South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday condemned the recent killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan’s Al Jazira State, describing the acts as terrorism and reiterated his call for the protection of Sudanese nationals living in South Sudan.
Early this week, gruesome videos circulating on social media of South Sudanese killed in Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah State, raised concern about the safety of thousands who have been stranded in Sudan.
The killings, captured on camera after the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) took control of Wad Medani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Saturday, sparked violent protests in Juba and other cities in South Sudan on Thursday night and Friday morning.
The protests were met with a heavy police response, leading to arrests, though those detained were later released. Some Sudanese-owned shops were vandalized and looted, prompting the government to impose a nationwide curfew early Friday morning.
In his State of the Nation address this afternoon, Kiir condemned the killing of South Sudanese citizens, calling it an inhumane act. “Dear fellow citizens, I feel your pain and disdain at the atrocities against our fellow citizens in Sudan, particularly what is taking place in the Al-Jazeera war medley. These inhuman barbaric killings of innocent South Sudanese civilians allegedly committed by the Sudanese armed forces ignite difficult, sad, and emotional memories. These heinous acts are unacceptable and are truly comparable to terrorism in character,” Kiir said.
Kiir expressed that South Sudanese still view Sudan as home due to their shared history and called on the Sudanese authorities to protect South Sudanese citizens trapped in conflict zones.
The South Sudanese leader said he instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Sudanese embassy in Juba for an explanation. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands for an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of defenseless civilians, participation of international human rights organizations, and for the Sudanese government to ensure transparency in such investigations,” he stated.
Kiir further emphasized the need for accountability, urging the Sudanese government to ensure those responsible for the killings face justice. “I therefore urge 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 added.
The South Sudanese leader also called for the protection of Sudanese nationals living in the country, emphasizing South Sudan’s responsibility to offer shelter and safety to those who have fled the war in Sudan. “Let them find comfort with you or around you. Let us trust in the process of peace and dialogue to resolve this crisis rather than citizens taking matters into their own hands,” he urged.
Kiir directed the Chief of Defense Forces, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the National Security Service to ensure no one takes the law into their own hands. “Ensure the protection of all Sudanese citizens within the territory of the Republic of South Sudan. I further direct all the organized forces not on duty to report to their units and barracks for further directives,” he stressed.