Australians urged to leave South Sudan

Foreign minister Julie Bishop is urging Australians in South Sudan to leave while they still can as the country slips closer to civil war.

Fighting broke out in South Sudanese capital Juba earlier in the week^[1], and while that conflict has settled, violence is escalating in other parts of the country.

Hundreds of people have died in violent clashes throughout South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after more than two decades of brutal civil war.

Bishop said the situation was "exceptionally volatile", and recommended any Australians who had not yet left to do so as soon as possible.

"I am aware there are a number of Australians who remain in South Sudan. However, I have not received any reports from local authorities of any Australians being injured as a result of the violence," she said in a statement.

Juba airport remained open, but if it was not safe for people to depart, Bishop recommended they stayed indoors and ensured food supplies were well stocked.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians not to travel to South Sudan.

References

1. ^{^} Fighting broke out in South Sudanese capital Juba earlier in the week (www.theguardian.com)