Authorities in South Sudan have instituted a nighttime curfew in response to violent protests in the capital city, Juba, which escalated into the looting of businesses owned by Sudanese nationals.
The curfew, which begins at 6:00 PM each day, was announced on Friday by Police Chief Abraham Manyuat during a broadcast on state television, coinciding with the outbreak of new demonstrations in Juba and other urban areas.
Reports of heavy gunfire emerged on Thursday as security forces were mobilized to address the unrest. Protesters vandalized and looted shops belonging to Sudanese citizens in various neighborhoods, prompting police to discharge warning shots to disperse the crowds.
The protests were ignited by anger over allegations that South Sudanese civilians were killed by Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) in Wad Madani, the capital of Sudan’s El Gezira State. Disturbing videos of the incidents circulating on social media have further fueled the unrest.
Police spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial emphasized that the safety of Sudanese residents in South Sudan would be ensured, cautioning that any looting or attacks on their properties would be met with strict consequences.
This outbreak of violence underscores the escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries, as many South Sudanese remain trapped in conflict-ridden Sudan.
