President Salva Kiir has appealed for restraint after looting occurred during an anti-Sudanese demonstration in Juba. The protests were in response to alleged deaths of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. South Sudan continues to grapple with instability exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has led to mass displacement and humanitarian crises.
JUBA: President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has called for restraint following an anti-Sudanese rally in Juba that escalated into looting incidents. Police deployed warning shots on Thursday to disperse crowds that vandalized shops owned by Sudanese nationals, as protests erupted over the alleged deaths of 29 South Sudanese in Wad Madani, the capital of Sudan’s Al-Jazira State. The authenticity of the reported fatalities has not been independently confirmed by AFP.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, has struggled with ongoing instability, violent conflicts, and pervasive poverty. The situation has been further compounded by severe flooding and a significant influx of refugees escaping the conflict in Sudan. The President’s office emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and providing protection to those fleeing violence.
“I call on all of you to exercise restraint and allow the government of South Sudan and Sudan to address this matter,” a statement from President Kiir’s office asserted. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 12 million individuals, with many facing famine.
The conflict has drawn widespread condemnation due to allegations against both sides, accusing them of targeting civilians and inflicting harm on residential areas. The RSF has been particularly criticized for committing ethnic cleansing, engaging in organized sexual violence, and besieging towns. This week, the Sudanese army reclaimed control of Wad Madani from the RSF, which had dominated the city for more than a year.
The call for restraint from President Salva Kiir comes amid heightened tensions in South Sudan due to a recent protest related to alleged fatalities in Sudan. South Sudan has a grim history of instability that has persisted since its independence. It currently faces challenges such as internal conflict, poverty, and an influx of refugees from the ongoing war in Sudan, which has also exacerbated local issues. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, specifically between the army and the RSF, has led to mass displacement and humanitarian crises, severely affecting the region.
In light of the unrest in Juba, President Salva Kiir’s appeal for calm underscores the necessity for responsible governance and community solidarity during tumultuous times. The situation remains delicate, with the impacts of Sudan’s war spilling over into South Sudan. It is imperative that both governments work collaboratively to safeguard the welfare of their citizens amidst ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
