the DRC and Central African Republic. Violent crime in such areas often targets foreign nationals and there have been reports of foreign aid workers being victims of kidnapping, armed robbery, carjacking and murder. Criminal and militant ambushes occur regularly on roads in isolated parts of the country as well as on routes leading to Juba. The Juba-Nimule road and other routes near the border with Uganda have seen a particularly high number of attacks on convoys and single vehicles in recent years.

Advice

Due to the high threat of 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. Travelers 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.