Juba is the capital of one of the world's most fragile states. Political instability, armed robbery, extremely limited medical care and difficult evacuation logistics define the operating environment for international workers.
Standard insurance will not cover this environment. Conflict Cover provides specialist cover for journalists, NGOs, humanitarian workers and contractors.
Juba is rated conflict-level risk. Political conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Previous outbreaks of violence in 2013 and 2016 directly affected international workers in Juba. Medical evacuation to Nairobi is the standard emergency plan. Standard insurance will not cover this environment.
Can you get insurance for Juba?
We provide specialist insurance for journalists, NGOs, humanitarian workers and contractors operating in Juba. Cover is subject to accurate disclosure of your role, itinerary and security arrangements.
Security context
The situation
Juba is the capital of South Sudan and the primary hub for international humanitarian operations in one of the most fragile states in the world. The city has experienced multiple rounds of political violence, including the 2013 and 2016 civil war outbreaks that resulted in widespread atrocities in Juba itself. A fragile peace agreement has held since 2018, but political tensions between the SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO remain high and military forces from opposing factions continue to operate in and around the capital.
For international workers, Juba presents a combination of risks: political instability, opportunistic crime, extremely limited medical infrastructure and logistically difficult evacuation. The international humanitarian community operates under heavily fortified conditions — the UN's Protection of Civilians (POC) sites remain active and armed UNMISS peacekeepers maintain a visible presence across key locations. The Juba International Airport provides regular flights to Nairobi and Addis Ababa, which are the primary evacuation destinations.
Security conditions in Juba can deteriorate rapidly if political tensions between the SPLM factions escalate into armed confrontation, as occurred in July 2016. Non-combatants should maintain movement plans and contingency arrangements at all times, regardless of current conditions.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Political instability and risk of rapid deterioration
South Sudan's political landscape is fragile. The 2016 Juba fighting erupted without warning and resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement of international workers. Political deterioration can translate rapidly into military action in Juba itself.
Armed robbery and crime targeting international workers
Armed robbery, carjacking and opportunistic crime targeting international staff are consistently reported in Juba. The risk is highest after dark and in areas outside the main international compounds. Armed escort or armoured vehicles are standard for some organisations.
Extremely limited medical infrastructure
Juba Teaching Hospital is the main referral facility but operates with severely limited capacity, equipment and supplies. For anything beyond basic treatment, medical evacuation to Nairobi (Wilson Airport or JKIA) is the established standard for international organisations operating in South Sudan.
Difficult evacuation logistics in deteriorating conditions
Juba International Airport is the only practical exit option for most international workers. During previous episodes of violence in 2013 and 2016, access to the airport was compromised. All organisations should maintain multiple contingency plans including overland routes to Uganda.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Juba, this means coordinating medical care and evacuation to Nairobi or Addis Ababa, maintaining contingency plans for rapidly deteriorating security conditions.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Nairobi or Addis Ababa
Evacuation support
Managing exit via Juba International Airport and overland contingencies
Case management
Handling the incident through to a safer outcome
Exclusions
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
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