Recent protests in South Sudan have led to at least 12 deaths as citizens target Sudanese nationals amid heightened tensions following reports of South Sudanese fatalities in Sudan. A curfew was imposed to control the unrest, but violence erupted nonetheless in multiple towns.
At least 12 individuals have lost their lives in recent protests against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan, occurring over a span of two days. These protests emerged following the tragic reports of 29 South Sudanese citizens killed in Sudan’s Al-Jazeera state. Demonstrations resulted in violence in the capital, Juba, where looting of Sudanese-owned businesses occurred and clashes with police resulted in fatalities and injuries.
In the town of Aweil, nine people were killed amidst the unrest, including both South Sudanese and Sudanese nationals. In response to escalating tensions, the South Sudanese government imposed a curfew on Friday night aimed at restoring order as protests began to proliferate across various towns. According to police spokesperson John Kassara, the situation had stabilized, indicating a relative calm across the nation.
The streets of Juba appeared significantly calmer on Saturday evening with an increased police presence, though many Sudanese-owned businesses remained shuttered. President Salva Kiir urged restraint and called for peaceful resolutions during this period of unrest. While tensions persist, the South Sudanese army has sheltered over 600 Sudanese nationals for their protection, along with an additional 278 individuals guarded by police.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, causing significant migration to neighboring countries such as South Sudan. Many Sudanese have sought refuge in South Sudan since civil unrest erupted in their homeland in April 2023, leading to numerous fatalities and mass displacement. Recent protests in South Sudan reflect deep-seated tensions stemming from these circumstances, highlighting the vulnerability of Sudanese nationals amid increasing unrest directed toward them.
In summary, ongoing protests in South Sudan have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 12 individuals, primarily due to unrest targeting Sudanese nationals. Despite a government-imposed curfew and efforts by security forces to stabilize the situation, tensions remain high, prompting increased protection measures for Sudanese citizens in the region. The situation underscores the complexities of civil strife and humanitarian crises affecting both nations.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
