Violent protests erupted in Juba, South Sudan, in response to the massacre of South Sudanese civilians in Sudan as tensions rise after the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recapture of Wad Madani. Looting and attacks on the Sudanese embassy occurred, leading to significant unrest. The international community has taken notice, and sanctions have been imposed against involved leaders.
Recent unrest erupted in Juba, South Sudan, as protesters took to the streets on January 16 to voice their outrage over the murder of South Sudanese civilians in the neighboring region of Sudan. During the protests, some individuals engaged in looting Sudanese-owned businesses and attacking the Sudanese embassy, resulting in the death of a diplomat. The police responded by firing shots into the air to disperse the crowd.
This turmoil follows the capture of Wad Madani by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on January 11 from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had controlled the area since December 2023. The unrest was exacerbated by graphic videos circulating online that depicted atrocities committed by SAF soldiers against South Sudanese and individuals from Western Sudan. The South Sudanese government expressed its condemnation by summoning the Sudanese ambassador to address the loss of innocent lives.
The situation remains volatile, with international attention focused on the human rights abuses occurring within the Sudanese conflict. Sanctions have been imposed by the United States on key figures within the RSF and SAF for their roles in these violations. The Sudanese government has indicated that it is investigating these incidents, but tensions between Juba and Khartoum continue to escalate as the situation evolves.
Original Source: www.fides.org
