2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in South Sudan. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s South Sudan country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private- sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses South Sudan at Level 4, indicating travelers should not travel to the country due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Juba as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Reliable, official statistics on crime are not available in South Sudan. U.S. Embassy Juba relies on the reporting of local staff, the United Nations, other embassies, and NGOs to obtain limited statistics/reports of crimes.

As the population continues to rise in Juba, so does crime. This trend links directly to continued political instability, poor infrastructure, widespread corruption, and a growing economic crisis. Years of civil war, tribal conflict, and political unrest have provided the population with ready access to weapons and the knowledge of how to use them. Gunfire, especially at night, is common.

Violent crime (e.g. murder, armed robbery, home invasion, cattle raiding, kidnapping, and harassment) is rampant. In Juba, the most frequently reported violent crimes include armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Neighborhoods where government leaders, business professionals, NGO staff, and foreign diplomats reside are not immune from criminal activity. Armed robberies, compound invasions, and carjacking are the most common types of violent crime to affect expatriates. These crimes generally occur during nighttime hours and often involve multiple perpetrators. In some cases, perpetrators wear host- nation security service uniforms, carry military weapons, and use the ruse of legitimate checkpoints or official business to stop individuals or gain access to compounds. Those traveling alone or in small groups during the late evening hours (especially those walking) are often the target of armed robberies.

As the NGO community implemented earlier evening curfews in 2019, crime during the daytime has increased. Home/compound invasions are common, especially in facilities with weak security, poor exterior lighting, and poor access control. Generally, perpetrators do not kill or seriously harm their victims, but commonly threaten/use force. Attempts to resist perpetrators provoke violence. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Outside Juba, road ambushes and banditry are common and often involve violence. Traveling in groups while in towns, and in multiple cars while outside of towns reduces the chance of becoming a target for crime or harassment. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind. South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Crime and violence targeting NGOs increased in 2019. Notably, there was a spate of NGO compound attacks and break-ins in Upper Nile State’s Maban County in December 2019; in one case, criminals assulated aid workers. Humanitarian convoys are frequent targets of roadside robberies, unauthorized taxation and fees, and harassment by authorities, while access challenges and localized bureaucratic impediments consistently hinder the movement of humanitarian personnel and supplies. South Sudan remains the most dangerous country for humanitarians, experiencing the highest number of security incidents against aid operations globally since 2015, according to the Aid Worker Security Database.

Non-violent petty theft and fraud are pervasive throughout South Sudan, and usually involve targets of opportunity. These crimes include pickpocketing, theft of items from vehicles, and fraudulent currency exchange. Drive-by muggings are another common occurrence. Carry items on the side of the body away from the flow of traffic. Thefts usually occur near restaurants, banks, and other high-traffic areas. These crimes usually involve criminal groups or gangs, each with unique methods and targets. If a certain type of theft is successful, it is likely more will follow, as gangs will attempt to replicate another’s success.

Avoid public areas (e.g. open markets, recreational areas) at night; large crowds gather in these locations, and with limited lighting, petty theft and other crimes of opportunity are common.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Cybersecurity Issues

You must register satellite phones upon arrival in South Sudan. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road conditions are extremely poor. Most roads are unpaved and lack proper maintenance. Unpaved roads usually resemble riverbeds strewn with ruts, rocks, ditches, or other obstacles that make passage very difficult. During the rainy season (May-November), roads can become impassable due to flooding and the lack of drainage. There is a threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) or explosive remnants of war (ERW), including landmines, on or near major roads. Road travel times are often much longer than expected due to poor road conditions, disabled vehicles, and slow traffic. Consider using a vehicle-tracking system.

You must carry an international driver's license and third-party liability insurance from the government to drive. Still, many local drivers are uninsured. Those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol face fines, jail sentences, and corporal punishment.

Road banditry is pervasive, especially during hours of darkness. Only conduct travel between major towns during daylight hours, and then only in pairs or groups of vehicles. Vehicles should carry food, water, a first-aid kit, satellite communications, and tools/supplies to repair damage to or extricate a vehicle. Reliable mechanics and spare parts are rare outside of Juba. South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Large, overloaded trucks pose a risk to traffic between major towns. In major towns, pedestrian traffic is heavy. Pedestrians and livestock often wander on/near roads.

Police coverage of roadways outside of major towns is limited. Traffic controls are rare in Juba and non- existent throughout the rest of South Sudan. Traffic police officers may be present at busy intersections to control traffic, but they are poorly trained and generally spend their time inspecting commercial vehicles rather than controlling traffic. Some major intersections feature solar-powered traffic lights, but local drivers, especially boda-bodas, routinely ignore the signals. Traffic accidents are common, especially on paved roads where speeds are higher, and at intersections where traffic controls do not exist. Drivers should pay extra attention when entering intersections, checking all sides of the vehicle, as boda-bodas are unpredictable and may pass on either side.

Security checkpoints usually operate at night, but can occur at any time. Authorities have stopped and harassed diplomatic, UN, and NGO drivers at these checkpoints. Security officials at checkpoints often appear intoxicated, and on occasion demand money/food.

If you become involved in an accident resulting in death or injury, report the incident to the nearest police station or police officer as soon as possible. Remain inside the vehicle and wait for police. If a hostile mob forms or you feel your safety is in danger, leave the scene and proceed directly to the nearest police station to report the incident. Do not stop at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people have gathered, as mobs can develop and turn violent quickly.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) and minivan taxis are common methods of travel, and pose a hazard to other drivers. Vehicles make frequent stops, weave in/out of traffic, are overloaded, and are rarely in good working order. Boda-bodas are often the vehicle of choice for criminal activities. The use of any public transportation (e.g. minibuses, vans, or motorbike taxis boda-bodas) is off-limits to U.S. Embassy personnel; avoid whenever possible. There is some public transit to rural communities by irregularly scheduled minibuses. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in South Sudan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Juba as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

South Sudan’s borders are porous, making it vulnerable to indigenous terrorist organizations from neighboring countries. Ineffective border controls may allow terrorist and other militant groups to seek refuge in South Sudan. There is no evidence that terrorist cells train or operate in South Sudan.

The Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab is not known to conduct operations in South Sudan, but is believed to transit the country and may use it as a safe haven.

The northern Uganda-originated Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) had a fairly constant presence in South Sudan, but in recent years has been confined to northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and eastern Central African Republic (CAR). There were no reports of major LRA incursions into South Sudan in 2019.

South Sudan’s longest land border is with Sudan. Anti-Sudanese rebel militia groups are known to train, seek safe haven in, and conduct operations against Sudanese Armed Forces from South Sudan’s northern states.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Juba as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Efforts to form a unified government failed in 2016 when fighting broke out between the security services of political rivals, causing a nationwide flare-up of fighting between government forces and a variety of opposition groups, including groups in the southern region.

In September 2018, a new peace agreement known as the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), was signed between the government of South Sudan (GoSS) and the main opposition parties.

Since then, parties to the agreement have generally observed a ceasefire. However, limited fighting has occurred between government forces and primarily non-signatory armed opposition groups in the regions of Greater Equatoria, particularly in , and in Greater Bahr El Ghazal’s . Fighting also occurred in Upper Nile state between the opposition SPLM-IO and a breakaway group that aligned itself with the government. The ability of South Sudan’s security forces to enforce the rule of law is weak, especially outside of Juba and the state capitals. As a result, customary justice settles many disputes, occasionally violently.

Areas of security concern can change quickly. Recent areas of conflict include areas around Maiwut (former Upper Nile state), and Yei River state, among other parts of former , where late October clashes resulted in aid worker deaths and looting of humanitarian facilities. In Central Equatoria, fighting occurred on and off throughout the past year between the government and opposition forces not signatory to the current peace agreement. Most notably, the National Salvation Front (NAS) clashed with the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Yei River state. The situation in Central Equatoria remains tense and dangerous; renewed fighting between the government and a number of other local forces is a possibility. Clashes associated with cattle raiding occur frequently near Akobo and Duk in the former (near the border with Ethiopia), and in former Lakes, Warrap and Unity states. Intercommunal conflict often related to access to resources may occur in many areas of the country. South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Cantonment sites, which are in various stages of development across the country, also pose significant security and protection risks for proximate civilian populations, and there have been reports of troops abandoning sites that lack sufficient supplies and engaging in criminal activities in nearby civilian areas.

Although conflicts do not target U.S. interests, travelers can find themselves in the crossfire. Exercise caution, carry redundant forms of communication, and monitor local/international news regularly. The U.S. Embassy carefully evaluates any proposed employee travel to areas outside of Juba on a case-by-case basis.

The border with Sudan remains militarized, despite negotiations between the governments of Sudan and South Sudan on border issues. In 2019, there were isolated reports of military engagements between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the SSPDF. Cross-border movement by other armed groups also creates risks.

Sudan and South Sudan also feud over accusations of supporting anti-government rebel militia groups within each other’s borders. Despite these issues, the two countries maintain diplomatic relations and have sought to increase ties in recent months; South Sudan is mediating peace talks between the Government of Sudan and Sudanese armed groups.

Protests and political demonstrations are generally peaceful if organizers first petition with the government. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Inter and intra-ethnic violence is prevalent. The 2013-2015 conflict occurred primarily along ethnic lines, with ethnic-Dinka populations supporting President Salva Kiir and ethnic-Nuer supporting former Vice President Riek Machar. During the first days of conflict, there were reports of large-scale ethnic killings and other human rights atrocities. The fighting displaced millions of people, with hundreds of thousands seeking protection in UN compounds. As of 2020, 1.5 million people remained internally displaced, including nearly 190,000 residing in UN protection of civilian (PoC) sites, while more than 2.2 million South Sudanese refugees are sheltering in neighboring countries.

Inter-communal clashes are not uncommon. Such clashes normally occur during the dry season (December-April) and result in hundreds of civilian deaths. Cattle raiding and child/bride abduction are frequent causes for inter-communal violence throughout South Sudan, but are most common in Jonglei, Lakes, and Unity states. Disproportionally large retaliatory attacks, including large-scale fighting, kidnapping, and murder, can have a spillover effect.

According to the UN, 7.5 million people require humanitarian assistance in South Sudan. South Sudan’s August 2019 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) concluded the food security crisis is threatening the lives of 6.4 million people -- nearly 54% of the country’s population -- and 1.3 million children are facing acute malnutrition, the highest number since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.

South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Anti-Foreigner Sentiment

Harassment of foreign nationals largely focuses on citizens of eastern African nations and employees of the UN, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations working in opposition-controlled areas. South Sudan’s security services are suspicious of NGO and humanitarian workers they deem, by virtue of their work location or services, to have provided support to the opposition. If South Sudan’s security services perceived workers to be engaged in any activity they construe as detrimental to the government, it is likely they will question them in an intimidating fashion. This sometimes results in prolonged detention, often followed by a significant monetary penalty, forced public apology, and/or deportation.

In 2018, the government led an anti-U.S. protest of about 1,000 persons in response to an arms embargo and new U.S. policy against South Sudan. Authorities notified the U.S. Embassy one day in advance of the protest, and it lasted for about an hour.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Several seismic fault lines run through South Sudan, but significant earthquakes are rare. The last recorded earthquakes occurred in 1992-1993. Consultations with the University of Juba confirmed that there is no seismic monitoring equipment within the city.

Of greater concern is flooding during the rainy season (June-November). Extended periods of rain can cause flash flooding of roadways near rivers/streams, rendering them impassible for days to months. In 2019 floods displaced tens of thousands of people in areas across the country, with communities in Upper Nile and Jonglei particularly affected; killed 75% of the cattle in affected areas; ruined crops; and significantly worsened hunger and food security issues.

Landmines remain a concern, especially in rural areas with little foot traffic.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

South Sudan’s external conflicts have traditionally focused on the country’s complicated relationship with Sudan and the control of the oil production areas. After gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan acquired over 75% of the territory already producing oil, but Sudan retained control of the export pipeline and refining infrastructure. Oil revenue accounts for most government revenue, but damage to infrastructure during the conflict and a shutdown of facilities in 2012 reduced production, which has increased to some extent following the 2018 ceasefire. As a result, South Sudan is experiencing severe inflation and shortages in hard currency, and relies largely on loans advanced against future oil revenue to remain fiscally solvent.

The Juba Bridge is currently the only bridge crossing the White Nile River in South Sudan. It is in a dire state of repair and currently only one lane is open for of traffic. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency is building the Freedom Bridge. In an emergency, do not depend on the use of any critical infrastructure or services in Juba.

South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft

South Sudan runs on a cash economy. Ensure you have enough U.S. cash for the entirety of your visit. U.S. dollars should be no older than 2009, and have no visible marks/tears. Merchants generally do not accept credit cards, and money transfers are not always available.

Personal Identity Concerns

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in South Sudan, with penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, if consensual. If non-consensual, the penalty is up to 14 years’ imprisonment. Societal discrimination against LGBTI+ persons is widespread, and there are no known LGBTI+ organizations. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Women suffer from high levels of sexual violence, including abduction, rape, and forced marriage. The law does not prohibit domestic violence. Spousal abuse is common, and police seldom intervene. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Persons with disabilities face limited access to transportation, public buildings, hotels, and communication accommodations. There are few sidewalks and no curb cuts, and most buildings lack elevators. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings and child/bride abductions are frequent causes for inter-communal violence throughout South Sudan, but are most common in Jonglei, Lakes, and Unity states. Kidnappings of a criminal nature also occur. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

For any photography, amateur and professional, you must obtain a permit from the Interior Ministry for $50. Even with a permit, you must be careful taking pictures. Police have arrested and physically assaulted tourists for using a camera. In addition, traveling with professional photography equipment will trigger extra scrutiny regardless of occupation. Never take pictures of government buildings, vehicles, or persons in uniform. Do not take pictures of infrastructure such as bridges or airports. Keep your camera concealed and do not take random photos in public. Request permission before taking pictures at a public event or in a private setting. Do not take photos of South Sudanese people without their permission, and be courteous of those who shy away from having their pictures taken. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Reporting in South Sudan without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is illegal. Journalists regularly report harassment in South Sudan, and have died while covering the conflict. They have also reported police/military detention with no due process, or deportation from the country with no warning. South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Certain items which are normal and legal to possess elsewhere are under strict control in South Sudan. Bringing them into the country without government permission, or even traveling internally with them, can result in extra scrutiny by security officials, the confiscation of your items, and your arrest. Metal detectors, which can be used for prospecting, are tightly controlled, especially if you are traveling to an area where mining takes place. Some forms of communication equipment such as satellite phones (commonly referred to by their trade names: Thurayas or Iridiums) must be registered with the government. Imports of any form of military material or “dual-use” items are highly scrutinized. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

The emergency line in South Sudan is 777. The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) suffers from limited resources, a lack of training, illiteracy, and weak command/control; all of which makes the provision of basic police services a challenge. SSNPS response time is improving but remains erratic. Do not rely on SSNPS for medical emergencies requiring immediate transport to a hospital.

The SSNPS and other South Sudan security services receive pay irregularly, which encourages corruption and predation on civilians as a source of income. This creates an environment in which bribes of even a few dollars can make serious allegations disappear. Many SSNPS officers are unaware of the difference between civil and criminal charges. Reports indicate that some SSNPS officers rent their weapons or uniforms to criminals to assist with conducting robberies or invasions. Other reports indicate that SSNPS and other South Sudanese security service members are often the perpetrators of crime.

The SSNPS consists of approximately 40,000 officers separated into a Criminal Investigative Division, Traffic Police, Fire Fighters, Customs Unit, Wildlife Conservation Unit, and Prisons Unit.

The SSNPS Diplomatic Police Unit (DPU) focuses on the protection of diplomatic missions, NGOs, UN offices in/around Juba and the Juba International Airport. This unit has approximately 200 UN-vetted and -trained officers. Although a welcome addition to the SSNPS, the DPU suffers from lack of funding and resources. Contact DPU 24/7 by calling 0912-174-078.

Security services routinely make arrests based on suspicion rather than actual evidence. Prolonged and arbitrary detentions without charge or appearance before a judicial official also routinely occur. The legal system is rudimentary and ineffective regarding due process.

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges people not to pay bribes, comply with requests for a gift, or pay on-the- spot fines. The NGO community most commonly experiences trouble at Juba International Airport (JUB), traffic police stops, and property disputes with local government officials. South Sudan’s security services are not required to notify the U.S. Embassy in the event they arrest U.S. citizens.

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

South Sudan 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Medical Emergencies

Medical care is extremely limited, especially in areas outside of Juba. There are few ambulance services; none meet international standards. Primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate professional training. Instances of incorrect diagnosis and improper treatment are common. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless you specifically request bottled water. Always ensure that the bottle is sealed. Do not allow staff to open the bottle for you. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

The following diseases are prevalent: Cholera; Diarrheal illnesses; Hepatitis A; Malaria; Meningococcal disease; Typhoid; Yellow fever; HIV/AIDS; and Rabies. Use CDC-recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. All travelers should use malaria chemoprophylaxis, even for short stays.

There are shortages of food, water, medicine, and medical supplies throughout South Sudan.The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for South Sudan.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

Juba has an active Country Council. Contact OSAC’s Africa team for more information or to join.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Kololo Road, Tong Ping neighborhood, Juba Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00; Friday: 08:00 – 13:00 Embassy Duty Officer: +211-912-105-107 Regional Security Officer: +211-912-534-188 Website: http://ss.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)