Recent protests in South Sudan against Sudanese nationals have resulted in 12 fatalities and widespread unrest. Triggered by news of South Sudanese killed in Sudan, protests led to violent clashes and looting. Police interventions caused additional casualties, while the South Sudanese government calls for restraint amid heightened tensions and increased security measures.
In South Sudan, protests against Sudanese nationals have turned deadly, with 12 more people reported dead over the past two days, according to security forces. Demonstrations erupted following news that 29 South Sudanese had been killed in fighting in Sudan’s Al-Jazeera state, prompting looting of Sudanese-owned businesses in Juba. In an attempt to manage the protests, police used firearms, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to seven others.
On Friday, it was reported that nine fatalities occurred during protests in Aweil. In response to the unrest, South Sudan implemented a curfew on Friday night, while authorities maintained that overall security across the country was stable. Police spokesman John Kassara assured that the security situation was relatively calm.
The presence of police was enhanced throughout Juba on Saturday evening, leading to a relatively quiet atmosphere despite the temporary closure of businesses owned by Sudanese nationals. President Salva Kiir urged citizens to exercise restraint amidst the turmoil. To safeguard them, over 600 Sudanese were relocated for protection at army headquarters, while an additional 278 individuals, including children, were being protected by police in Central Equatoria.
The majority of Sudanese residents in South Sudan either originate from or have sought refuge from Sudan, which separated from the north in 2011 and has faced ongoing instability. The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023 and has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, displacing an estimated 12 million people, and has led to widespread famine that has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
The current protests in South Sudan arise from tensions between the two nations following violent conflicts in Sudan, particularly in the Al-Jazeera state. Since South Sudan’s independence, relations have been strained, prompting a significant number of Sudanese refugees to seek safety in South Sudan due to ongoing violence. The civil war that commenced in Sudan in April 2023, characterized by fighting between the army and Rapid Support Forces, has heightened these tensions and impacted the security and wellbeing of both nationals and refugees alike.
In summary, violent protests against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan have resulted in multiple fatalities and heightened security concerns. The unrest, stemming from recent deadly incidents in Sudan, has led to significant reactions from both the government and security forces. Overall, the situation highlights the fragile relations between Sudan and South Sudan, exacerbated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
