South Sudan Lifts Curfew After Protests Over Sudan Killings
South Sudan has lifted a nationwide curfew following riots in Juba over alleged killings of South Sudanese citizens by Sudanese forces. The protests, occurring on January 16 and 17, resulted from public outrage regarding these events in El Gezira, Sudan. Police confirmed that security conditions had improved, warranting the curfew’s removal as calm returned to the streets.
South Sudan has officially lifted the nationwide curfew that was imposed over ten days ago following violent protests in the capital, Juba, triggered by the alleged killings of South Sudanese citizens by the Sudanese army and its allied factions. The announcement was made by police spokesperson John Kassara Koang Nhial, who cited an improvement in the security situation as the primary reason for this decision. Following the violent demonstrations on January 16 and 17, during which citizens expressed their outrage over the reported involvement of Sudanese military forces in these actions, a sense of calm has returned to the streets.
The unrest in South Sudan that led to the curfew was rooted in public anger regarding the alleged execution of South Sudanese individuals in El Gezira, a region in Sudan. Many locals believed that the Sudanese military and its allied groups were directly implicated, prompting widespread protests across the capital and other regions. Human rights organizations have accused these military affiliates of perpetrating ethnic violence against civilians thought to support the rebel Rapid Support Forces, exacerbating tensions in the area.
The lifting of the curfew marks a significant step towards stabilizing the situation in South Sudan, showcasing a return to normalcy following recent unrest. Authorities emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions, while the Sudanese army defended its actions by labeling the incidents as individual violations. Continuous monitoring of the political climate and human rights implications remains essential in addressing the grievances of South Sudanese citizens and preventing future conflicts.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
