Govt urges citizens to leave South Sudan amid rising security concerns

THE government has issued a strong advisory urging its citizens currently in South Sudan to leave the country immediately due to escalating security risks.

With the situation continuing to deteriorate, the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) is closely monitoring developments and has recommended that Malaysians take advantage of the remaining commercial flight options to evacuate.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry emphasised the gravity of the situation, explaining that the High Commission of Malaysia in Nairobi, Kenya, is actively tracking the rising insecurity in South Sudan following recent unrest.

The ministry said: "Given the heightened risks and the potential for further deterioration of the situation, the ministry strongly urges all remaining Malaysians in South Sudan to prioritise their safety and make preparations to immediately leave the country while commercial flights remain operational."

The ministry also noted that efforts to maintain contact with Malaysian citizens in South Sudan are ongoing, with the High Commission utilising available communication channels.

Additionally, the Malaysian authorities are working with United Nations officials to confirm the safety of 18 Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officers who are serving under the United Nations Police (UNPOL) mission.

The statement reassured that all officers have been reported as safe.

As part of the advisory, the ministry has also issued a travel ban to South Sudan, strongly advising against any new travel to the country due to the unpredictable security situation.

"The safety and well-being of Malaysian citizens abroad remain the government’s utmost priority. The ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as necessary," the statement read.

Malaysians in need of consular assistance have been directed to contact the High Commission of Malaysia in Nairobi. The embassy can be reached at 611, Runda Grove, Runda, P.O. Box 42286-00100, Nairobi, or by telephone at +254 111 052710 (office) or +254 741 603952 / +254 704 770367 (mobile). In addition, emails can be sent to mwnairobi@kln.gov.my for further support. – March 28, 2025