Recently, as the first elections since South Sudan's independence are approaching, tensions in the country have increased. According to Al Jazeera's report on August 24th, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan announced that a United Nations peacekeeping patrol was ambushed by unidentified armed men in the state of Jonglei, South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of two peacekeepers.
The statement did not disclose the identities and nationalities of the two peacekeeping personnel who died. Additionally, three peacekeepers, two South Sudanese police officers, and two civilian staff members of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan were injured. The statement emphasized that lethal violence against the mission personnel is unacceptable, and the mission has deployed rapid response forces to ensure safety in the area and support emergency responses.
Al Jazeera pointed out that tensions in South Sudan are intensifying, and the risk of a civil war is increasing. The coalition agreement reached between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit and opposition leader Rick Malis in 2018 has broken down. Malis was removed from his position as vice president at the beginning of last year, and he faces several accusations.
thereafter, there were several conflicts between government troops and forces loyal to Masar. In December last year, opposition armed forces occupied a government military post in Kilimo State. As a result, the government forces launched air strikes and ground attacks, and the conflict faced the risk of further escalation.
South Sudan is expected to hold its first election since independence on December 22 this year. However, there are widespread concerns that the elections may not be conducted smoothly, given the intensifying political rivalries and frequent violent conflicts within South Sudan.
According to a report on the WeChat public account “Nanjing Sudan Travel” on August 25th, in the face of the tense situation in South Sudan, the Chinese embassy in South Sudan issued a reminder: As the presidential election approaches at the end of the year, the political situation in South Sudan remains unstable, and security risks have significantly increased.
The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan reminds all Chinese citizens and enterprises residing in South Sudan to always pay attention to the situation, strengthen security awareness, reduce unnecessary outings, and stay away from conflict-prone areas. In case of an emergency, remain calm and, while ensuring your own safety, report to the embassy for help as soon as possible. Chinese citizens planning to travel to South Sudan are advised to carefully assess the risks involved and should postpone their trips unless it is an emergency.
South Sudan Emergency Call Number: 112
South Sudan embassys consulate contact and assistance phone number:
+211-912386015
Foreign Affairs Ministry Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24 Hours)
+86-10-12308
+86-10-65612308
