Peacekeepers in South Sudan have imposed restrictions on movement of their personnel in Juba for today ahead of the expected arrival of Riek Machar, according to a leaked memo from the UN Mission.

The advisory to staff said that movement of only certain “crtitical” staff to their workplaces should be completed by 9:00 this morning.

“Therefore, no movement in the city beyond 09:00 until UN Security advises when staff may commence movement in the city,” reads the advisory.

UNMISS also told personnel that it would close its main gate of the Tomping base, one of several bases in Juba, by 8:30 this morning, and thereafter all movements will be through the Western gate.

“UN personnel are advised to avoid movement on routes in the immediate vicinity of the Presidential Palace, Ministries Road and up to John Garang Mausoleum,” adds the notice.

The notice adds, “The Juba International Airport (JIA) and the general area are declared WHITE Alert Status (PC1 and only if cleared by program managers) except for staff members arriving on inbound flights on commercial flights. Staff departing should restrict their travel to the afternoon fights.”

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