Tensions erupting in South Sudan have led authorities to declare a nightly curfew in the capital, Juba, following violent reprisals against Sudanese nationals.
Curfew Imposed in Juba Amid Rising Violence Against Sudanese Nationals
Curfew Imposed in Juba Amid Rising Violence Against Sudanese Nationals
A nighttime curfew is now in effect in Juba, South Sudan, following a surge of violent attacks targeting Sudanese-owned businesses and homes.
Shops and restaurants in much of Juba closed on Friday as violence escalated in the wake of attacks against Sudanese individuals and businesses. In response, police chief Insp Gen Abraham Manyuat Peter announced a curfew, prohibiting movement from 18:00 to 06:00 local time to maintain public safety. Reports indicate that three people were killed and seven injured during clashes involving security personnel in the capital and the northwestern town of Aweil, although their identities remain undisclosed.
The unrest stems from an increase in Sudanese refugees entering South Sudan to escape the evolving conflict in their homeland, now deemed the world's worst humanitarian crisis by the UN. South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, experienced an upsurge in tensions as locals reacted violently to footage of alleged Sudanese soldiers committing atrocities against South Sudanese civilians. In recent attacks, homes owned by Sudanese nationals were set ablaze, prompting fears and outrage among Juba's residents.
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as armed groups targeted Sudanese-owned enterprises, including in Juba's busiest neighborhoods. In a bid to protect Sudanese traders, police have increased their presence, rescuing numerous individuals who were at risk of violence. Following the violence, businesses across Juba closed, with bread prices skyrocketing as supply diminished. Incidents of looting and unrest were also reported in other regions, including Wau and Tonj.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, striving to prevent further violence and safeguard the lives and properties of Sudanese nationals living in South Sudan.
The unrest stems from an increase in Sudanese refugees entering South Sudan to escape the evolving conflict in their homeland, now deemed the world's worst humanitarian crisis by the UN. South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, experienced an upsurge in tensions as locals reacted violently to footage of alleged Sudanese soldiers committing atrocities against South Sudanese civilians. In recent attacks, homes owned by Sudanese nationals were set ablaze, prompting fears and outrage among Juba's residents.
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as armed groups targeted Sudanese-owned enterprises, including in Juba's busiest neighborhoods. In a bid to protect Sudanese traders, police have increased their presence, rescuing numerous individuals who were at risk of violence. Following the violence, businesses across Juba closed, with bread prices skyrocketing as supply diminished. Incidents of looting and unrest were also reported in other regions, including Wau and Tonj.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, striving to prevent further violence and safeguard the lives and properties of Sudanese nationals living in South Sudan.
