A curfew has been imposed in South Sudan after protests turned violent in response to reports of the deaths of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. The protests resulted in the looting of Sudanese-owned businesses, prompting police intervention. President Salva Kiir has called for restraint while supporting Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict, highlighting the urgency for peace in the region amidst ongoing instability.
Police in South Sudan announced a nighttime curfew following violent protests against Sudanese nationals in the capital, Juba. The protests arose after reports that 29 South Sudanese citizens had been killed in Sudan during conflict-related clashes. As a result of the unrest, three individuals died, and multiple others were injured as demonstrations escalated into looting of Sudanese-owned shops across several towns.
The police intervened to quell the violence by firing warning shots during the unrest, which resulted in significant looting in neighbourhoods such as Jebel and Munuki. Colonel John Kassara of the police confirmed the fatalities and injuries amidst the chaotic protests sparked by the rising tensions between South Sudan and Sudan, following incidents reported in Wad Madani where civilians allegedly lost their lives.
In a bid to restore order, police chief Abraham Manyuat instituted a curfew starting at 6:00 PM to prevent further looting and protect essential markets containing vital food supplies. The atmosphere remained tense but calmer on the following day, with police patrolling the streets in an effort to maintain stability.
The United Nations mission in South Sudan called for peace and warned against further escalation of violence. In an effort to provide protection, South Sudan’s military has secured safe areas for over 600 Sudanese seeking refuge from the backlash of protests sparked by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
President Salva Kiir urged citizens to exhibit restraint and protect Sudanese refugees fleeing from war while requesting an investigation into the matter in Sudan regarding the deaths of South Sudanese civilians. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding Sudanese nationals and emphasized that no one should take the law into their own hands amidst these tense circumstances.
The UN human rights chief cautioned that the situation in Sudan is growing increasingly perilous for civilians due to ethnic-based attacks reportedly conducted by government-affiliated forces. The reports highlight the urgent need for resolution and support for those affected by the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
The recent unrest in South Sudan was triggered by the deaths of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan amidst a civil war that has persisted since April 2023. Reports of violence by the Sudanese army against civilians contributed to the protests. South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, continues to face political instability and humanitarian challenges exacerbated by extreme poverty and flooding. There is a significant influx of Sudanese refugees escaping from the ongoing war, creating a delicate situation for the government in managing local tensions while providing safety for these individuals.
The declaration of a curfew in South Sudan is a response to escalating tensions and violence against Sudanese nationals in the aftermath of protests linked to the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. The situation remains precarious, necessitating government intervention to protect vulnerable groups, restore calm, and address humanitarian needs amidst the regional crisis. Continued monitoring and support from international bodies, such as the United Nations, are essential to promoting stability in this volatile environment.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
