On January 17, 2025, angry youth in Kuajok protested by looting Sudanese shops in response to the killings of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. The unrest led to police intervention, but no casualties were reported. The Sudanese army condemned the violence, pledging accountability, while South Sudan’s foreign ministry addressed the loss of lives of innocent citizens.
On January 17, 2025, a group of frustrated youth instigated a violent protest in the main market of Kuajok, the capital of Warrap State, where they engaged in looting and vandalism targeting shops owned by Sudanese traders. This demonstration came in reaction to the recent brutal killings of South Sudanese individuals in Sudan’s Gezira State following a takeover by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). Witnesses reported that the unrest commenced around 6:00 AM local time, leading to the looting of over 30 Sudanese shops.
Reports indicate that in an effort to disperse the crowd, police and organized forces resorted to firing into the air. Fortunately, no casualties were reported during the incident; however, state authorities took action to safeguard the Sudanese traders and their properties. The Sudanese army subsequently condemned what they termed as “individual violations” in Gezira state, asserting that those responsible would face accountability for their actions.
Furthermore, South Sudan’s foreign ministry confirmed that it had received a comprehensive report from its embassy in Sudan, which outlined the tragic events that have led to the loss of lives of innocent citizens, emphasizing that these individuals were non-combatants. The overall situation remains tense as the authorities in both nations navigate the aftermath of these incidents.
The turmoil in Kuajok market is a direct manifestation of heightened tensions between South Sudan and Sudan, primarily stemming from violent clashes within Sudan’s Gezira State. The recent takeover of the area by the Sudan Armed Forces has exacerbated these tensions, leading to violent protests in South Sudan. The looting event illustrates the broader implications of regional violence and the resulting community outrage, particularly targeting foreign nationals perceived to be involved in the conflict.
The recent unrest in Kuajok illustrates the fragility of the relationship between South Sudan and Sudan, intensified by the violent events in Gezira State. While immediate measures have been taken to protect Sudanese traders and restore order, the underlying issues remain unresolved. Calls for accountability from the Sudanese army emphasize the need for a diplomatic approach to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure the safety of all citizens involved.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
