South Sudan has enacted a curfew in response to violent attacks on Sudanese nationals resulting in fatalities and injuries. Tensions have escalated due to an influx of Sudanese refugees fleeing ongoing conflicts in Sudan. Authorities are working to maintain security and protect Sudanese-owned businesses amid the unrest, which has pressured local economic conditions.
In South Sudan, a curfew has been imposed following violence against Sudanese nationals and their businesses. Three individuals have lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries during confrontations in Juba and Aweil. As part of the strict measures, no one may leave their homes from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM to prevent further unrest. Authorities reported that several Sudanese-owned homes were attacked and set ablaze, sparking an urgent response from law enforcement.
The conflict has escalated as South Sudan grapples with an influx of Sudanese refugees seeking safety amid severe humanitarian crises in Sudan. Since April 2023, when warring factions intensified their fighting, approximately 25 million individuals in Sudan require urgent assistance. Graphic footage of atrocities committed against South Sudanese by Sudanese soldiers has surfaced, inciting outrage among South Sudan citizens, leading to retaliation against Sudanese-owned properties.
In major urban areas like Juba, significant unrest unfolded as youths attacked Sudanese-owned establishments, while authorities struggled to maintain order amidst a tense atmosphere. The police reported gunfire during the unrest, prompting many shops and eateries to close for safety. Bread prices soared significantly due to disrupted supplies, further exacerbating the local economic strain. Law enforcement has deployed personnel to safeguard Sudanese individuals and businesses in areas previously targeted by mob attacks.
Eyewitness reports indicate that violent demonstrations also occurred in other regions, with police responding aggressively to quell the unrest. While various marketplaces have been looted, additional protests erupted in other towns as anger over the situation escalated. The health and safety of Sudanese refugees remain a priority for the South Sudan government amid these volatile circumstances, stressing the need for immediate intervention and community support.
The prevailing tensions between South Sudan and Sudan trace back to historical conflicts, especially racial discrimination against darker-skinned populations within Sudan. South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after a lengthy and devastating civil war but now faces new challenges with returning refugees amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. As incidents of violence against Sudanese businesses arise, it highlights an urgent need for stability in South Sudan as tensions mount due to the influx of Sudanese refugees seeking safety from violence in their home country.
The imposition of a curfew in South Sudan reflects an unsettling surge in violence against Sudanese nationals amid rising ethnic tensions. With a significant increase in the refugee population due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, South Sudan faces severe challenges in maintaining peace and public safety. Effective law enforcement and community support will be crucial in navigating these turbulent times, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue and resolution to prevent further escalation.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
