By Manas James Okony
At least 16 people were injured and 58 Sudanese nationals are now under government protection following violent protests that erupted in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, on Friday morning.
The unrest was sparked by footage of South Sudanese nationals being killed after the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) captured Wad Medani the previous Saturday. Similar protests are also being reported in other parts of the country.
Nyamar Lony, the Jonglei State Information Minister, confirmed the situation during an interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper yesterday and stated that security forces have been deployed to control the unrest.
“Violent protests occurred in the main market of Marol. The SSPDF, police, and NSS forces have been deployed by the government of Jonglei State to the area, and the situation is now calm,” she reported.
The minister described the response as effective, noting that agitated residents have been dispersed as government troops patrol the town.
“As we speak, our forces are in control of Marol market. Sudanese and other foreign nationals are under our protection. Forty foreign nationals, primarily Sudanese, are seeking refuge in police custody, while 18 others are being sheltered at the governor’s residence. During the protests, 16 individuals, including both nationals and foreigners, were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Bor hospital,” she said.
Resident Kuch Isaiah described the tense atmosphere, stating, “Security forces are shooting into the air to keep angry civilians away from the market. Many young people, both men and women, are gathering at Marol Market to protest against the killing of their fellow citizens in Sudan by the Sudanese army.”
Civil society activist Bol Deng Bol, executive director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS), praised the government’s swift response and urged citizens to refrain from violence.
“It is very unfortunate that our people are displacing their anger on innocent Sudanese living in our country.
These individuals sought refuge here as their nation experienced civil war.
While we condemn the violence that occurred in Sudan, we should not replicate those wrongs by looting their resources or vandalizing their properties,” he stated.
He added, “I am grateful to our police for their rapid intervention to address the situation, even though they faced overwhelming numbers of civilians in some areas. To our people: we should not emulate the violence witnessed in Sudan. We must strive to present an image of our country as one that is peaceful and respectful, not one prone to violence.”