South Sudan’s government summoned the Sudanese ambassador in response to alleged abuses of its citizens in Wad Madani. This comes after disturbing reports and videos surfaced of South Sudanese individuals being mistreated after the Sudanese army regained control of the city. The South Sudanese Ministry is pressing for investigations and protective measures for its nationals.
On January 15, 2025, South Sudan summoned the Sudanese ambassador, Issam Karrar, to express protest against the alleged mistreatment of South Sudanese citizens in Wad Madani. This city was recently reclaimed by the Sudanese army, amid alarming reports of abuse, including torture, circulating on social media. South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed these concerns, indicating specific incidents impacting the rights of their nationals.
The Ministry emphasized the necessity for immediate action to safeguard the welfare and dignity of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani and other regions affected by the conflict. Ambassador John Samuel Bwogo, the undersecretary of the Ministry, urged Sudan to guarantee the protection of all foreign nationals, particularly those from South Sudan, following the army’s takeover of the city.
A detailed report from South Sudan’s embassy in Port Sudan highlighted the incidents that led to fatalities among its citizens. The Ministry has demanded an urgent halt to dangerous actions against them, unrestricted access to consular services, a comprehensive investigation into these reports, and accountability for those responsible. Additionally, they requested updates regarding the findings of the investigation from the Sudanese authorities.
The Sudanese government, for its part, has made allegations against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claiming they employ foreign mercenaries, including South Sudanese nationals. Recent images and videos purportedly show individuals claiming to be South Sudanese serving in RSF uniforms amidst the ongoing conflicts in Al Jazirah, which have resulted in their deaths and detentions.
In their statement, South Sudan’s Ministry acknowledged the complexity of the situation but insisted that protecting innocent civilians is paramount. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of their citizens in Sudan, bolstering diplomatic and consular efforts to safeguard their interests. Sudan previously hosted over one million South Sudanese during the civil conflict in South Sudan, allowing them freedom of movement and residence.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, leading to significant humanitarian concerns, particularly for foreign nationals residing in the country. Many South Sudanese individuals have been affected by the violence between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The alleged abuses in Wad Madani highlight the urgent need for protective measures and accountability within the region, particularly given the historical ties between South Sudan and Sudan.
The summoning of Sudan’s ambassador marks a significant diplomatic response from South Sudan to address the alleged abuses of its citizens in Wad Madani. With mounting evidence of mistreatment, South Sudan is advocating for immediate protective actions and a thorough investigation into the reported incidents. This situation underscores the critical importance of civilian safety amid ongoing conflict and the necessity for a collaborative approach towards accountability.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
