Open Letter Addressing the Perilous Situation of South Sudanese Citizens in Khartoum
An open letter addressed to Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou highlights the dangers faced by South Sudanese men in Khartoum amid increasing violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The letter urges the African Union to intervene and advocate for the protection and safe evacuation of South Sudanese citizens, stressing the need for an urgent diplomatic response to address their plight.
Esteemed Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou, I would like to convey my profound apprehension regarding the distressing situation faced by South Sudanese men residing in Khartoum. Credible information indicates that when the Sudanese government consolidates power over specific regions, individuals from South Sudan are frequently targeted and killed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), often under the fallacious justification of their alleged association with the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Conversely, in instances where the RSF prevails, South Sudanese citizens encounter equally dire threats. Those who find themselves entrenched in these conflict-embroiled areas are trapped with few avenues for escape. While some have successfully found refuge, a significant number, specifically those with financial resources, have managed to flee the ongoing violence. It is imperative that both factions, through the auspices of the African Union (AU), are urged to put an end to the unlawful killings of South Sudanese individuals within Sudan. We must advocate for the safe evacuation of those who remain in Khartoum, ensuring they are shielded from violence perpetrated by either the RSF or the SAF. Should our diplomatic endeavors not yield tangible results, I implore the South Sudan representative at the United Nations General Assembly to bring forth this critical issue for discussion. Initiatives to aid in the airlifting of foreign nationals still stranded in Khartoum must be undertaken, as the violence directed against them, particularly against South Sudanese citizens at the hands of military forces, demands immediate attention from both parties involved. The situation in Khartoum is alarming. Since April 2023, the confrontation between the Sudanese army and the RSF has precipitated a violent strife. The Sudanese army has recently escalated its offensive to regain key territories in Khartoum, leading to extensive civilian casualties and significant damage to essential infrastructure. This ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions, contributing to an acute humanitarian crisis. South Sudanese individuals residing in Sudan, who previously had no means of escape, are now confronted with dire threats to their lives due to the actions of both factions. It is crucial for those wielding diplomatic power to adopt an active stance on this matter, rather than remaining passive observers. Moreover, both the Sudanese army and the RSF, along with the government, must acknowledge that achieving stability within Sudan is mutually beneficial for South Sudan, given the intertwined economic links, including oil supply and construction materials. Attaining peace would greatly alleviate the suffering of South Sudanese citizens impacted by this conflict, underscoring the position that neither South Sudanese citizens nor the government has taken sides in this war. The apparent targeting of our population by both military fractions necessitates urgent intervention. Your dedicated diplomatic efforts in this critical matter would be invaluable to the South Sudanese community currently residing in Khartoum. Sincerely, Tito Tiel (A concerned South Sudan citizen living in Canada)
The civil conflict in Sudan, which has been intensifying since April 2023, has seen violent confrontations between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Amid this turmoil, South Sudanese citizens in Khartoum are facing significant threats to their safety, often being targeted under the false pretext of allegiance to one of the warring factions. This situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, influencing millions and necessitating urgent attention from diplomatic entities to facilitate the safe evacuation of vulnerable populations.
The plight of South Sudanese individuals in Khartoum is increasingly concerning, with the ongoing conflict putting lives at risk. Urgent diplomatic action is required to cease hostilities directed at our citizens and to ensure their safe evacuation. Both international and regional stakeholders, particularly within the African Union, must exert their influence to achieve stability in Sudan, which is ultimately essential for the welfare of South Sudan and its people.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
