South Sudan: Heightened security measures during holiday season

Event

South Sudanese police forces have implemented heightened security measures in major cities and towns throughout the country in advance of the holiday season, according to local media reports on Tuesday, December 12. Police have particularly focused their efforts on increasing security in the capital city of Juba, deploying large numbers of police officers throughout the city. Consequent transportation disruptions are expected in Juba, and in other major cities and towns in South Sudan in the coming weeks.

Context

Crime typically surges in South Sudan during the holiday season, according to South Sudanese police officials. In June 2017, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir authorized police and security forces to shoot burglars. Crime has reportedly risen in Juba following the start of the country's civil war in December 2013.

Since December 2013, the country has experienced an intermittent civil war waged between the government of President Salva Kiir and the SPLA on one side, and former Vice President Riek Machar and the SPLM-IO on the other.​

Advice

Individuals in South Sudan, particularly in Juba, should remain vigilant and take common-sense precautions against criminal activity (e.g., drive with doors locked and windows rolled up, park in a secured parking lot close to their destination, avoid traveling by foot after nightfall, only keep small amounts of cash on hand).

Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. Certain regions should be particularly avoided, including the states of Unity and Upper Nile, the north of Warrap state, parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria states, and areas along the border with the Central African Republic, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place.