South Sudan Imposes Curfew Amid Rising Violence Against Sudanese Nationals
In South Sudan, a curfew has been introduced following a series of violent revenge attacks against Sudanese individuals and businesses. Tensions have escalated, resulting in deaths and injuries, leading police to intervene to protect Sudanese citizens. This unrest reflects deeply rooted ethnic strife amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, straining the relations between the two nations.
In response to recent revenge attacks against Sudanese individuals and enterprises in South Sudan, authorities have imposed a nighttime curfew in a bid to ease rising tensions. Reports indicate that three people have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries during violent clashes involving security officers in the capital city of Juba and the northwest town of Aweil. The nationalities of the deceased individuals have not been disclosed; however, it has been reported that properties belonging to Sudanese nationals were set ablaze in Aweil.
To maintain public order, no persons will be permitted on the streets between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM local time, as stated by Police Inspector General Abraham Manyuat Peter. Moreover, police managed to rescue 45 Sudanese traders in Juba, who are currently seeking refuge at a police station. Following its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has seen an influx of Sudanese refugees escaping ongoing hostilities in their homeland.
Since the outbreak of conflict between warring generals in Sudan in April 2023, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated substantially, with the UN estimating that 25 million individuals, representing half of Sudan’s population, are now in urgent need of food and assistance. Recent footage alleged to depict Sudanese soldiers committing atrocities against South Sudanese civilians is contributing to ethnic tensions, further exacerbating the situation.
Attacks on lightly-skinned individuals by darker-skinned groups and the historical context of slavery further complicate relations in the region. The ongoing violence has stirred strong indignation within South Sudan, compelling young individuals to retaliate against Sudanese businesses in protest of the violence seen in recent viral videos. Gunfire was reported as South Sudanese youths targeted Sudanese-owned properties, leading to heightened security measures by police.
Many shops and markets remained closed in Juba following the unrest, drastically affecting local economies and driving prices, such as bread, up by as much as 17%. Police have been actively monitoring neighborhoods to protect Sudanese residents and their businesses from further attacks. Witnesses have reported disturbing scenes of violence and looting in various locations, intensifying fears of ethnic conflict in the region.
The conflict between Sudan and South Sudan has deep historical roots, stemming from ethnic tensions and economic disparities exacerbated by a long-running civil war. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 amidst significant strife, but this has not completely resolved the underlying issues between various groups. Since the recent outbreak of violence in Sudan, tensions have reverberated into South Sudan, where many Sudanese nationals have sought refuge due to worsening humanitarian conditions. The historical context of racial inequalities and systemic discrimination has further fueled animosity between communities, complicating post-conflict recovery in the region.
In summary, the situation in South Sudan following the backlash against Sudanese nationals signifies a troubling escalation of ethnic tensions fueled by historical grievances and current events. The enforcement of a curfew aims to mitigate violence and protect vulnerable populations from ongoing reprisals. However, the fundamental issues that led to these aggressive actions must be addressed to foster lasting peace and stability in both Sudan and South Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
