Kenya bows to #BringKenyansBack pressure, starts evacuating citizens trapped in South Sudan

Nairobi, 16th July 2016 – Kenya has started evacuating her nationals from South Sudan following a surge in insecurity and violence in the world’s newest nation.

The announcement was made by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs PS, Monica Juma.

PS Monica Juma: Government of Kenya begins the evacuation process of Kenya stranded in South Sudan due to skirmishes pic.twitter.com/KotANBH5bd

— ForeignAffairsKenya (@ForeignOfficeKE) July 16, 2016

PS Monica Juma: Kenya Amb to S.Sudan Amb Cleland Leshore is leading the evacuation process in Juba pic.twitter.com/YAEN0xxt5d

— ForeignAffairsKenya (@ForeignOfficeKE) July 16, 2016

Kenya’s evacuation begun on Friday with one 1 plane and at least 100 people making it home. Two more flights are expected to head to Kenya with more people.

There has been growing anger towards the Kenyan Government from all corners for taking too long to act.

Finally @ForeignOfficeKE Bows down to our #BringKenyansBack pressure and now evacuating Kenyans trapped in South Sudan thanks @_RealKenya

— Kenya West© (@KinyanBoy) July 16, 2016

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Am really uncomfortable when I hear Kenyans are still in Southern Sudan. The govt need to do something, we still love them#BringKenyansBack

— Machuka Yule Mmoja (@Machukah) July 15, 2016

No non-essential travel to South Sudan

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has also warned Kenyans against travelling to South Sudan.

PS Monica Juma: Kenyans are advised against non-essential travel to South Sudan until further notice pic.twitter.com/EdTGaiTxIu

— ForeignAffairsKenya (@ForeignOfficeKE) July 16, 2016

CCTV Africa has reported that at least 2 Kenyans have been killed in the violence.

Sudan and Uganda have been evacuating their nationals since Wednesday amidst fears that fighting may intensify between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his Vice President Riek Machar.

The recent security deterioration in South Sudan has been occasioned a conflict between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar last week July 8. At least 300 people, mainly soldiers have been killed in the latest spate of violence.