In brief
Following backlash against Sudanese businesses in South Sudan's capital, Juba, a curfew has been enforced after violent confrontations left three dead and many others injured. Police aim to restore order as tensions mount amidst Sudan's deepening humanitarian crisis.
A recent wave of violence against Sudanese-owned businesses and properties in South Sudan has prompted authorities to impose a nightly curfew. Announced by the police chief, the measure aims to soothe escalating tensions that have put the capital city, Juba, on high alert.The unrest began following the circulation of disturbing videos allegedly showing Sudanese soldiers committing atrocities against South Sudanese citizens. As a result, hundreds of enraged young men retaliated by attacking Sudanese businesses, leading to a tense atmosphere in the city.According to police reports, at least three people have been killed and seven others injured in skirmishes with law enforcement officers in Juba and the north-western town of Aweil. Among these, Sudanese traders have been targeted, prompting a rescue operation by police that secured the safety of about 45 individuals.Insp Gen Abraham Manyuat Peter announced a curfew that restricts movement from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, stating this is vital to prevent further violations of public and private properties. Shops and restaurants across Juba were forced to close on Friday, with one of the largest markets, Konyo Konyo, shutting its doors amid the turmoil.Local bakeries reported soaring bread prices, rising as much as 17% due to the scarcity of goods. The unrest has also extended to other towns, including Wau, where crowds targeted a popular market known for its Sudanese businesses. Reports suggest that police had to use live ammunition to disperse growing mobs.The situation reflects the deeply strained relations between South Sudan and Sudan, particularly as Sudan has devolved into widespread humanitarian disaster since civil conflict erupted between warring factions in April 2023. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the racial dynamics at play, noting a history of ethnicity-based violence, especially against darker-skinned individuals.As the conflict in Sudan exacerbates, increasing numbers of its citizens are fleeing into South Sudan, further complicating an already volatile situation. Social media and eyewitness accounts emphasize both the urgency and gravity of the escalating tensions between locals and Sudanese migrants, challenging local authorities to maintain order amidst community unrest.
