Update on South Sudan - limited flights to resume

14 July 2016 - RPS Partnership

RPS is bringing you up to date information about South Sudan. If you are there or planning travel there, please contact us on [email protected] for more information and advice. We can provide training as well as contingency planning.

The ceasefire is continuing to hold in Juba allowing limited flights to resume. 

As of the early morning hours of 14 July 2016 (today), security conditions in South Sudan remain largely unchanged. A bi-lateral ceasefire appears to be holding in the capital Juba as of 00:00 local time (21:00 GMT), following recent fatal clashes among rival factions in previous days.

Government security forces, checkpoints and roadblocks continue to be reported in the capital, particularly around government buildings and hotels. Despite the apparent success of the ceasefire, the potential for violence to resume remains high in Juba at this time.

RPS Partnership advises travellers in the area to seek local advice. If you are planning to leave, then ensure that you have a good plan and that people know what you plan to do. Contact your Embassy for their advice and ensure that you travel with a small bag as airlines may restrict luggage.

While there is no significant fighting today, beyond isolated instances of gunfire, gunfire was reported in Juba throughout the day on 13 July. There were unconfirmed reports of clashes in the northwestern city of Wau on 12 July, and further reports of fighting in Leer town on 13 July.

As such, safety risks remain a serious concern outside of Juba, exacerbated by the fact that Vice President Riek Machar has withdrawn to the outskirts of Juba with his troops – the implications of which remain unclear.

Juba airport

There were limited operations at Juba International Airport (HSSJ/JUB) yesterday (13 July), following the facility re-opening one day earlier.

Kenya Airways has resumed commercial flight services to/from Juba and other airlines may follow suit in the coming days if security conditions do not again deteriorate.

Local reports indicate the area around the airport remains calm despite the heavy security presence and associated checkpoints in place at the facility’s parking lot.

It should be reiterated that ceasefire violations or drastic changes in local conditions in Juba could force the airport to close again with little warning.

RPS Partnership advises that if you are planning to leave, there are limited windows to do so and after seeking local advice it may be prudent to do so earlier rather than later, as the airport may close again, if the situation deteriorates.

Contact [email protected] for all your travel queries and training requirements.

Photo: with thanks to radiotamazuj.org

Information from AIG Travel alerts