South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has urged restraint following violent protests in Juba against alleged Sudanese atrocities, which resulted in looting. Tensions stem from unverified reports of South Sudanese deaths in Sudan. The ongoing war in Sudan has led to significant humanitarian issues, prompting Kiir to call for calm and support for affected individuals.
In Juba, South Sudan, President Salva Kiir has called for calm following an anti-Sudanese protest that culminated in looting on Thursday. The demonstration arose from reports of 29 South Sudanese citizens’ deaths in Sudan’s Al-Jazira State, although these claims remain unverified by AFP. As tensions escalated, police discharged warning shots to disperse protestors who targeted Sudanese-owned businesses.
South Sudan, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, is currently grappling with significant instability, rampant violence, and extreme poverty, particularly worsened by the severe flooding and an influx of refugees escaping the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), widespread atrocities have been reported, including civilian targeting and systematic violence. The situation has become dire, with millions displaced and famine affecting vast populations.
President Kiir’s statement emphasizes the importance of restraint and protection for those fleeing conflict. He urged citizens to refrain from acting out of anger, allowing the governments of South Sudan and Sudan to manage the ongoing situation with care. The dire plight of civilians in Sudan’s conflict has raised urgent humanitarian concerns that require international attention.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
