JUBA, South Sudan – In response to violent riots that erupted in the capital, Juba, South Sudanese police have imposed a nationwide nighttime curfew starting Friday.
This decision follows a night of unrest that resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to seven others during protests against Sudanese-owned businesses.
Unrest Triggered by Alleged Killings
The riots were sparked by reports of the alleged killing of 29 South Sudanese citizens in neighbouring Sudan by the army and allied groups.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that youths targeted shops owned by Sudanese nationals, leading to widespread looting and vandalism.
Security forces intervened, firing warning shots to disperse the crowds as the situation escalated.
The unrest has raised significant concerns about safety, particularly for the Sudanese refugee community in South Sudan, which hosts several hundred thousand individuals fleeing the ongoing civil war in their homeland.
Curfew Details and Government Response
The nationwide curfew will be enforced from 6 PM to 6 AM daily until further notice. Police Chief Abraham Manyuat emphasized that this measure aims to restore order and protect public and private property.
He urged citizens to remain indoors during curfew hours and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure safety.
“Police officers are responsible for protecting lives and property,” Manyuat stated during a televised announcement.
He reassured the public that additional security measures are being implemented to prevent further violence.
President Kiir Calls for Calm
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has called for calm amidst the rising tensions, urging citizens not to let their anger turn against Sudanese traders and refugees.
His office released a statement emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and protecting vulnerable populations during this crisis.
The recent violence has underscored the fragility of South Sudan’s security situation, which remains volatile following years of conflict and instability since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.
Ethnic Tensions and Human Rights Concerns
The riots reflect deeper ethnic tensions exacerbated by ongoing violence in Sudan, where the army is accused of carrying out targeted attacks against civilians.
The situation has prompted international human rights organizations to express concern over the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
As South Sudan grapples with these challenges, the imposition of a curfew serves as a temporary measure to curb violence and restore order.
However, it also raises questions about long-term solutions to address the underlying issues fueling unrest in the region.
Navigating a Complex Crisis
As South Sudan navigates this complex crisis, it is crucial for both government officials and community leaders to foster dialogue and understanding among different ethnic groups.
The recent events highlight the urgent need for effective governance and protection of human rights to ensure stability in one of the world’s youngest nations.
With tensions running high, all eyes will be on how authorities manage this situation moving forward and whether they can prevent further violence while addressing the grievances that have led to such unrest.
