The Canadian government has told its staff to get out of South Sudan as the situation in the country deteriorates.
Canada’s Head of Office for Juba, the South Sudanese capital, is being temporarily relocated to Nairobi, Kenya “until appropriate measures are put in place to respond to the changing operational environment,” Foreign Affairs Minister of State Lynne Yelich said in a statement Friday.
“The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of our diplomats abroad very seriously. Due to operational challenges, including the unpredictable security environment in Juba, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada has authorized the temporary suspension of operations at our office in Juba,” the statement reads.
The federal government has been telling Canadians since to leave the country “for security reasons” while they still can, as several airlines are reducing service to Juba.
READ MORE: UN: 120,000 people displaced by South Sudan violence
Approximately 76 Canadian citizens evacuated South Sudan on chartered and allied military flights, and 52 others left on private or commercial flights, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
South Sudan, which achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, has been rent by inter-ethnic violence over the past several days. Government troops continued to clash with rebel forces Thursday even as diplomats tried to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
“If you choose to remain in the country despite this advisory,” the government statement reads, “restrict your movements, ensure that your travel documents are up to date, and keep abreast of the latest developments.”
Canadian citizens in South Sudan requiring emergency consular assistance can contact the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi (+254-20-366-3000 or +254-73-422-0366 or the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at sos@international.gc.ca or +1-613- 996- 8885.
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