Tensions have escalated between South Sudan and Sudan after deadly riots erupted in Juba in response to the massacre of South Sudanese in Sudan. The violence followed the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recapture of Wad Madani, leading to protests and attacks on Sudanese properties. The SAF’s actions have drawn international sanctions and raised concerns over human rights violations amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
On January 16, 2025, riots erupted in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, as demonstrators expressed their outrage over the massacre of South Sudanese citizens in neighboring Sudan. Amid the chaos, some individuals seized the moment to loot businesses owned by Sudanese nationals and attacked the Sudanese embassy, resulting in the death of a diplomat. The police responded by firing into the air to disperse the crowd. The unrest stemmed from reports of civilian casualties, particularly after the capture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Wad Madani, the capital of Jazira State and significant for wheat production, was recaptured by the SAF from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on January 11, 2025. The South Sudanese public’s anger has been exacerbated by disturbing videos online depicting atrocities committed by SAF soldiers against South Sudanese and individuals from Western Sudan. South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Sudanese ambassador to voice concerns over the loss of innocent lives.
The Sudanese government has announced the formation of a commission to investigate the reported killings in Wad Madani. The Sudanese ambassador to South Sudan asserted that the rights violations were not perpetrated by regular troops, but by a militia linked to the army. While a SAF representative admitted that some “violations” occurred, he noted they were committed by individuals, not the military as a whole.
Prior to its capture by the SAF, Wad Madani was viewed as a relatively safe haven, with many South Sudanese fleeing ongoing conflicts settling there over a year ago. The city’s recapture is seen as a critical development in the ongoing Sudanese conflict, which has been characterized by persistent human rights abuses committed by various factions. In response, the US government imposed sanctions on RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo Mousa and SAF commander General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan due to civil rights violations.
The escalating tensions between South Sudan and Sudan are compounded by the recent violence in Wad Madani, revealing deep-seated animosities following the return of the SAF to the region. The SAF’s actions have drawn international condemnation, with allegations of human rights violations ongoing in the context of the broader Sudanese conflict. Moreover, the presence of civilian populations displaced by violence exacerbates humanitarian concerns, leading to rising tensions on both sides of the border.
The riots in Juba signal a significant backlash against the reported human rights abuses committed in Sudan, particularly the massacre of South Sudanese citizens. The situation reflects escalating tensions and a critical humanitarian crisis, prompting international scrutiny and sanctions against Sudanese leaders. The tragic events surrounding the recapture of Wad Madani underline the urgent need for accountability and protection of civilians amidst ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.fides.org
