South Sudan has imposed a nationwide overnight curfew to combat violence against Sudanese traders following incidents of looting in Juba. The curfew will be enforced from 6 p.m. to dawn, with businesses closing by 5 p.m. Authorities attribute the violence to recent killings of South Sudanese by militia groups in Sudan, urging restraint among locals. The ongoing civil war in Sudan is exacerbating humanitarian issues, creating a backdrop for the unrest.
The government of South Sudan has enacted a nationwide overnight curfew following incidents of violence that specifically targeted Sudanese traders in the capital, Juba. According to Police Chief General Abraham Manyuat, this curfew will be in effect from 6 p.m. until dawn, as part of efforts to mitigate looting incidents that occurred in Juba and other major towns. To enhance security, businesses are mandated to cease operations by 5 p.m. “We will protect all the markets,” stated General Manyuat during a broadcast on state-run television.
The wave of violence against Sudanese nationals is reportedly linked to recent events in which militia groups in remote regions of Sudan allegedly killed South Sudanese individuals. In light of this situation, Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, a press secretary for the presidency, urged the public to exercise restraint. “We mustn’t allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country,” she emphasized.
The ongoing civil unrest in Sudan has resulted in a severe famine and is contributing to what has become the world’s largest displacement crisis. Violent confrontations between rival military factions began in Khartoum in April 2023, and the hostilities have since spread across the country, often accompanied by serious human rights violations, including ethnically motivated killings and sexual violence, as reported by the United Nations and various human rights organizations.
The imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in South Sudan is a response to escalating tensions and violence against Sudanese traders, which has been ignited by ongoing conflicts in neighboring Sudan. The civil war in Sudan has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, including famine and mass displacement, prompting South Sudanese authorities to take preemptive measures to protect foreign nationals. The relationship between South Sudan and Sudan remains delicate, with underlying grievances influencing the current atmosphere of animosity.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s decision to implement a nationwide curfew is a significant step aimed at preventing further violence against Sudanese traders amidst rising tensions stemming from the civil conflict in Sudan. The authorities are calling for calm and restraint from the South Sudanese public, while also highlighting the importance of safeguarding all residents and businesses, regardless of nationality.
Original Source: www.wral.com
