Tensions erupted in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Thursday night as groups of South Sudanese citizens took to the streets to protest and, in some cases, attempted to loot and destroy shops owned by Sudanese nationals.
The unrest followed earlier protests at the University of Juba and the Sudanese Embassy, which had been contained by police. However, anger soon escalated, with groups of youths turning violent and targeting businesses in various parts of the city.
The protests were fueled by growing concerns over the deaths of civilians, including South Sudanese nationals, following the capture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). On Wednesday, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest the “loss of lives among innocent citizens.”
Wad Madani, located 87 miles (140 km) south of Khartoum, was seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) about a year ago, before being recaptured by the military on Saturday.
In Juba, reports indicate that Sudanese-owned businesses across multiple neighborhoods were targeted, vandalized, and looted amid the growing tensions. As unrest spread, police fired shots in areas including Suk Sita, Tombura Road, New Site, Medan Simba, Munuki, and other parts of the city in an attempt to restore order.
John Kassara Koang Nhial, spokesperson for the South Sudan National Police Service, spoke to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday night, confirming that multiple groups had taken to the streets in protest against the killings in Wad Madani and had targeted Sudanese-owned businesses. He explained that the police had fired into the air to disperse rioters attempting to break into shops.
“The shooting into the air was to disperse a group of criminals attempting to loot shops,” he said.
Separately, Lily Adhieu Martin, Press Secretary in the Office of the President, issued a statement expressing deep distress and sorrow over the recent killings of innocent South Sudanese civilians by the Sudanese Armed Forces.
“We are deeply distressed and saddened by these barbaric killings,” she said. “As we all know, many South Sudanese still consider Sudan home due to our shared history and ongoing sisterly engagements. However, such acts of violence against civilians are entirely unacceptable.”
“I want to assure you that His Excellency the President, along with the government of South Sudan, is taking swift and decisive action in response to these tragic events,” she added.
Adhieu also urged South Sudanese citizens to remain calm and refrain from acts of retaliation. “It is crucial that we do not allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country. These individuals are seeking safety, and it is our duty to offer protection and support to those in need.”
Meanwhile, Army Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai issued a brief statement on his Facebook page, reassuring the public that the military, under the overall command of Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok, is closely monitoring the security situation in Juba.
“He is closely monitoring the situation and will provide a comprehensive security update tomorrow, Friday, January 17, 2025,” the statement read.
The violence underscores the growing discontent among South Sudanese citizens over the treatment of their compatriots in Sudan and raises questions about how the South Sudanese government will address this escalating situation.