South Sudan instituted a nighttime curfew after protests erupted over alleged killings of South Sudanese in Sudan, resulting in looting and violence in Juba and other towns. The unrest has drawn attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the influx of Sudanese refugees amidst the civil war. Authorities aim to maintain order and protect essential food markets.
Police in South Sudan imposed a nighttime curfew on Friday following violent protests that erupted a day earlier, leading to looting and unrest across the capital, Juba, and other towns. The protests were ignited by reports of the death of 29 South Sudanese citizens in Sudan amidst ongoing civil conflict, prompting responses from authorities to control the situation. After shooting incidents resulted in three fatalities and several injuries, police were compelled to intervene with warning shots to prevent further pillaging.
Calm was reportedly restored on Friday, though heavy police presence remained due to the tensions lingering from the protests. Juba’s police chief announced a curfew starting at 6:00 p.m. due to concerns over potential looting of vital markets, which are essential for food supplies. He emphasized that the security of these markets is critical to avoid disastrous consequences for both citizens and the government.
The local United Nations mission urged the South Sudanese populace to uphold their tradition of hospitality towards Sudanese refugees fleeing the violence in their home country. The UNMISS called for calm amidst heightened fears of retaliatory violence against Sudanese citizens. South Sudan’s leadership has expressed a commitment to protect refugees and prevent further escalation of tensions.
South Sudan, the youngest nation globally, has struggled with chronic instability and violence since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. The ongoing conflict and severe flooding have exacerbated humanitarian challenges, with a significant influx of refugees placing additional strain on resources. President Salva Kiir reiterated concerns for the safety of Sudanese nationals in South Sudan and called for restraint from the populace as well as cooperation with Sudanese authorities to address recent killings.
The United Nations human rights chief has raised alarms regarding the intensifying danger posed by the war in Sudan, especially for civilians, as reports of ethnic-based attacks by army-affiliated militias emerge. Such developments highlight the pressing need for accountability and the protection of vulnerable communities amidst ongoing hostilities in the region.
The recent unrest in South Sudan stems from deteriorating conditions following a resurgence of violence in neighboring Sudan. Reports of South Sudanese deaths amid civil warfare in Sudan sparked demonstrations against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan. The protests signify heightened tensions driven by ethnic concerns and socio-economic hardships that South Sudan faces amid a continuing humanitarian crisis and an influx of refugees fleeing violence.
In summary, South Sudan has imposed a curfew to address violent protests against Sudanese nationals following reported casualties in Sudan. Authorities aim to stabilize tensions and safeguard food markets, critical for the population. President Kiir and other officials emphasize the importance of protecting refugees, amid calls for accountability for violence occurring across borders as the conflict in Sudan intensifies.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
