South Sudan Implements Nationwide Curfew to Address Violence Against Sudanese Traders
South Sudan has enforced a national curfew to mitigate violence against Sudanese traders, which has increased after alleged killings in Sudan. All businesses are now required to close by 5 p.m. Officials have called for calm, emphasizing the importance of not targeting Sudanese nationals who are currently in the country. The backdrop of this situation involves a civil war in Sudan, causing significant humanitarian crises.
South Sudan has implemented a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew to address violence directed at Sudanese traders in the nation’s capital. Following incidents of looting at businesses owned by Sudanese, all establishments are now mandated to close by 5 p.m. The authorities have pledged to enhance security and protect local markets, as stated by Manyuat on state television.
The unrest appears to stem from incidents in Sudan, where militia groups allegedly killed South Sudanese nationals earlier in the week. This escalation has resulted in several shops across Juba and other locations remaining shuttered. Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, the press secretary for the presidency, urged the public to maintain composure and not to let anger incite violence against Sudanese traders and refugees in South Sudan.
The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan has precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread famine and significant displacement. Following intense fighting between factions led by rival military leaders that began in April 2023, the violence has been characterized by severe human rights abuses, including ethnic violence and sexual assault, as reported by the United Nations and various human rights organizations.
The situation in South Sudan is influenced by the civil war in Sudan, which has resulted in massive displacements and a dire famine. The conflicts, particularly those known to be spurred by ethnic tensions, create an environment ripe for violence, affecting not only those within Sudan but also surrounding nations such as South Sudan, which hosts an influx of refugees and traders fleeing the turmoil.
In summary, the implementation of a curfew in South Sudan reflects the government’s response to recent violent outbreaks against Sudanese traders, a reflection of wider tensions stemming from the conflict in Sudan. Authorities are striving to maintain order and protect all residents, regardless of nationality, during this precarious time.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
