South Sudan’s police enforced a nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. following violent riots in Juba that resulted in at least three deaths. The unrest stemmed from allegations of killings of South Sudanese by Sudan’s military in Sudan. The curfew aims to restore security and protect property while managing escalating tensions between communities.
JUBA: In response to a night of lethal rioting in the capital, South Sudan’s police instituted a nationwide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Friday. This measure comes after violent unrest fueled by allegations of the army and allied groups killing South Sudanese individuals in Sudan. Police Chief Abraham Peter Manyuat announced that the curfew would remain in effect daily from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice, aimed at restoring order and protecting property.
During the turmoil, South Sudanese authorities reported three fatalities and seven injuries in Juba, with some victims suffering from gunshot wounds and machete attacks. The violence primarily involved young people who looted and vandalized businesses owned by Sudanese nationals in various neighborhoods. In Aweil, near the Sudan border, three houses belonging to Sudanese were reported to have been set ablaze by rioters.
On Friday, many shops in Juba’s suburbs were closed as law enforcement attempted to relocate Sudanese individuals to safer locations amid fears of further violence. The disturbances erupted following alleged killings of South Sudanese citizens by Sudan’s army and supporting factions in the city of Wad Madani in Sudan’s Al-Jazira region. The Sudanese military has responded by condemning what it characterized as “individual violations” to a series of human rights allegations.
South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has formally summoned the Sudanese ambassador to discuss the reported incidents. President Salva Kiir Mayardit has urged for calm among the populace, emphasizing that anger should not lead to hostility against Sudanese traders and refugees presently residing in South Sudan. His office issued a statement reinforcing this sentiment.
The recent violence in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, highlights ongoing tensions triggered by alleged military actions in Sudan. Reports indicate that Sudanese military personnel have engaged in ethnic targeting against civilians, prompting outrage in South Sudan. This unrest led to violent protests in Juba, where Sudanese-owned businesses were attacked, raising concerns for their safety. The South Sudanese government is attempting to address the situation by maintaining law and order through curfews while also managing diplomatic relations with Sudan.
To mitigate the recent violence, South Sudan has imposed a curfew while addressing the alleged killings of its citizens in Sudan. The unrest reflects broader regional tensions and the challenges faced in maintaining order amidst civil unrest. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of all residents, including Sudanese individuals living in South Sudan, while calling for calm and restraint.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
