Surviving South Sudan: A Walk Through the World's Most Dangerous Country

South Sudan, one of the newest countries in the world, is also one of its most dangerous. Struggling with civil war, corruption, and extreme poverty, it’s a place where few outsiders venture. The allure of visiting such a remote and misunderstood destination was enough to convince a traveler and vlogger to embark on a journey through its streets. In this account, we’ll delve into his experiences, offering an unfiltered view of life in South Sudan—highlighting its dangers, beauty, and the resilience of its people.

Why Visit South Sudan?

The vlogger’s journey begins with mixed emotions. South Sudan is not your typical tourist destination. The country ranks as the fourth most dangerous in the world due to its ongoing civil war, widespread gang violence, and frequent kidnappings. Landmines and unexploded ordnance are constant threats, and the government is riddled with corruption. Economically, South Sudan holds the unfortunate title of being the poorest country in the world. Tourism is virtually non-existent, with only a few hundred visitors each year, mostly aid workers and journalists.

Despite these grim statistics, there was an allure to visit this country. A local YouTuber, Mr. BMG, extended an invitation, providing a rare opportunity for the vlogger to explore a place few dare to visit. After navigating the bureaucratic challenges—securing a visa, vaccinations, and acquiring a $2,000 journalist pass—he set off on his journey.

Arrival in Juba: A Different World

Upon arriving in Juba, South Sudan's capital, the vlogger was immediately thrust into an unfamiliar world. The atmosphere at the airport was tense, particularly when security saw his camera equipment. Filming in South Sudan is illegal, and even after presenting the necessary journalist permits, it took an hour of questioning before the vlogger was allowed to leave the airport.

Once outside, he was greeted by Mr. BMG, his local guide and one of the few content creators in the country. Despite the tension at the airport, the vlogger expressed relief at finally stepping into South Sudan, a place that felt both intimidating and intriguing.

A Walk Through Juba: Initial Impressions

Walking through the streets of Juba, the vlogger noticed a mix of hostility and curiosity from the locals. As expected, not everyone was pleased with the presence of cameras. At times, people would approach aggressively, but the majority were indifferent or even friendly. "First impressions are a lot better than expected," the vlogger remarked, noting that despite the warnings, he felt relatively safe walking around.

One of the most memorable parts of his walk was sampling the local cuisine. Although hesitant at first, he tried a dish commonly eaten in South Sudan. While the taste was bearable, he humorously admitted that the texture was less than appealing.

The Realities of Life in South Sudan

As the day progressed, the mood shifted. Walking through the city center, the group encountered more intense stares, particularly as they ventured into more dangerous areas known for pickpocketing and crime. At one point, a crowd began to form around them, leading to a tense moment when a man grew agitated over being filmed. Thanks to Mr. BMG’s quick thinking, the situation was de-escalated, and the group left unharmed.

Corruption reared its head shortly after when a police officer stopped their car after noticing the vlogger filming the scenery. Despite having legal documentation to film, the officer demanded a bribe. This is a common occurrence in South Sudan, where corruption is widespread. "If we didn’t pay, they would’ve taken the camera," Mr. BMG explained. Reluctantly, the vlogger handed over the money, knowing it would go directly into the officer’s pocket.

Meeting the Locals: Stories of Struggle and Survival

The vlogger had the opportunity to meet with a local man, Kenny, who shared insights into life in Juba. Living with his wife and daughter in a small, rented room, Kenny pays $20 a month for rent—considered a reasonable amount by South Sudanese standards. However, making ends meet is a constant struggle. Kenny works as a mobile phone repairman, earning about $60 a month, a far cry from what’s needed to live comfortably.

The vlogger also visited a nearby camp, where poverty was even more visible. Families crowded into makeshift homes, surviving on scraps and leftovers. One home housed 17 people in a single room. When asked how they managed during the rainy season, one resident replied solemnly, “We don’t.”

Despite the hardships, the people of South Sudan display remarkable resilience and hospitality. “They had constant smiles on their faces,” the vlogger remarked, moved by the warmth of the people he encountered despite their dire circumstances.

A Dangerous Encounter: Facing the JJ Gang

The trip culminated in a risky meeting with a member of the JJ gang, one of South Sudan’s many violent gangs. Gang violence is rampant throughout the country, with many joining out of necessity rather than choice. During the interview, the gang member explained that he had joined the gang to survive. “I didn’t feel shy,” he said, describing how he would rob people on the roadside, sometimes using violence to take what little they had.

The interview was unsettling, with the gang member casually admitting to injuring people to steal their belongings. The vlogger was struck by how normalized the violence had become, not just for the gang members but for many living in Juba. In a place where opportunities are scarce and the government provides little support, joining a gang is often seen as a means of survival.

Final Thoughts: A Harrowing Yet Eye-Opening Experience

Walking the streets of South Sudan proved to be a challenging and, at times, dangerous experience. However, the vlogger left with a deeper understanding of the country and its people. While South Sudan faces immense challenges—civil war, corruption, and extreme poverty—there is also a spirit of resilience that shines through the hardship.

For those willing to step off the beaten path, South Sudan offers a glimpse into a world that few will ever see. It’s not a place for casual tourists, but for those with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to confront harsh realities, it’s an experience unlike any other.