Close to 200 detainees have escaped in South Sudan following a large-scale jailbreak during protests that descended into violence. Authorities reported that police opened fire as protests erupted in Juba over clashes in Sudan, subsequently leading to the arrest of many individuals. A curfew has been instituted while law enforcement attempts to recapture the fugitive detainees.

Police in South Sudan reported that nearly 200 detainees remain at large following a significant jailbreak connected to civil unrest in the capital, Juba. Protests erupted last week after reports of fatal clashes in Sudan, leading to rioting and looting of Sudanese businesses. In response to the chaos, police executed crowd control measures, resulting in numerous arrests. Thus far, it has been confirmed that over 600 individuals escaped from a military detention facility in Juba.

South Sudan has been embroiled in ongoing turmoil since its independence in 2011, grappling with severe political instability and economic challenges. Recent protests were ignited by reports indicating the death of South Sudanese individuals in clashes in Sudan. Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in 2023, many South Sudanese have fled the violence, further complicating the humanitarian situation. The government has since imposed a nighttime curfew in Juba to restore order amid rising tensions and violence.

The situation in South Sudan remains precarious as authorities continue to pursue the escaped detainees from the jailbreak while managing the aftermath of recent protests. The government’s response, including the curfew and calls for restraint, reflects the ongoing instability that has plagued South Sudan since its inception. The escape of nearly 200 detainees highlights the challenges faced in maintaining law and order amid civil unrest fueled by regional tensions.

Original Source: jordantimes.com