UNMISS is calling for immediate calm after violence erupted in South Sudan, triggered by killings of South Sudanese by the Sudanese army. The unrest led to casualties and damage in Juba and other areas. Nicholas Haysom urged adherence to hospitality and misinformation restraint. President Salva Kiir condemned the violence and called for order as curfew measures were implemented.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged for the immediate restoration of calm following a recent outbreak of violence that has led to numerous casualties and vandalism in Juba and other regions. This unrest was reportedly triggered by the killing of South Sudanese nationals by the Sudanese Armed Forces in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State, specifically in Wad Medani, earlier this week.
UNMISS’s Special Representative and Head, Nicholas Haysom, appealed to South Sudanese citizens to maintain their innate spirit of hospitality and collaborate towards the safety and welfare of all communities. He emphasized the need for restraint on social media, condemning the dissemination of misinformation and hateful rhetoric that exacerbates tensions and provokes violence.
In response to growing protests, authorities imposed a curfew from dusk to dawn as a measure to restore order. Reports indicated that at least three individuals were killed and seven others injured during a protest in Juba on Thursday, escalating concerns about public safety.
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan appealed for tranquility and cautioned citizens against vigilantism. He condemned the attacks in Wad Medani, labeling them as terrorism and an intolerable crime. Since the onset of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, South Sudan has been instrumental in providing refuge and assistance to numerous individuals fleeing the unrest.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has exacerbated violence in neighboring South Sudan, impacting its stability and security. Recent killings attributed to the Sudanese Army have ignited tensions among communities, prompting calls for peace and order from international and national leaders. The situation is particularly dire in Juba, the capital, where protests have turned violent, necessitating emergency measures such as curfews.
In conclusion, UNMISS’s call for peace highlights the urgent need for community cohesion amid escalating violence in South Sudan. The government and international community must collaborate to address the root causes of such unrest and maintain public safety. Moving forward, it is vital to cultivate a culture of tolerance and information integrity to prevent further upheavals.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
