Countries issue travel warnings as violence escalates in South Sudan, with Türkiye joining a growing list of nations urging their citizens to avoid nonessential travel to the troubled region.
Rising tensions and clashes in and around the capital Juba have prompted a wave of international alerts highlighting the country’s unstable security situation.
The Turkish Embassy in Juba issued its warning following a recent surge in armed confrontations, advising Turkish nationals already in the country to remain in contact with embassy officials. According to local news, violence has spread to the outskirts of the capital, raising fears of broader instability.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, remains the world’s youngest nation. However, it has struggled with almost continuous unrest since late 2013, when a political power struggle between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and former Vice President Riek Machar spiraled into a civil war. Despite peace agreements signed in 2018 and again in 2022, the country continues to experience sporadic outbreaks of violence, political tension, and ethnic unrest.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in February when the White Army, a militia group reportedly composed largely of individuals from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, captured a town in the Upper Nile State. In response, the government detained several high-ranking officials from Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), intensifying concerns of renewed conflict.
On March 7, President Kiir publicly called for calm, asserting that his government would not allow the nation to fall back into war. However, only days later, reports emerged that Riek Machar had been placed under house arrest—fueling speculation and heightening the perception of instability both inside and outside South Sudan.
Türkiye is not alone in its concerns. A number of countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Norway, Poland, Spain, Malaysia, and Austria—have all issued travel advisories warning their citizens about the risks of visiting South Sudan. These governments cite not only the potential for armed clashes but also the limited capacity for consular support, especially in remote or conflict-affected areas.
The warnings emphasize that travelers could face dangers such as armed attacks, looting, and movement restrictions, especially in regions near active conflict zones. Poor infrastructure, restricted communications, and strained healthcare services further complicate any potential evacuation or medical response should violence intensify.
South Sudan’s repeated cycles of unrest have made it one of the more difficult destinations for international engagement, whether for tourism, business, or humanitarian work. Despite its rich cultural diversity and potential for development, the persistent instability has kept many visitors and investors away.
For travelers already in South Sudan, embassies are recommending heightened caution, limited movement, and regular updates from official sources. Staying connected with diplomatic missions and registering travel details remain key safety measures for those unable to leave immediately.
As regional observers continue to monitor the situation, the outlook remains uncertain. With key figures under detention, armed groups active in several states, and international concern mounting, South Sudan’s fragile peace is once again under pressure.
