Riots erupted in Juba, South Sudan, on January 16, as citizens protested the massacre of South Sudanese in Wad Madani, Sudan. Looters attacked Sudanese properties and the embassy, resulting in a diplomatic death. The violence follows the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recapture of Wad Madani, which had housed fleeing civilians. The U.S. has sanctioned key military leaders in the wake of the ongoing human rights abuses in the region.
On January 16, riots erupted in Juba, South Sudan, as demonstrators protested against the massacre of ethnic South Sudanese in nearby Sudan. Amid the chaos, looters attacked Sudanese-owned businesses and the Sudanese embassy, resulting in the death of a diplomat. In response, police discharged warning shots to disperse the crowd, highlighting the significant unrest fueled by the recent violent events following the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) recapture of Wad Madani.
The violence in Wad Madani, the capital of Jazira State, escalated on January 11, when SAF regained control from Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries. Footage circulated online depicting horrific acts committed by SAF soldiers against South Sudanese individuals and Sudanese from Western Sudan, intensifying public outrage. The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since summoned the Sudanese ambassador to express its condemnation of the civilian casualties.
Khartoum’s government has pledged to investigate the atrocities in Wad Madani, with the Sudanese ambassador in Juba stating that the alleged human rights abuses were not perpetrated by official soldiers but by a militia connected to the army. A spokesman for SAF acknowledged “violations committed by some individuals,” underscoring the complexity of the conflict.
Wad Madani had previously served as a refuge for thousands fleeing conflict across Sudan. As of December 2023, the area was regarded as relatively safe prior to its recapture by SAF. The ongoing Sudanese conflict continues to be marred by severe human rights violations from every faction involved. The United States government has enacted sanctions against both RSF leader, Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo Mousa, and SAF commander General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan for their roles in perpetrating violence against civilians.
Sanctions have also targeted Ahmad Abdalla, a Sudanese-Ukrainian national involved in the Defence Industries System, for violations of a UN arms embargo concerning Sudanese factions. The overall context indicates a deteriorating humanitarian situation and escalating tensions between South Sudan and Sudan, necessitating urgent international attention and intervention.
The current tensions between South Sudan and Sudan arise from a series of violent incidents in the region. The recent massacre of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani has ignited public outrage and protests in Juba. This unrest is compounded by historical conflicts, ongoing human rights violations, and the involvement of various armed factions in the Sudanese conflict, leading to significant humanitarian crises. The international community’s response, including sanctions by the United States, further complicates the geopolitical landscape. Additionally, the population displacement and the safety of civilians in conflict zones, such as Wad Madani, remain critical humanitarian concerns as factions vie for control and influence in Sudan.
The situation in South Sudan and Sudan reflects a complex interplay of violent conflicts, human rights abuses, and international responses. Protests in Juba following the massacre underline the regional tensions, while the Sudanese government’s assurances of an inquiry into the violence further complicate the narrative. With sanctions imposed by the United States, the unfolding events highlight the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts to address these escalating tensions and protect vulnerable populations in both nations.
Original Source: www.fides.org
