South Sudan has imposed a nationwide overnight curfew from 6 p.m. to dawn to prevent violence against Sudanese traders following looting incidents in Juba. The unrest stems from alleged retaliatory killings of South Sudanese in Sudan, prompting officials to call for restraint and protection of vulnerable Sudanese nationals in the country amid the ongoing civil conflict.
South Sudan has implemented a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew following incidents of violence targeting Sudanese traders in Juba. The curfew, starting at 6 p.m. local time, aims to curb looting and enhance security measures across major towns. Businesses are mandated to close by 5 p.m. as part of these heightened safety protocols. Police Chief Gen. Abraham Manyuat affirmed the government’s commitment to protect markets and ensure security during this period.
The unrest appears to stem from rumors regarding the killing of South Sudanese individuals by militia groups in Sudan, inciting retaliatory tensions. Despite the violence, government officials, including Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, press the importance of maintaining a measured response. They emphasize that anger must not be directed towards Sudanese nationals who currently reside in South Sudan, reminding that these individuals are refugees amidst their own crises.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has resulted in famine and significant displacement, escalated when fighting erupted in Khartoum in April 2023. Ethnically motivated atrocities have been reported, compounding the humanitarian disaster as millions are forced to flee their homes. The situation remains precarious, and South Sudan continues to grapple with the influx of displaced Sudanese due to conflict linked to rival military factions.
The recent violence in Juba highlights the fragility of security for Sudanese nationals in South Sudan amidst escalating tensions tied to the civil conflict in Sudan. The influx of Sudanese refugees has increased since fighting broke out, leading to ethnic animosities surfacing in South Sudan. Authorities are attempting to balance national security with humanitarian concerns for all individuals affected by the conflict. The civil war in Sudan, marked by severe humanitarian crises including widespread displacement and famine, has heightened regional instability. The complications arising from the conflict involve complex socio-political dynamics between different ethnic groups and communities, leading to retaliatory violence in neighboring nations such as South Sudan.
The imposition of a nationally enforced curfew in South Sudan represents a direct response to violence against Sudanese traders amid rising ethnic tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. While the South Sudanese government aims to mitigate violence and protect traders, there is an urgent need for careful management of community relations to avoid further escalation. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for authorities to balance security with compassion towards those seeking refuge.
Original Source: apnews.com
