JUBA – South Sudanese police confirmed that 16 Sudanese nationals were killed in riots that erupted last week in response to alleged killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan’s El Gezira region. The violence took place in the capital, Juba, and spread to other areas on Thursday and Friday, as protesters reacted to reports linking Sudan’s military and allied groups to the deaths in El Gezira.
The Sudanese army condemned what it described as “individual violations” in El Gezira, after human rights organizations accused its forces of carrying out targeted attacks against civilians suspected of supporting the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
South Sudan’s national police stated that the deaths occurred in four different states and assured the public that additional security measures would be taken to protect Sudanese nationals, including increased patrols in markets and residential areas.
To contain the unrest, the South Sudanese government imposed a curfew, effective from dusk to dawn, which is still in force. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s military reported the arrest of at least 24 individuals, with charges expected after further investigations are completed.
