The authorities in Unity State on Friday deployed security forces across the state to protect Sudanese nationals.
Sudanese traders continued operating across the state following violent protests by South Sudanese youth across the country following the killing of South Sudanese nationals in Wad Madani in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State.
Engineer Gatwich Bipal Both, the minister of information and communication in Unity State, told journalists in Bentiu over the weekend the state government deployed the police, army, and National Security Service to safeguard the lives and property of Sudanese nationals.
He called for the immediate end of atrocities committed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias and urged the Government of Sudan to hold the criminals accountable for their actions.
“In anticipation of retaliation, Unity State Governor Justice Riek Bim Top directed the immediate deployment of security forces throughout the state to guard the Sudanese community and their businesses,” he said. “Per now, the security for all Sudanese is 100 percent assured in Bentiu and across the state. No fear or intimidation has been reported for the last 24 hours in Unity State. The Sudanese business community is now enjoying the same privilege and security as South Sudanese with no stoppage of business.”
Minister Bipal added: “The Sudanese business community and other nationals are urged to continue their normal routine as the state government is in full control of public security.”
He said the state authorities lauded the peaceful people of Unity State for not taking the law into their hands and urged peaceful coexistence with the Sudanese.
For his part, the state’s police spokesperson, John Malieth, said joint security forces were deployed in the markets and residential areas to protect the Sudanese traders and their properties.
“In light of the unrest resulting from the tragic killing of South Sudanese citizens by elements of the Sudanese army in Wad-Madeni in Sudan, forces were deployed to maintain law and order.
“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,” he stated. “We recognize the high emotions surrounding this incident and urge all citizens to remain calm and exercise restraint during this challenging time.”