By William Madouk
Violent demonstrations erupted across South Sudan on Thursday night over grave human rights violations committed by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against South Sudanese refugees in Medani, Al Gezira State.
Heavy gunfire could be heard in several parts of Juba, Aweil, Bor, and other states as police attempted to disperse protesters.
In what appeared to be retaliation, widespread looting and vandalism of shops and businesses perceived to belong to Sudanese traders were reported.
In Aweil, one Sudanese citizen was killed, and a South Sudanese woman died in crossfire as police tried to control the mob. Similar incidents of violence, though with no reported casualties, occurred in other states.
This was triggered by graphic footage circulating online that depicted defenseless South Sudanese being rounded up, brutally assaulted, slaughtered, and killed, allegedly by the SAF.
Despite heavy security deployment around the Sudanese embassy on Thursday morning, a number of activists from South Sudan and Sudan organized peaceful protests in front of the embassy in Juba.
The demonstrators called upon the concerned authorities to condemn the violations, bring the perpetrators of the atrocities to justice, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Unverified reports indicated that police had detained several peaceful protesters who were demonstrating outside the Sudanese embassy.
As the situation escalated in the evening, law enforcement agencies were forced to deploy heavier security personnel to protect businesses, properties, and people’s lives.
In response to the night of protests, Ms. Lily Adhieu Albino, the press secretary in the office of the president, issued a statement expressing the president’s “deep distress and sadness” over the “barbaric killings” and stating that he was taking steps to hold those responsible accountable.
“As we all know, many South Sudanese still consider Sudan home due to our shared history and continued sisterly engagements. However, such acts of violence against civilians are wholly unacceptable,” the statement read.
“Our citizens trapped in war zones in Sudan are entitled to protection under the Geneva Convention, which the warring parties are obligated to uphold,” the statement posted on the presidency’s Facebook page continued.
The statement outlined the government’s response, including the summoning of the Sudanese Ambassador to Juba and ongoing diplomatic consultations to ensure accountability.
Ms. Lily urged South Sudanese citizens to remain calm and refrain from retaliation against Sudanese traders and refugees residing in the country.
“These individuals are seeking safety, and it is our duty to offer protection and support to those in need,” she said.
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Oyet Nathaniel also called for the government to repatriate citizens, while former Health Minister Riak Gai Kok urged a severing of ties with the Sudanese government, including the expulsion of the Sudanese ambassador.
A source at Juba Teaching Hospital reported that the hospital had received at least 12 gunshot victims the previous night.
Two sustained critical injuries, while ten had non-life-threatening wounds. One victim, reportedly shot in the chest, was transferred to Gieda Military Hospital for urgent surgery.
In response, the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Abraham Manyuat, imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM to prevent outlaws from exploiting the darkness to carry out their agendas.
The IGP advised traders to close their businesses as early as 5:00 PM to safeguard their goods.
He explained that essential services such as hospitals and pharmacies would remain open 24/7, and small markets and shops would be allowed to operate, but main markets would remain closed.
A civil society activist condemned the unlawful acts of violence targeting Sudanese traders and businesses.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, appealed to citizens to cease looting Sudanese-owned shops and targeting Sudanese individuals.
“I strongly condemn the unlawful acts against the traders of Sudan in Juba and across South Sudan by some South Sudanese,” Yakani said.
Mr. Yakani further condemned the brutal treatment of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan allegedly by the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Bol Deng Bol, also a civil society activist and executive director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS), praised the government’s intervention and urged people to refrain from violence.
“It is very unfortunate that our people are directing their anger toward innocent Sudanese living in our country. These people have come here seeking protection as their country undergoes a civil war,” he said.
“While we condemn what happened in Sudan, we should not commit the same wrongs by looting their resources and vandalizing their properties here,” he added.
“I am grateful to our police for their quick intervention in addressing the situation, although they were overwhelmed by civilians in some parts,” he stated.