By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir has called for calm among citizens and urged the Sudanese government and conflicting parties to take responsibility for protecting civilians trapped in war zones.
Kiir’s statement comes as many South Sudanese protest the killings of their fellow citizens by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Madani, Al Gezira State, Sudan.
Following the recapture of Madani from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last weekend, videos surfaced on social media showing elements of the SAF and their allied militia torturing, slaughtering, beheading, and, in some instances, shooting South Sudanese and other foreigners. The images have gone viral, provoking widespread anger and condemnation.
The torture and killing of South Sudanese civilians trapped in Sudan due to the conflict have sparked protests in South Sudan, with many citizens demanding that the Sudanese government take responsibility and ensure justice.
Due to protests on Thursday and Friday, reports emerged of some shops being closed by Sudanese traders due to fear, causing panic in Juba and other states.
In a statement to the media, President Kiir expressed compassion for the country and condolences to those who lost loved ones in Sudan.
He urged citizens to remain calm, emphasizing that no one should take the law into their own hands while both governments work to address the situation.
“I, therefore, urged all South Sudanese citizens to remain calm and refrain from retaliation. It is crucial that we do not allow anger and emotions to cloud our judgment and turn against Sudanese brothers and sisters,” Kiir said.
“Let us protect their properties and businesses. We are hospitable people; it’s our duty to offer protection and support to Sudanese refugees who fled the war in Sudan. Let them find comfort around you,” he added.
He called for protection of Civilians by the parties in Conflict in Sudan.
“The government of Sudan is obliged to protect South Sudanese citizens trapped in war zones under its control,” he said.
Kiir ordered the security forces to ensure that the Sudanese in the country continue to be protected from isolated cases where some annoyed individual may take the law into their own hands.
“I hereby direct the Chief of Defense Forces, the Inspector General of the Police, the Directors General of the National Security Service to ensure no one takes laws into their own hand” Kiir said.
“Ensure protection of all Sudanese citizens within the territory of the Republic of South Sudan,” he added.
While sending condolences, Kiir expressed the government’s commitment to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“May God grant the souls of our departed brothers and sisters’ eternal peace, and may the people of South Sudan find comfort in the knowledge that we stand together in solidarity, seeking prompt and just action,” he said.
The President condemned the incident and called on the Sudanese government to take responsibility for protecting people trapped in the war zone in Sudan.
“I feel your pain and disdain at the atrocities against our fellow citizens in Sudan, and particularly what is taking place in Al Gezira State, Wad Madani. These inhumane, barbaric killings of innocent South Sudanese civilians allegedly committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces ignite difficult, sad, and emotional memories. These heinous acts are unacceptable and are comparable only to terrorism in character,” he said.
The president prioritized dialogue to handle any burning issue between countries.
“Let us trust in the processes of peace and dialogue to resolve this crisis rather than citizens taking matters into their own hands,” he said.