Security Travel Briefing Document

1. South Sudan
SECURITY BRIEFING
Juba, South Sudan
MSH Office at MOH Ministerial Complex
Ministry Of Health Republic of South Sudan
Juba South Sudan
+211951000025/+211914444789
http://www.msh.org/
aayom@msh.org
abraham.ayom@yahoo.com
MSH Security Focal Point: Mr. Abraham Ayom
This document provides a brief overview of Security Concerns and procedures for new staff visitors to
MSH South Sudan in Juba.

2. A. Country Security Tips-South Sudan
Since the crisis broke out on 15 December 2013, the security situation has been volatile and unpredictable
in many parts of the Country. You are advised to request a security briefing from MSH Security focal
point on arrival in- Country.
1. Security level in Juba South Sudan:
MSH Security levels used in Juba are regularly reviewed by UN Security and NGO Forum in South
Sudan. Juba is currently at Moderate Level, Level Four
2. Arrival to Juba South Sudan
All visitors will arrive at Juba International Airport within Juba City. On arrival, you will need to
complete arrivals card for immigration. The cards are often handed out by the flight staff before landing;
they are also available in the arrivals lounge. If you do not have a South Sudan visa upon your arrival you
can buy single entry at the airport, this option is not recommended. The price varies but most visitors
from Neighboring Countries pay $50. You will line up at the arrival terminal for Ebola screening and
checking. Sometime time you will be asked for a Yellow Fever vaccination Certificate if you are arriving
from a Country where the disease Occurs.
Once you have cleared immigration and customs you will either be met by MSH driver or a taxi driver
standing with your name written on the paper and MSH Logo. Please check before flying to Juba South
Sudan that your pick-up is arranged. If there is no one to collect you from the airport, take a taxi to MSH
Office located at the Ministerial Complex, Ministry of Health or prior booked hotel. All international
staff arriving in South Sudan are required to register with the Directorate of Nationality, Passports and
Immigration upon the arrival
Note that if you are calling from outside South Sudan or on a non-South Sudan roving mobile phone you
will dial +211 and drop the first 0; for Abraham Ayom is +211914444789.
3. Communications
Mobile phones are the main source of communication in Juba South Sudan. In Juba there are four
mobile phone next work companies, Vivacel, Zain, and MTN & Gemtel. Sims cards for both
networks are easily available in everywhere and at the arrival lounge of Juba International Airport.
Postpaid scratch cards are widely available in shops and stall throughout in Juba. MSH South Sudan
has two mobile phones for office use for visiting staff.

3. 4. Hotels Accommodation & Personal Security
The following Hotels are frequently used by MSH South Sudan
1) Juba Regency Hotel
2) Tulip Inn Hotel
3) Concord Hotel
4) Zara Hotel
• Thieves are often looking for valuable goods and money. To reduce the possibility of
house/room break-ins, shut and lock doors, windows and grills at night and when the house/room
is empty. Inform the watchman/reception if you are expecting visitors.
• Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where they may be overheard.
Discuss your travel plans and movements during your stay with as few people as possible.
• Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floor generally will keep you out of reach of criminal
activity from the street but still within reach of most fire truck ladders.
• Do not entertain strangers in your hotel room.
• Be alert to overly friendly locals who may have criminal intentions. They may offer to take you to
a "special" restaurant. Their ruse may be to offer drugged refreshments.
• Never leave valuables in your hotel room exposed or unattended, even in a locked suitcase.
• Place valuables--money, jewelry, airplane tickets, credit cards, and passport--in a hotel safe
deposit box or room safe.
• Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other catastrophe.
• Use the door chain or bolt lock whenever you are in your room.
• Use the door viewer (peephole) before opening the door to visitors.
• Do not discuss your room number while standing in the lobby or leave your room key on
restaurant or bar tables.
• Keep your room neat so you will notice disturbed or missing items quickly.
5. MSH Office Address:
MSH-MOH, Ministerial Complex
Ministry of Health, Republic of South Sudan-Juba
Tel: +211956201552/+21191444478,

4. +211955282413, +211955012298
Email: aayom@msh.org, anettey@msh.org , smacharia@msh.org
6. Security Issues in Juba South Sudan
The Primary concern security threat to visitors, travelers and expatriates in South Sudan is crime,
particularly petty theft, Pick pocketing, purse snatching, vehicle and hotels break-ins are common,
especially in crowded public places such as transportation hubs and open market areas. Foreigners should
take basic security precautions, such as dressing down, avoiding all night travel and never travelling
alone, to lower the threat of these crimes.
Violent crimes- such as carjacking, armed robberies and home invasions are also occurring in Juba.
Although these crimes primarily affect South Sudanese national, foreigners are not immune, and they can
be affected if they do not take the necessary security precautions. In all cases, victims should not resist
their attackers, as criminals will likely not hesitate to use force if they feel threatened.
Rebels groups continue to operate in South Sudan, Upper Nile Region of Jonglei State, Upper Nile State
and Unity State along the border of Sudan and Ethiopia. However these rebels group activities does not
affect foreigners living in Juba city, only when travel to the affect state of South Sudan.
In Juba and other urban areas of South Sudan, beware of the following Security issues:
• Carjacking
• Crimes robberies
• Sexual violence(Often related to another crime)
• Mugging
• Pick pockets- particularly mobile phones and wallets
• Cheating in Black market for foreign currency exchange to local currency
• Curfew
Street muggings car occur at any time of the day and night. To reduce the risk of being mugged:
 Keep to the parts of Juba you are familiar with. A general rule of the visitors is to avoid
anywhere in the city of Juba where you are not familiar with.
 Keep to the main roads and avoid short cuts down back alleys, paths or side roads

5.  Do not walk aft dark, take a taxi
 Be Particularly worry of people hanging around outside hotels
 Ignore street children and beggars
 Do not carry large sums of money or wear expensive jewelries
7. Local travels(travelling within Juba & South Sudan)
Armed carjacking frequently occurs in Juba, the key times/areas for carjacking are in the evening,
although there have been many during the day, whilst people are pulling up to gates of homes or office.
To reduce the risk of being car jacked:
• Keep your doors locked and windows shut
• Keep valuables out of view
• Be alert at all times
If you are being followed, do not drive home but to the nearest police station, shopping mall or public
space with security guards, or sound the car horn to attract attention.
If your vehicle is car jacked:
• Try to remain calm
• Adhere to instructions given, and show as little hesitation as possible
• Once released call the Security focal point or the Country Director and then contact the police
To drive in Juba you will require an international or South Sudan license. To drive MSH Vehicle you
will require an approval from the COMU Director in accordance to MSH Fleet Policy. You will be tested
by the Head of Drivers. When driving in Juba, traffic police often stop vehicles to check for road
insurance, valid driving licenses and to fine drivers when violated the traffic law. You may also be
stopped at a police checkpoint, particularly after dark, to be checked for weapons. These should pose no
security threat: if you stop, turn on the interior light, produce your driving license and mention you work
for an NGO you should pass with no problem.
If you travel outside Juba or within Juba City, you need to possess and have the following ready with you:
• Staff ID
• Any relevant permits, visas, driving license
• National Identification(National Staff)

6. • Always wear your seat belt, the door should locked and windows roll up
• Never drive at night
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
• Check that hired or borrowed vehicles are in good condition
• Take essential spares and some food and water
• Do not stop for people looking for help on the road side
8. Taking photographs
Request permission before taking photographs of any person be it during a field tour or any social event,
failure to do this may result in confrontational situations that may at times turn violent. Taking
photographs of police stations, military installations and sensitive government building like State House
will result to arrest, detention and prosecution.
Do not walk with camera equipment in full view in Juba city; possibilities of being mugged and injured
will be high.
9. Health
There is a wide array of bacteria, viruses, worms, parasites and microbes that can be contracted in South
Sudan. Malaria, typhoid, various kinds of fever and cholera are among them. Visitors should seek
qualified medical advice prior to department. Allow plenty of time for all inoculations to be completed
and bring a robust medical kit. Vaccination against yellow fever required, the following vaccinations are
also recommended: cholera, typhoid, polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, meningococcal
meningitis and rabies.
10. Juba Emergency Police Number dial 777
11. Pre-trip Preparation to South Sudan
• Get approval/authorization from MSH Designated Person as well as USAID Mission
• Purpose and Objectives for your travel to South Sudan
• Introduction Letter for Processing Visa to South Sudan
• Filled MSH South Sudan Traveler information form
• Valid Passport for minimum of extra 6 months and has a clean pages
• Necessary travel and health insurance with evacuation to the home country

7. • Adequate life assurance if going to high risk area and have put a plan in place for the family if
anything happens to you
• Having a copy of key documentation; passport, visas, driving license, hard copy and soft copy
• Phone and computer is backed up. Any sensitive material has been taken off
• Having a proof of life up to date with questions and answers if there is a high risk of kidnap
• You need to have Enough cash and buy local currency
• Ensure to have extra passport size photos
• Printed Flight ticket and have hard copies of travel itineraries
• Get confirmation for the Hotel reservation booking, taxi organize for the local transport to meet at
the airport
• Get contact details, telephones numbers, addresses & loaded into mobile with dialing code
• Have an unlocked phone of which you can put a local Sims card into.
• Vaccinations, Yellow fever proof certificate vaccination book,
• Get appropriate Malaria Prophylactic- Malaria treatment
• Adequate sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)
• Spare batteries for your electronic devices
• Solar chargers as there is no constant electricity in certain areas
• Be aware of the Country Religion, Ethnic make-up, past history, sensitive subject and how the
view the foreigners
B. Country specific Threats
Crime has continues, especially in Juba and can be directly attributed to continued political instability
coupled with poor infrastructure, widespread of corruption, and the harassment of foreign workers.
Years of civil war, tribal conflict, and political unrest have provided the population with access to
weapons.
1. Crime Threats
Juba has the highest threat rating of violent crimes such as Murder, armed robbery, home invasions,
cattle raiding, detention, kidnapping and non-violent crimes of thefts and fraud are common
throughout Juba and South Sudan. No area of Juba is immune from crime, and often neighborhoods
where government officials, professionals’ non-governmental organizations and foreign diplomats
reside are the targets of criminals.

8. 2. Armed robberies
Armed robberies and home/compound invasions, especially in Juba, are the most common type of
violent crime to affect Westerners. Both crimes usually occur during the night and often involve
multiple perpetrators. Perpetrators are often reportedly wear security service uniforms and use the
ruse of legitimate check points or official business to stop individuals or gain access to compounds.
Those traveling alone or in small groups (especially those walking) are most often targeted for home
invasions. Road ambushes and banditry are fairly common.
3. Cattle Raids
Cattle raiding occur throughout South Sudan but are most common in Jonglei, Unity State and Lake
State. This type of crime mostly affects the local population but can affect others, as cattle raiding
often leads to retaliatory attacks to include fighting, kidnapping, and murder.
4. Non-violent petty thefts
Non-violent petty thefts are the most common forms of crime throughout South Sudan and are usually
committed against targets of opportunity. These crimes include pick pocketing, theft of items from
vehicles, fraudulent currency exchanges, and drive by muggings. Drives by muggings are another
common occurrence. Most incidents theft usually occur near restaurants or other areas frequented by
visited/used by foreigners
5. Road Safety and Road Conditions
Road conditions throughout South Sudan are very poor. The vast majority of roads are unpaved and
not well maintained. Unpaved roads usually resemble, and regularly serve as, river beds, strewn with
nuts, rocks, ditches or other obstacles that make passage very difficult. During the rainy seas from
May-November, paved roads can become impassable due to flooding and the lack of drainage.
Years of conflict have also left the threat of unexploded ordnance, including landmines, as a hazard
on roads.
Road travel times are often much longer than expected due to the poor road conditions and slow
traffic. Travel between towns should only be conducted during hours of light. Vehicle should carry
food, water, a first aid kit, satellite communications and tools/supplies to repair damage to the vehicle
as distance can be long. Security checkpoints are often set up during hours of darkness but can occur
at any time. Increasingly, diplomatic, United Nations and non-governmental organizations have been

9. stopped and harassed at these checkpoints. Security officials at these checkpoints appear intoxicated
and on occasion demand money or food from occupants.
6. Political & Economic
South Sudan, which became independent from Sudan after a referendum in 2011, has since
experienced conflict in multiple locations, including between different ethnic groups in Jonglei,
Upper Nile and Unity State. On December 15, 2013, civil war broke out in South Sudan. Despite
multiple cease fire attempts and ongoing peace negotiations, violence continues to consume much of
South Sudan. Insecurity throughout the Country has disrupted agricultural activities and exacerbated
food insecurity, bringing South Sudan to the brink of famine and humanitarian crisis. South Sudan’s
external conflicts are focused primarily on the Country’s relationship with Sudan and control of oil
production. After gaining Independence in 2011, South Sudan acquired over 75 percent of Sudan’s
oil production capacity, yet Sudan retained control of the export pipeline and infrastructure.
Although oil revenues account for 98 percent of South Sudan’s revenue base, disputes with Sudan
have led to shutdowns of the oil fields that have affected the South Sudanese economy greatly. South
Sudan is often on the brink of bankruptcy, using foreign exchange reserves and budget cuts to try and
stop the bleeding from the intermittent cessation of oil sales. The two countries also feud over
accusations of supporting anti-government rebel militia groups within each other borders. Despite
these feuds, Sudan and South Sudan maintain diplomatic relations.
7. Terrorism Threats/Concerns
The terrorism threat is rated as high by the U.S Department of State. This rating is largely based on
South Sudan’s location in relation to another nation that has indigenous terrorist organizations. South
Sudan’s porous borders and ineffective borders controls allow terrorist and other militant groups to
seek temporary refuge in South Sudan. of greatest concern is al-Shabaab from Somalia and the
Lord’s Resistance Army(LRA). Al-Shabaab is not known to conduct operations in south Sudan but is
believed to transit and use South Sudan as a safe haven. In previous years, the LRA had a fairly
constant presence in South Sudan. After a short hiatus, LRA incursions into South Sudan have
increased. Sudan, which is borders to the north, is one of four Countries worldwide that is listed as
state sponsors of terrorism.
8. Civil Unrest
Protests and/or demonstrations occur occasionally and are generally peaceful. Over the last year,
there were both pro-and anti-government protest in Juba and other State capitals. The majority of

10. anti-government protests have been in response to the growing insecurity within South Sudan
communities and the inability of the South Sudan National Police Services to deter or investigate
crimes fully. The concern in these types of protest is the reaction to the demonstrations by police and
other security services. In several instances, police used gunfire to disperse crowds; this has caused
injuries/deaths from not only errant bullets but also from the crush of stampeding crowds
9. Ethnic Violence
Ethnic violence is extremely prevalent. The current conflict has been split primarily along ethnic
lines with the ethnic Dinka supporting President Kiir and the ethnic Nuer supporting the Vice
President Machar. There have been reports of large scale ethnic killings, especially during the first
several days of conflict. The fighting has displaced thousands of South Sudanese with many of them
seeking shelter at United Nations Compounds. Clashes between the Murle, Lou Nuer, and Bor Dinka
communities in Jonglei have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths. Conflict is usually in response to
cattle raids or abductions conducted by one group against another. Similar conflict/clashes happen in
other regions but are most predominant in Jonglei.
10. Environmental Hazards
In South Sudan significant of earthquakes are rare. Of greater concern is flooding during the rainy
season (May-November). Large periods of rain can cause flash flooding of roadways and areas near
rivers/streams. Outside of Juba especially, roads can become impassible for days to months during
the rainy seasons, and some towns along the Nile such a Bor, have encountered severe flooding.
11. Restricted Travel Areas/Zones
Areas of security concern can change quite quickly. Although conflicts are not directed at Foreigners.
Travelers in the wrong place at the wrong time can become a victim or caught in the crossfire. It is
recommended that you exercise caution while travelling throughout South Sudan and monitor local
and international news. The current conflict has made travel to half of the Country unsafe. Armed
groups have utilized Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile State as a base of operations. These areas are
considered off limits for MSH staff personnel due to rebel activities.
The border with Sudan is also a contentious region with occasional military engagements between
Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and SPLA. The northernmost part of Upper Nile State has been seen
several incursions of SAF.
12. Kidnapping Threats

11. Kidnappings are based on intra-tribal conflict and do not usually affect the Foreigners expat
community. MSH has never witness or received a report of kidnapping of foreign citizens in the
Country.
13. Police Response
The South Sudan National Police suffers from limited resources and lack of training, making it a
challenge to handle basic police responsibilities. Police are not consistently paid, encouraging
corruption and predation on civilians for a source of income. Many police are unaware of the
difference between civil and criminal charges. Low pay and low morale create an environment in
which even bribes of a few dollars can make allegations disappear. However, MSH strongly urges
people not to pay bribes, comply with requests for a gift, or pay on the spot fines. Most reports have
indicated that members of the Police may rent their weapons or uniforms to criminals to assist with
conducting robberies or invasions.
14. Medical Emergencies
Medical support is very limited in South Sudan. There are limited ambulance services. Primary
health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate professional training. Instances of
misdiagnosis and improper treatment are common in South Sudan. Contact information for
recommended local hospital and clinics, the list below includes organizations that may be able to
assist in case of a medical emergency.
Unity Resources Group (URG): URG can provide basic medical needs and help to coordinate
medical evacuations from South Sudan. URG does have ambulance services. +211-955-335-661,
+211-955-336-622,+211-955-054-856.
Juba Medical Complex: X-rays and ultrasound assistance available. icomplex@yahoo.com +211-
477-156-689, +211-912-247-569, +211-127-292-723
AMREF, Flying Doctors: 24-hour control center in Nairobi. Emergency@flydoc.org or
www.flydoc.org +254-733-639-088, +254-722-314-239
Malaria Prophylaxis is strongly recommended for travelers and should be started approximately two
weeks prior to arriving in the Country and continued for at least three weeks after departure. Also,
travelers should have an updated vaccination card, including evidence of current Yellow Fever
vaccination.

12. Tips on How to avoid becoming a victim
15. Areas to be avoid
Public areas, such as open markets, should be avoided at night. Large crowds are known to gather
there and with limited lighting, petty theft is rife.
Landmines remain a concern in South Sudan, especially in rural areas that have little foot traffic.
16. Best Situational Awareness Practices
Basic Crime prevention techniques will help lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim. Being aware
of one’s surroundings has been the best method for avoiding becoming a target of opportunity for
crime. Visitors should keep a low profile and not become time and place predictable. Individuals are
advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times and carry items such as bags and purses on the
side of the body away from the road. Traveling in groups while in towns and in multiple cars outside
of towns lessen the chance of being targeted for crimes or harassment.
South Sudan runs on a cash economy. Be sure to have enough U.S Dollars for the entirety of the
visit. US. Dollars should be no older than 2006 and have no visible marks or tears. Credit cards are
not accepted in South Sudan. Western Union their services are often unavailable.
Ensure vehicle doors are locked and windows are rolled up at all times, especially at night. To avoid
being the victim of a theft from a vehicle, visitors are advised to conceal valuables and keep the
windows up and the doors locked when the vehicles is unattended. Vehicles should be parked inside
of a compound if possible.