Nightly Curfew Imposed in South Sudan Following Violence Against Sudanese Nationals
Authorities in South Sudan have instituted a nightly curfew due to rising violence against Sudanese nationals, following a series of attacks that left three dead and several injured. The unrest, spurred by anger from incidents in Sudan, has led to retaliatory actions, including assaults on Sudanese businesses in Juba. The situation reflects escalating ethnic tensions and a humanitarian crisis that has forced many Sudanese to seek refuge in South Sudan.
In response to a series of violent attacks directed at Sudanese nationals and their businesses, authorities in South Sudan have implemented a nightly curfew. This precautionary measure aims to quell escalating tensions following incidents that have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries in the capital city of Juba and the town of Aweil. The police reported that three individuals have perished and seven sustained injuries during clashes with law enforcement officers. In addition, three homes belonging to Sudanese individuals were reportedly set ablaze in Aweil, inciting further unrest.
To maintain order, no individuals are permitted on the streets between 18:00 and 06:00 local time. Inspector General Abraham Manyuat Peter explained that this curfew is necessary to prevent disturbances to public and private property. Additionally, police have sheltered 45 Sudanese traders in Juba following recent attacks, providing them with security at a police station as the situation remains volatile.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has witnessed an influx of Sudanese migrants, fleeing the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by internal conflict. In recent months, Sudan has been described as facing the worst humanitarian catastrophe globally, with approximately 25 million people requiring urgent food and aid according to the UN. Furthermore, rising tensions have been fueled by documented violence against ethnic communities in Sudan, leading to public outcry in South Sudan.
Disturbing video footage showing alleged atrocities committed by Sudanese soldiers against South Sudanese civilians has prompted outrage and spurred retaliatory actions among South Sudanese youth. In response, numerous young men converged on Sudanese-owned businesses in search of retribution, leading to a chaotic atmosphere marked by gunfire and violent confrontations with police.
As a result of the heightened tensions, many businesses in Juba, including the renowned Konyo Konyo market, suspended operations for safety reasons. The prices of essential groceries, such as bread, have surged by up to 17% at remaining open bakeries. Authorities have mobilized a substantial police presence to safeguard Sudanese individuals and their establishments amidst ongoing unrest and targeted attacks in various neighborhoods.
The recent unrest in South Sudan follows a significant increase in violence and xenophobic attacks against Sudanese citizens. This situation has been exacerbated by an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions are facing dire conditions due to civil unrest. These events come on the heels of an escalation in confrontations between ethnic communities and armed groups in Sudan, contributing to persistent tensions that have now spilled over into South Sudan, a nation that separated from Sudan after a protracted civil war.
The decision to enforce a nightly curfew in South Sudan is a direct response to the violence targeting Sudanese nationals amidst rising ethnic tensions. The situation underscores the fragile security environment as both countries grapple with the repercussions of historical grievances and humanitarian crises. Authorities are working to restore order and protect vulnerable communities while aiming to address the root causes of the conflict that ignites such outbursts of violence.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
