South Sudan has implemented a curfew after violent reprisals against Sudanese businesses, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The unrest is linked to a broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan, leading many to flee to South Sudan. Authorities are working to protect Sudanese nationals amid escalating tensions and retaliatory violence from local youth.
In response to a series of violent reprisals against Sudanese individuals and their businesses, South Sudan’s police chief has imposed a nightly curfew to restore order. Recent conflicts have resulted in three fatalities and several injuries following clashes in Juba and Aweil, where Sudanese properties were specifically targeted. No one will be permitted on the streets between 6 PM and 6 AM, a measure intended to protect public and private property.
In Juba, authorities have taken proactive measures, having rescued 45 Sudanese traders who now receive protection at a police facility. The backdrop to these events is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, exacerbated by conflict since April 2023, which has led many Sudanese refugees to seek safety in South Sudan.
The unrest stems from alleged brutal actions performed by Sudanese soldiers against South Sudanese civilians, as evidenced by recent videos capturing these incidents. Rights organizations reported that numerous innocent victims, including children, were killed due to ethnic targeting, highlighting persistent racial tensions within Sudan.
The South Sudanese community reacted strongly to the accusations, with many youth engaging in retaliatory assaults on Sudanese-owned businesses. Reports indicate that stores, including major markets like Konyo Konyo, remain closed due to safety concerns and that the prices of essential goods have surged following these disturbances.
Violence erupted in various regions, with police deploying to control crowds and protect vulnerable Sudanese residents. Incidents of looting and attacks were reported outside Juba, particularly in Wau and Tonj, though those details remain unverified. Witness accounts describe a challenging environment as emotions escalate amid the unrest, compelling law enforcement to adopt stringent measures to maintain order.
The article discusses the serious violence erupting in South Sudan, centering on clashes that arose following perceived injustices against Sudanese nationals. Tension has escalated due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has witnessed millions in distress. The historical context of Sudan’s civil war and ethnic divisions serves as a backdrop to the current unrest, with retaliatory violence reflecting deep-rooted animosities and fears between communities in both countries.
The imposition of a curfew in South Sudan highlights the urgent need for stability amid ethnic tensions exacerbated by recent violence against Sudanese nationals. The situation remains fragile, with ongoing police efforts to protect vulnerable populations while straining resources amid a humanitarian crisis. International attention is crucial as both nations navigate these tumultuous circumstances, striving for peace and resolution within their borders.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
