Unrest in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of 16 Sudanese nationals amid accusations against the Sudanese army related to killings in Al Jazirah. The situation has prompted a curfew and increased police patrols for protection, with ongoing investigations leading to multiple arrests.
According to South Sudanese police on January 20, 2025, 16 Sudanese nationals lost their lives during riots in Juba and other locations, following accusations of killings in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state. This unrest began on Thursday and Friday as demonstrators voiced their anger at the purported involvement of the Sudanese army and allied forces in these attacks.
The Sudanese army has publicly condemned the violence, labeling these incidents as “individual violations” amid allegations of ethnic attack against individuals suspected of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) opposing the Sudanese army. In a statement from the South Sudan national police, it was reported that 16 Sudanese nationals were killed across four states, and police will enhance security operations to protect Sudanese nationals in the region.
In response to the escalating situation, the South Sudanese government instituted a dusk-to-dawn curfew effective from Friday, which currently remains in place. Furthermore, the South Sudanese army announced the arrest of at least 24 suspects, who will be formally charged following the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The unrest in South Sudan arose from tensions related to Sudan’s ongoing conflicts, specifically accusations concerning the killings of South Sudanese individuals by the Sudanese army in Al Jazirah state. The incidents have exacerbated existing animosities between different ethnic groups, leading to significant civil unrest in South Sudan. These events reflect the broader regional instability that affects the security and well-being of foreign nationals within the country.
The violence in South Sudan has resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 Sudanese nationals and has prompted heightened security measures and a curfew. The Sudanese army’s acknowledgment of the situation as individual violations indicates a recognition of the complexities involved. The ongoing investigations into the riots underscore the need for accountability and security for all nationals within South Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
