Sudanese traders in the Western Bahr el Ghazal capital, Wau, have closed their shops following plans by youth to loot them while holding violent protests following the killing of South Sudanese nationals in Wad Medani in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State.
The state’s police spokesperson, Major Simon Oduol, said a joint security force was deployed in the markets and residential areas to protect the Sudanese traders and their properties.
“Today, in light of the unrest resulting from the tragic killing of South Sudanese citizens by elements of the Sudanese army in Wad-Medani, Sudan, the police service has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of our communities within Wau Town,” he said. “To address the current situation and mitigate any potential disturbances, the police in Western Bahr el Ghazal State deployed additional personnel together with other security organs and the army in critical areas in Wau town.”
Maj. Oduol added: “The forces have been deployed in residential areas and market zones where police presence is essential to ensure public order and to protect citizens and property.”
The police spokesperson said they detected rising tensions and he implored the public to remain calm.
“We recognized the high emotions surrounding this incident and urge all citizens to remain calm and exercise restraint during this challenging time,” he stated. “The police service is committed to maintaining peace and security for the residents of Western Bahr el Ghazal State including the business community and Sudanese and we emphasize that any act of violence or retaliatory action will not be tolerated.”
When asked about gunshots on Friday morning in some parts of the town, Maj. Oduol clarified that the shooting was to deter youths who were planning protests and looting in the town.
“Those gunshots were meant to disperse a group of civilians who were there to attack some residents where Sudanese citizens live and prevented others from entering some markets,” he said. “We had two Sudanese casualties this morning in Daraja. One Sudanese trader was injured and rushed to Wau Teaching Hospital for treatment but he is in good condition.”
Meanwhile, in the neighboring Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, the capital, Awiel Town, the state police commissioner, Major General Basilio Thomas Wani, said the whole market was completely looted by the angry youth.
“The situation is now tense and right now, we are running up and down. We are currently in the main market where there is looting ongoing. They have looted the Wainyjok market,” he reported. “The similar situation that happened in Juba is currently affecting us here with a large number of people looting the market right now.”
“We are yet to determine casualties because right now, there is still no detail on casualties but looting is ongoing,” Gen. Wani added.
He appealed to Awiel residents to refrain from violence and stop looting because the market is the only source of economic activity for many people.
Reports from Kuajok Town in Warrap State said angry youths moved around in groups while looting.