The United States on Monday announced it would evacuate all non-essential staff from South Sudan as a fifth day of explosions and gun battles in the capital city of Juba raises the specter of a return to civil war.
Widespread fighting between government and opposition forces raged on Monday despite President Salva Kiir's declaration of a unilateral cease-fire. Former South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar, now the country's vice president, issued a similar call to end the fighting.
Many residents had no way of escaping the violence.
A "massive explosion" hit shortly after 9 a.m. followed by further blasts in the Tomping area of Juba, home to embassies, the airport and a U.N. base, an aid worker said.
The Canadian embassy closed entirely, according to a message sent to its citizens. India has planned to evacuate its citizens, according to a tweet by its external affairs minister.
"It rings through the whole city every time they fire," said the aid worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to press. "I think one of the tanks must be near me, my ears are burning."
South Sudan has been independent for only five years.
Explosions and "very heavy gunfire" sounding "like popcorn," was reported by a resident in the Gudele area, who insisted on anonymity for safety.
Considerable fighting has centered around the U.N. base in the Jebel area, where some 30,000 civilians have taken refuge. The opposition also has a base near Jebel and their leader also has his home there....
US evacuates non-emergency staff from South Sudan as cease-fire fails to hold
This news is pretty scary for those in Sudan.