By Staff writer
Joint security operations recovered assorted items from looters in various residential areas of New Site, Juba County, following a protest that erupted on Thursday and Friday.
The unrest was sparked by the emergence of graphic videos showing the brutal killing of South Sudanese Citizens in Wad Madani, Al Gezira State, Sudan.
In response, angry youth targeted Sudanese Nationals, with some looting their shops.
Authorities acted quickly to restore order, deploying security personnel to the affected areas.
The joint forces managed to recover numerous stolen items, although the exact value of the recovered goods has not yet been disclosed.
In a Facebook post, Army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said the items were recovered from different areas.
“Assorted items recovered by joint security forces from looters at different residential areas in New Site, Juba County, Central Equatoria State,” partly read the statement.
Officials have since condemned the violence and looting, urging the community to refrain from retaliatory actions and to maintain peace.
The violent protest has led to the death of at least 16 Sudanese nationals across four states: 3 in Central Equatoria State, 9 in Northern Bahr Al Ghazal State, 3 in Western Bahr Al Ghazal State and 1 in Upper Nile State, according to police.
Also, approximately 15 shops were broken into and looted across the city, CES Chamber of Commerce stated.
Following the unrest, President Salva Kiir had called for calm among citizens and urged the Sudanese government and conflicting parties to take responsibility for protecting civilians trapped in war zones.
“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.
The Sudanese Government had also responded by forming a committee to investigate the atrocities committed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).
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.