South Sudan has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew nationwide after violent incidents targeting Sudanese traders in Juba, attributed to rising tensions following alleged violence committed against South Sudanese in Sudan. Authorities are calling for restraint while addressing security concerns, as the civil war in Sudan continues to create widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.
South Sudan has implemented a nationwide curfew from dusk to dawn following a violent night in which businesses owned by Sudanese traders in Juba were looted. The curfew mandates that all businesses must close by 5 p.m. to bolster security. Manyuat, a spokesperson, emphasized, “We will protect all the markets,” during a state-run television broadcast.
The violence appears to have been incited by allegations of militia groups in Sudan killing South Sudanese civilians earlier in the week. Consequently, many stores in Juba and other regions were closed on Friday.
Amid these tensions, Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, a press secretary, urged the public to exercise restraint. “We mustn’t allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country,” she stated.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has resulted in a severe famine and the largest displacement crisis worldwide. Intense fighting among rival military factions erupted in Khartoum in April 2023, subsequently spreading to several regions. According to reports from the United Nations and human rights organizations, the conflict has involved grave atrocities, including ethnically targeted killings and instances of sexual violence.
The recent curfew in South Sudan is a direct response to the escalating violence against Sudanese traders, which has exacerbated after incidents of violence within Sudan. The humanitarian crisis stemming from the civil war in Sudan has been significant, characterized by mass displacement and food shortages, thus impacting regional stability, particularly regarding the treatment of Sudanese nationals in South Sudan. As the conflict continues, measures such as curfews are seen as necessary for maintaining public order.
In conclusion, the South Sudanese government’s decision to impose a nationwide curfew aims to safeguard traders and restore stability amidst growing tensions related to the ongoing civil unrest in Sudan. The situation remains sensitive, and authorities are urging restraint among the populace to prevent further escalations targeting Sudanese nationals, who are already facing hardships due to the conflict.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
