Curfew Imposed in South Sudan Following Attacks on Sudanese Nationals
In response to recent violence against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan, a curfew has been instituted to restore order following deadly confrontations in Juba and Aweil. The unrest stems from growing tensions amid a humanitarian crisis in Sudan, prompting attacks on Sudanese-owned businesses. Authorities are implementing protective measures, but incidents of violence and retaliatory aggression continue to pose challenges for community relations.
Following a series of violent retaliatory attacks targeting Sudanese-owned businesses and residences in South Sudan, authorities have imposed a nightly curfew in an attempt to stabilize the situation. Recent confrontations in the capital, Juba, and the north-western town of Aweil have left three individuals dead and seven others injured, as reported by police. In Aweil, properties belonging to Sudanese nationals were set ablaze, escalating tensions further.
As a preventive measure, the police instructed that no one is permitted on the streets from 18:00 to 06:00 local time to guard against disturbances to public and private properties. Reports indicate that police rescued 45 Sudanese traders in Juba, providing them with shelter at a police station for their safety. This unrest follows a significant influx of Sudanese fleeing their homeland’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has left half the Sudanese population in need of urgent assistance.
The backdrop to these measures is the deteriorating situation in Sudan, where recent violence has escalated since the onset of conflict between warring factions in April 2023, leading to widespread humanitarian issues. Reports claim that targeted attacks against darker-skinned individuals have persisted, fueled by long-standing ethnic tensions. The situation has incited outrage among South Sudanese nationals, inciting retaliatory aggression against the Sudanese community within South Sudan
Incited by disturbing images of violence reported from Sudan, young men launched attacks against Sudanese businesses in Juba and beyond, leading to gunfire and police interventions throughout the night. Many shops and businesses, including the prominent Konyo Konyo market, closed down amid safety concerns, with bread prices increasing significantly due to scarcity in open bakeries. Police have ramped up efforts to protect Sudanese nationals and their properties across various neighborhoods.
Reports from Wau, the second largest city, suggest that angry youth also targeted Sudanese-owned markets, further complicating the already fraught atmosphere. Spontaneous protests emerged in other regions as well, fueled by citizens’ anger towards the ongoing violence and discrimination. While the actual scale of these incidents remains difficult to verify, they illustrate the deep-rooted tensions between communities amidst the ongoing crisis.
The autonomy between Sudan and South Sudan has been fraught since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, following decades of conflict. The current humanitarian crisis in Sudan has driven many citizens to seek refuge in South Sudan, straining relations between the two communities. Long-standing ethnic divides have historically manifested in violence, particularly against marginalized groups, perpetuating cycles of retaliation and conflict. Recent events are indicative of the vicious cycle of violence and discrimination that continues to affect both nations.
The situation in South Sudan remains highly volatile following retaliatory attacks against Sudanese citizens, incited by escalating tensions and historical grievances. The imposition of a curfew and police efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities may provide temporary relief, but the underlying issues require significant attention to prevent further escalation of violence. Both nations must engage in dialogue and reconciliation to foster peace and stability in the region moving forward.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
