South Sudan imposed a nighttime curfew following riots in Juba, sparked by outrage over alleged killings of South Sudanese by the Sudanese military. At least three fatalities were reported, with shops targeted and looted. The government aims to restore order and prevent violence against Sudanese nationals amidst escalating tensions.
The police in South Sudan imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. following a night of deadly riots in the capital, Juba. These disturbances were driven by outrage over the alleged killing of South Sudanese citizens by the army and its allies in Sudan. Police Chief Abraham Peter Manyuat announced the curfew on state television, stating it would remain until further notice to restore order and safeguard property. He emphasized that any violations would not be tolerated by law enforcement.
At least three individuals were reportedly killed and seven others injured during the riots, with some victims suffering from bullet and machete wounds as protesters looted and damaged shops owned by Sudanese nationals. In Aweil, near the Sudanese border, three houses belonging to Sudanese individuals were set ablaze amid the unrest. Police patrols were seen enforcing the curfew as they worked to relocated Sudanese nationals to safer locations, fearing further attacks from rioters.
The riots were sparked by earlier allegations of violence, where members of the Sudanese military reportedly killed South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani, Al-Jazira region. In response, the Sudanese army condemned these actions, describing them as “individual violations” after human rights organizations accused the military of conducting ethnically targeted assaults against civilians. South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry took diplomatic action by summoning the Sudanese ambassador to address the allegations, while President Salva Kiir Mayardit called for calm amidst rising tensions, urging citizens to not allow anger to escalate into violence against Sudanese traders and refugees in South Sudan.
The unrest in South Sudan follows a series of reported targeted attacks by the Sudanese military against South Sudanese civilians, specifically in the city of Wad Madani. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the slaughter of individuals deemed supportive of armed groups by Sudan’s forces. The situation prompted South Sudan’s government to respond by summoning Sudan’s ambassador and entreating for stability. There is a growing fear in South Sudan of retaliation against the Sudanese residing in the country, which the government seeks to avert.
The declaration of a curfew aims to restore peace in Juba after violent riots resulted in casualties tied to the anger over alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to protecting both public safety and the Sudanese community during a time of heightened tensions. It also reflects broader geopolitical issues affecting relations between South Sudan and Sudan, necessitating careful management of public sentiment and communal harmony.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
