Recent protests in South Sudan against Sudan have led to 12 deaths, fueled by reports of South Sudanese casualties in Sudan. Security forces confirmed looting of Sudanese businesses; police response led to further fatalities. A national curfew was imposed; many Sudanese are under protective custody amidst ongoing conflict in Sudan that has caused widespread displacement and suffering.
In South Sudan, recent anti-Sudanese protests have resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals over the last two days, as reported by security officials. These demonstrations were triggered by disturbing news of 29 South Sudanese fatalities during conflicts in Sudan’s Al-Jazeera state, leading to the looting of Sudanese-owned businesses in the capital, Juba. In response to the unrest, police efforts to disperse crowds resulted in additional casualties, with three protesters killed and several injured.
The South Sudanese security forces reported that nine individuals lost their lives during protests on Friday in Aweil, comprising two South Sudanese and seven Sudanese nationals. To maintain order amidst the escalating protests, a curfew was imposed nationwide. Despite the unrest, police spokesperson John Kassara stated that the overall security situation has shown signs of stability.
On the evening of the protests, the streets of Juba appeared calm, albeit with a significant police presence, as many Sudanese-owned businesses remained shuttered. South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has since urged citizens to exercise restraint, emphasizing the importance of peace. In protective measures, over 600 Sudanese individuals were taken to South Sudanese army headquarters for their safety, alongside an additional 278 individuals, including children, protected by police forces in Central Equatoria.
The socio-political context is notably precarious, as many Sudanese have sought refuge in South Sudan since its independence in 2011. This influx has primarily stemmed from the ongoing civil war in Sudan that began in April 2023 between the official military and the Rapid Support Forces militia, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced an estimated 12 million people from their homes. The humanitarian crisis has been further exacerbated, with famine claiming many more lives.
The protests in South Sudan are a manifestation of rising tensions due to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan which has caused significant loss of life. The civil war began in April 2023, leading to vast displacements and upheaval. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with its own internal instability while hosting a large Sudanese population, many of whom flee violence and seek refuge in South Sudan. This context of violence has ignited anti-Sudanese sentiments. It is crucial to understand the dynamics of the relationship between South Sudan and Sudan, and the impact of external conflicts on local populations. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly, with famine and conflict driving many to precarious situations, illustrating the challenges faced by the new nation and its inhabitants.
In conclusion, the escalated protests in South Sudan against its northern neighbor, Sudan, have revealed deep-seated tensions relating to ongoing violence in the region. With a recent death toll from the protests mounting and additional curfews in place, the situation remains volatile. President Kiir’s call for restraint underlines the critical need for peace amidst rising unrest as the humanitarian crisis continues to affect the lives of many in both nations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
