South Sudan has enacted a nightly curfew following violent attacks on Sudanese businesses, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. The unrest was sparked by a desire for retaliation against Sudanese nationals after disturbing reports of violence in Sudan. Tensions and heightened security continue as the humanitarian situation deteriorates in Sudan, affecting both nations significantly.
In response to a series of violent attacks targeting businesses and homes owned by Sudanese nationals, the police chief of South Sudan has imposed a nightly curfew aimed at restoring order. Reports indicate that three individuals have been killed and seven injured during confrontations with security forces in Juba and Aweil. As a preventive measure, no one is permitted outside between 18:00 and 06:00 local time to safeguard public and private property.
During these disturbances, Sudanese-owned properties were notably attacked, including the destruction of three homes in Aweil. Moreover, police sources noted that 45 Sudanese traders found refuge at a police station in Juba following the violence. The tensions arise as an increasing number of Sudanese seek safety in South Sudan amidst escalating conflict in their home country.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a severe humanitarian crisis, with approximately half of its population requiring urgent assistance due to conflict. This situation is exacerbated by reports of racially motivated violence in Sudan, where darker-skinned communities face targeted aggression from lighter-skinned factions. This racial tension has historical roots, as incidents of slavery and discrimination have persisted over decades.
The recent surge of violence led to protests among South Sudanese communities, reacting to disturbing imagery circulating online showing the killings of South Sudanese by Sudanese soldiers. In retaliation, unrest broke out, resulting in groups of young men attacking Sudanese-owned businesses, prompting heavy police response throughout the night to maintain order and safety.
In Juba’s busiest areas, including the Konyo Konyo market, businesses are shuttered as safety measures are heightened. There has been a notable increase in bread prices, reflecting the unrest’s impact on local commerce. Eyewitness accounts from other cities, including Wau and Tonj, support reports of escalating violence targeting Sudanese individuals and establishments, though independent verification remains elusive.
The conflict between Sudan and South Sudan has deep historical roots, stemming from ethnic tensions and violence that intensified during and after the civil war. South Sudan’s independence in 2011 was a response to longstanding grievances against the Sudanese government, particularly regarding ethnic identities. The current turmoil in Sudan, which has devolved into widespread violence since April 2023, has sent a wave of refugees into South Sudan, where both nations continue to grapple with unresolved issues from their tumultuous past.
The recent imposition of a curfew in South Sudan amidst escalating violence against Sudanese nationals underscores the fragile state of peace in the region. The situation is compounded by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where ethnic violence has been rampant. The tensions illustrate the precarious balance South Sudan maintains as it faces an influx of refugees while striving to avoid a resurgence of ethnic conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
