South Sudan has imposed a nighttime curfew following violent attacks on Sudanese businesses, resulting in three deaths and several injuries. Sudanese citizens are being protected by police amid rising tensions as many flee their war-torn homeland to seek refuge. The unrest stems from historic ethnic divisions and has led to widespread closure of businesses and soaring prices in the capital, Juba.
In response to recent violent outbreaks targeting Sudanese-owned businesses, the police chief of South Sudan has implemented a nightly curfew from 18:00 to 06:00 local time to restore order. Violent incidents, which resulted in three fatalities and seven injuries, occurred in Juba and Aweil, leading to the destruction of Sudanese properties. In a bid to protect the Sudanese community, 45 traders were rescued by police and are currently under protection at a police station.
Since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following a protracted civil war, violence has reignited as Sudan faces a devastating humanitarian crisis due to internal conflict. Approximately 25 million people in Sudan require immediate aid, while many Sudanese individuals seek refuge in South Sudan to escape ongoing warfare. Heightened racial tensions have further exacerbated the situation, manifesting in targeted attacks on Sudanese citizens by groups asserting ethnic superiority.
Social unrest was further fueled when video footage allegedly depicting violence against South Sudanese civilians stirred outrage among locals. In reaction, groups of young men instigated revenge attacks on Sudanese businesses in various locations within South Sudan, leading to increased security measures and interventions by local law enforcement. The capital city of Juba witnessed a significant police presence to quell violence, including efforts to disperse groups instigating riots.
In the aftermath of these clashes, businesses across Juba have closed, and significant price increases have been noted, such as a 17% rise in bread prices. The authorities continue to pursue individuals incited to violence, ensuring the safety of those targeted. Instances of attacks on Sudanese establishments have also erupted in other cities, prompting police action and public unrest, with reports of looting and violent demonstrations surfacing throughout the region.
The backdrop of the current violence in South Sudan stems from a long-standing historical context marked by civil strife and ethnic divisions between Sudanese and South Sudanese peoples. The recent conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has intensified the plight of thousands fleeing into South Sudan, thereby elevating tensions and xenophobia. The declaration of a curfew denotes the government’s attempt to maintain public peace amidst escalating retaliatory violence associated with ethnic identities and historical grievances.
In summary, South Sudan has enacted a nighttime curfew to mitigate escalating violence targeting Sudanese nationals amid recent conflicts. Police have intervened to safeguard Sudanese communities and their businesses while addressing retaliatory unrest among local citizens. The situation underscores the complex interplay of ongoing humanitarian crises and deep-rooted ethnic tensions in the region, necessitating further international attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
