Violence Erupts in South Sudan Over Anti-Sudanese Protests
In South Sudan, recent anti-Sudanese protests have claimed 12 lives, following reports of South Sudanese deaths in Sudan. Juba saw significant unrest, prompting police intervention. A curfew has been declared as tensions rise amid an influx of Sudanese refugees from the ongoing conflict in Sudan, resulting in increased violence and calls for calm from leadership.
Recent anti-Sudanese protests in South Sudan have resulted in 12 deaths over two days, according to security officials. The unrest was triggered by reports of 29 South Sudanese casualties during clashes in Sudan’s Al-Jazeera state, leading to violent demonstrations in the capital, Juba, where police were forced to intervene with lethal force.
In the town of Aweil, at least nine individuals—two South Sudanese and seven Sudanese—were killed during protests on Friday. In an attempt to restore order, the administration instituted a curfew, with security forces claiming a generally calm atmosphere across the country soon after the unrest.
As of Saturday, Juba displayed increased police activity while Sudanese-owned businesses remained closed. President Salva Kiir urged calm among protestors, while military actions included relocating over 600 Sudanese individuals to army headquarters for their security amid growing tensions.
The backdrop of these protests reveals deeper issues, as many Sudanese have sought refuge in South Sudan, a nation born out of separation from Sudan in 2011. The ongoing civil strife in Sudan, instigated in April 2023, has resulted in extensive casualties and mass displacement, further complicating the regional dynamics.
The protests in South Sudan are rooted in historical tensions stemming from its split from Sudan in 2011. The recent outbreak of civil war in Sudan has driven many Sudanese nationals into South Sudan, seeking safety and stability. This influx, coupled with existing vulnerabilities in South Sudan, has intensified hostilities and lay the groundwork for the recent violent protests against Sudanese communities.
The recent demonstrations in South Sudan highlight the precarious situation between Sudan and its southern neighbor. The impact of civil conflict and regional instability has fueled violence and unrest, resulting in numerous casualties, a strong governmental response including a curfew, and a plea for restraint from President Salva Kiir. The situation remains volatile, underlined by the need for security and protection for displaced populations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
