The United States has instructed its non-emergency government personnel to depart South Sudan due to escalating security concerns, the State Department announced on Sunday.
This decision comes amid ongoing armed conflict, widespread violent crime, and rising political tensions in the country.
The State Department cited the presence of armed conflict, including fighting between various political and ethnic groups, as a significant concern.
Additionally, the widespread availability of weapons to the population has contributed to the volatile environment.
The United Nations rights agency has also warned that increased violence and political friction in South Sudan threaten the fragile peace process.
The 2018 peace deal, which ended a five-year civil war that claimed nearly 400,000 lives, is now under strain.
Recent arrests of ministers and military officials allied with opposition leader Riek Machar have raised fears for the future of the peace deal.
The State Department has also noted that violent crime, including carjackings, shootings, and kidnappings, is common throughout South Sudan, including in the capital, Juba.
As a result, the US government has ordered its non-emergency personnel to leave the country, citing the significant risks to their safety.
