Türkiye issues travel warning for South Sudan amid rising tensions
A picture shows destroyed tank in a southern neighbourhood of Khartoum on March 29, 2025, after the military recaptured the capital (AFP Photo)
Türkiye has issued a travel warning for South Sudan, advising its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the country due to escalating tensions and armed clashes.
According to information obtained by the Anadolu Agency from the Turkish Embassy in Juba, recent developments and the spread of armed conflict into areas near the capital Juba have prompted the advisory.
In its statement, the embassy urged Turkish nationals currently in South Sudan to stay in regular contact with the embassy for security updates and support.
“In light of the recent developments in the Republic of South Sudan and the spread of armed clashes to the adjacent area of the capital Juba, it would be appropriate for our citizens not to travel to South Sudan unless it is mandatory and for our citizens already in this country to be in regular contact with our Embassy in Juba,” Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Ambassador confirms Foreign Ministry alert
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Juba Metin Ergin told Anadolu that the embassy issued the warning following a directive from the Foreign Ministry.
“Following the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Embassy issued a travel warning to our citizens planning to visit South Sudan last night,” Ergin said.
Background: Political crisis and violence in South Sudan
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a referendum. However, in December 2013, the country descended into civil war after President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed his deputy, Riek Machar, over alleged coup attempts.
Despite peace agreements signed in 2018 and 2022, public order and security remain fragile. Sporadic violence continues among various tribal groups and political factions.
In February, a militia known as the “White Army,” mostly comprised of members of the Nuer ethnic group to which Machar belongs, captured the city of Nasir in Upper Nile State. Following the incident, several generals and ministers affiliated with Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) were reportedly detained.
Vice President reportedly placed under house arrest
On March 7, President Kiir addressed the public, urging calm and stating, “We will not allow our country to return to war. The government will handle this crisis.”
Later reports indicated that First Vice President Machar had been placed under house arrest as of March 26.
International travel advisories follow rising instability
Türkiye joins a growing list of countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Norway, Poland, Spain, Malaysia, and Austria—that have issued travel warnings for South Sudan in light of recent instability.
