10th July 2016
Situation Summary: After months of relative peace in Juba, violent clashes between government (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement or SPLM) and rebel forces linked to Vice-President Machar (Sudan People’s Liberation Moved in Exile or SPLM-IO) have erupted in the South Sudanese capital, as the country celebrates its fifth anniversary. The most recent updates suggest that fighting has killed more than 250 people. Both leaders’ call for calm has not been heeded. The death toll is expected to rise as fighting broke out again on the morning of 10 July 2016.
Timeline of Events:
Intrinsic Comment: The peace deal signed in August 2015 looks in serious jeopardy. History would suggest that situations of this type have the potential to spiral further and reopen the wounds of the civil war. While that the current round of clashes do not seem to have been directed from above; it may force the hand of respective leaders as troops have not adhered to calls for cessation of violence.
Sources: Al Jazeera link, BBC link, link, link, FCO link, Geeska link, Radio Tamazuj link, link, Reuters link
Travel Advice: On 09 July 2016 the FCO office called for all British nationals to leave the country; on 10 July 2016, the US Embassy in Juba called for its citizens to do the same. This advice comes despite the government’s assurances to diplomatic missions. Travellers in Juba should be aware that some commercial airlines have cancelled Juba operations (Kenyan Airways being one).
Intrinsic are currently carrying out a number of security and medical evacuations from South Sudan – if you have any personnel stuck in country please contact us for assistance +44 (0)1202 308 81