This is to notify U.S. citizens that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has a public rally planned on Wednesday, March 18, beginning at 8:00a.m., at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba. President Salva Kiir is expected to address the audience. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to limit their movements in the vicinity of the Mausoleum due to the crowds and road closings that can be expected.
Even rallies intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence without warning. You should exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings. Be alert, remain aware of your surroundings, and stay informed of local news and media reports for the latest information.
All U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in South Sudan are urged to enroll online in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.gov. Enrolling gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact citizens in case of emergency. U.S citizens without Internet access should enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for South Sudan, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for South Sudan. For information on “What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis,” please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs Emergencies and Crises page. U.S. citizens in South Sudan can obtain the latest security information by visiting the U.S. Embassy website. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
We remind U.S. citizens that the U.S. Embassy in Juba is operating at reduced staffing levels for the foreseeable future. The U.S. Embassy is therefore only able to offer very limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Republic of South Sudan. Due to the draw down in personnel in Juba, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi [Tel.: +254 (20) 363 6451 or +254 (20) 363 6170, e-mail: Kenya_acs@state.gov is available to help U.S. citizens in South Sudan who need non-emergency assistance; in an emergency, contact the U.S. Embassy in Juba, daytime: +211 (0)912 105 188; after hours: +211 (0)912 105 107.
