On January 16, riots erupted in Juba, South Sudan, in protest of massacres against South Sudanese in Sudan. The incident led to the looting of shops and an attack on the Sudanese embassy, resulting in a diplomat’s death. The violence followed the recapture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese Armed Forces, igniting outrage fueled by social media videos of atrocities committed against civilians.
Riots erupted in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, on January 16, as citizens protested the massacres of South Sudanese individuals in neighboring Sudan. Amidst the chaos, some individuals looted Sudanese-owned shops and assaulted the Sudanese embassy, resulting in the death of a diplomat. The police resorted to firing shots into the air to disperse the protesting crowd. The public outrage stemmed from reports of civilians being killed, including South Sudanese, following the recapture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The SAF reclaimed Wad Madani, located in Jazira State, on January 11 from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who had taken control the previous December. Videos circulating online depicting atrocities committed by SAF soldiers against South Sudanese and Western Sudanese citizens heightened tensions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in South Sudan summoned the Sudanese ambassador to express outrage over the loss of innocent lives. In response, the Sudanese government announced a commission of inquiry into the situation.
According to the Sudanese ambassador to South Sudan, the acts of violence were attributed not to regular military personnel but to a militia linked to the armed forces. Although a SAF spokesperson acknowledged instances of “violations committed by some individuals,” the government seeks to downplay overall accountability. At the time of its recapture, Wad Madani had been a refuge for thousands seeking safety from conflict elsewhere in Sudan, exposing its residents to grave dangers.
This conflict represents significant human rights violations from all factions involved. The United States government has implemented sanctions against both RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo Mousa and SAF leader General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan for their alleged crimes. Additionally, Ahmad Abdalla, a Sudanese-Ukrainian citizen linked to the Defence Industries System and a Hong Kong-based firm, has been sanctioned for violating the UN arms embargo against Sudanese factions.
Recent tensions between South Sudan and Sudan have escalated, primarily due to the violent events in Wad Madani. The recapture of this region by the SAF from the RSF has led to significant repercussions for South Sudanese civilians, amplifying unrest and prompting international response. The situation reflects a larger pattern of instability and human rights violations prevalent in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for several years.
The riots in Juba underscore the fragile environment in South Sudan amidst ongoing violence in Sudan. The response from South Sudan’s government highlights deep grievances against the Sudanese authorities following the reported brutalities in Wad Madani. As regional tensions escalate, the international community’s involvement through sanctions may play a crucial role in addressing and mitigating the humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.fides.org
