New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday indicated that India was planning to evacuate its nationals from the African nation of South Sudan, where fighting has erupted again between forces loyal to the country's president and vice president.
At least 272 people have been killed in the renewed fighting in the world's youngest nation, Reuters reported.
Writing on Twitter, Swaraj advised Indian nationals not to travel to South Sudan.
“I am aware of the developments in South Sudan. We are planning evacuation of Indian nationals. Please register yourself with Indian Embassy and do not panic,” the minister wrote.
“Indian nationals are advised not to travel to South Sudan,” she added.
The minister's remarks came as several Indians from South Sudan wrote to her on Twitter seeking help.
@SushmaSwaraj @dadhiaveer pic.twitter.com/Vuaf4E2mxw
— India in South Sudan (@eoijuba) July 10, 2016
As per a Reuters report, forces loyal to South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar said yesterday that his residence was attacked by the President's troops.
There was no immediate response from the government of President Salva Kiir to the statement by Machar's spokesman.
The violence has raised fears of a slide back into full-blown conflict in the five-year-old nation.
The two leaders had fought each other in a two-year civil war that started in late 2013.
