In South Sudan, a nightly curfew has been mandated following violent attacks on Sudanese businesses, which resulted in three deaths and several injuries. This response comes as Sudanese refugees flee from escalating conflicts within their homeland. Amidst retaliatory strikes, law enforcement struggles to maintain order while protecting vulnerable Sudanese communities from further violence.
In response to a series of violent incidents targeting Sudanese-owned businesses and homes, the police chief of South Sudan has imposed a nighttime curfew aimed at restoring order. Reports indicate that three individuals have died, and seven others sustained injuries during confrontations with law enforcement in Juba and Aweil. Initial investigations revealed that several properties belonging to Sudanese nationals were set ablaze in Aweil, prompting these security measures.
The nightly curfew, effective from 18:00 to 06:00 local time, has been instituted to deter any further disturbances or incursions on both public and private properties. This announcement was made by Inspector General Abraham Manyuat Peter on Friday. Additionally, a police source reported that authorities successfully intervened to safeguard 45 Sudanese traders in Juba, who are currently under police protection.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has seen a surge in Sudanese refugees fleeing ongoing violence amidst the country’s dire humanitarian crisis. The UN has indicated that approximately 25 million people in Sudan are in urgent need of assistance due to conflict between warring factions. Furthermore, alarming reports reveal the recent targeting of ethnic groups in Sudan, highlighting a legacy of racial violence that dates back to the civil war.
Violent reprisals erupted among South Sudanese youth, incited by graphic videos showcasing atrocities committed by Sudanese soldiers against South Sudanese civilians. Consequently, hundreds of young men executed retaliatory attacks on Sudanese establishments within the capital and beyond, resulting in gunfire and chaos through the night, as security forces worked diligently to restore peace.
The aftermath of the unrest saw businesses and markets in Juba, including the prominent Konyo Konyo market, shuttered in response to the violence. Prices for essential goods, particularly bread, surged significantly as shop owners adopted precautionary measures. Law enforcement continued to pursue those inciting violence, intensifying their protective protocols for the Sudanese community.
In Wau, South Sudan’s second-largest city, reports surfaced of further assaults on markets with prominent Sudanese business representation. Police responded with live ammunition to disperse potentially looting individuals in the area, and spontaneous protests were also reported in the state of Warrap. However, the veracity of these claims remains to be independently verified by news organizations.
The context surrounding the current tensions in South Sudan arises from its tumultuous history with Sudan, particularly since gaining independence in 2011. Sudan has plunged into a severe humanitarian crisis due to civil unrest that began in April 2023, prompting many Sudanese to flee to South Sudan for safety. The longstanding ethnic conflicts in Sudan, especially targeting darker-skinned, non-Arab populations, have historically exacerbated tensions and continue to manifest in violence. The reaction of South Sudanese citizens to perceived injustices faced by their compatriots in Sudan reflects a complex interplay of solidarity and historical grievances shaped by years of conflict and retaliation.
The recent wave of violence in South Sudan, marked by the implementation of a curfew, underscores the fragile security situation and ethnic tensions exacerbated by the crisis in Sudan. The targeted attacks on Sudanese businesses illustrate the deep-seated animosities that persist in the region, as well as the urgency for protective measures for vulnerable communities. Addressing the underlying causes of this unrest is essential to restore stability and foster coexistence among diverse ethnic groups in both nations.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
