By Philip Buda Ladu
Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) counters a wave of international travel advisories, including a stark warning from the United States, by asserting that the country is “calm and secure.”
This statement comes in the wake of a recent incident in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, and amidst broader concerns about escalating violence.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson Apuk Ayual Mayen addressed the travel advisories, particularly those prompted by an incident on March 4th in Nasir.
She characterized the event as an “isolated occurrence resulting from a misunderstanding during a routine military redeployment.”
The foreign affairs ministry’s spokesperson emphasized that President Salva Kiir Mayardit had taken swift action to restore order and that security forces were actively working to maintain peace.
“His Excellency the President has reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability,” Ayuel stated. “Thus, the Ministry would like to reassure the public and anyone planning to travel to South Sudan that South Sudan is open and safe for visitors, investors, and development partners.”
The government’s response comes as the United States issued a Level 4 travel advisory, urging Americans not to travel to South Sudan due to “violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings.”
The U.S. State Department also cited its “limited ability to provide emergency consular services” within the country.
The U.S. travel advisory highlighted the fragile peace deal between President Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, noting that their political rivalry remains a significant obstacle to stability.
The 2018 peace deal, intended to end a devastating five-year civil war, has faced numerous challenges.
Ms. Ayuel, however, urged embassies and countries to rely on “official sources for accurate information,” and reiterated that South Sudan remains a “welcoming and secure destination.”
She also called on regional and international partners to denounce what she termed as “this unlawful action and to support South Sudan’s efforts to preserve peace and stability,” while expressing gratitude for existing international solidarity.
The Nasir incident, according to the government, should not overshadow the broader efforts to maintain peace.
However, the U.S. travel advisory, alongside similar warnings from other nations, paints a starkly different picture, citing widespread crime and the potential for life-threatening danger.
The government’s statement acknowledges the incident but seeks to minimize its impact, positioning it as a contained event.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs promised to provide further updates as necessary, as the nation navigates its complex security landscape.