South Sudan Enacts Curfew Amid Riots Over Alleged Killings
South Sudan has enacted a nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. due to riots triggered by allegations of violence against South Sudanese by Sudan’s military. Police Chief Manyuat stated that the move is necessary to restore security. The unrest stems from reported killings in Sudan’s El Gezira region, prompting South Sudan to summon Sudan’s ambassador and urging calm from its President.
The government of South Sudan has imposed a nationwide curfew beginning at 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) in response to civil unrest following violent protests in the capital. These riots were triggered by allegations of killings of South Sudanese civilians by the Sudanese army and its allied groups in the neighboring nation of Sudan. Police Chief Abraham Peter Manyuat announced that the curfew would be enforced daily from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice to restore order and protect property from damage.
The unrest ostensibly follows reports of the Sudanese military’s involvement in the killings of South Sudanese individuals in Wad Madani, located in Sudan’s El Gezira region. In a statement, the Sudanese army acknowledged the occurrence of “individual violations” in El Gezira and refuted claims made by human rights organizations, which attributed ethnically-targeted assaults against suspected supporters of the rebel group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to the military and its allies. The Sudanese military has been engaged in a prolonged civil conflict with RSF fighters for nearly two years now.
In light of the recent events, South Sudan’s foreign ministry has summoned the Sudanese ambassador to address the allegations of the killings. President Salva Kiir Mayardit has also publicly urged citizens to remain calm amidst the escalating tensions. The continued enforcement of the curfew aims to mitigate further outbreaks of violence and unrest as the government seeks to maintain peace within its borders.
The situation in South Sudan has been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly since the escalation of hostilities between the Sudanese military and the RSF. The reported violent acts against South Sudanese nationals in Sudan have incited fears and anger among South Sudanese citizens, leading to rioting. This unrest reflects the fragile security dynamics in the region and the interconnections between the two nations’ ongoing conflicts, which directly affect civilian populations.
In conclusion, the imposition of a nationwide curfew in South Sudan reflects the government’s urgent response to civil disobedience and unrest provoked by fears over violence against its citizens in Sudan. As the situation develops, the government will need to balance the enforcement of law and order while addressing the underlying issues contributing to the tensions with Sudan. Maintaining peace and security remains a critical priority for South Sudan in light of the ongoing regional conflict.
Original Source: news.az
