The Government of Western Equatoria State has appealed to Sudanese traders to keep their shops open, assuring them of protection and safety amidst rising tensions caused by reports of violence targeting South Sudanese in Sudan and fears of retaliation in South Sudan.
While speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the state’s Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Severino Morris, urged the Sudanese community to remain calm and avoid panic, stressing that Western Equatoria is peaceful.
“We do not want anyone to take the law into their hands. The killing of our people in Sudan is painful, but no one here should retaliate or attempt to harm Sudanese traders in Yambio,” he stressed. “If anyone hears or sees something suspicious, they should report it to the police immediately. These people (Sudanese) are part of us, they have married into our families, and we should live in harmony.”
For his part, Elia Usini Dominic, the Minister of Information and Communication, also appealed for calm, urging traders to continue their activities without fear.
“Juba is different from Yambio. The government is working tirelessly to maintain security and protect everyone. We are deploying forces to ensure the safety of the market and to prevent any incidents,” he said. “No one should steal, harm, or kill in Western Equatoria State. Violence only leads to destruction. What has happened elsewhere should not spill into our peaceful community here.”
Meanwhile, Chris Malesh, the spokesperson of the Western Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, reassured Sudanese traders that the government is committed to their safety and appealed for the unity of all communities in the state.
“We are South Sudanese, and they are Sudanese. We are all people of the same land. Let us not take advantage of the situation or close shops out of fear,” he stated. “Peace is the ultimate goal, and this situation will pass.”
A Sudanese trader in Yambio expressed fear over the escalating tensions and urged the governments of South Sudanese and Sudan to advocate for peace.
“What is happening in Sudan and South Sudan is heartbreaking. I appeal to the governments of both countries to prioritize peace and protect everyone,” he said. “Violence is not the solution.”
The unified message from the Western Equatoria State officials emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace, protecting lives, and fostering harmony between the Sudanese and South Sudanese communities. With heightened security measures and reassurances, the government hopes to restore normalcy and prevent any potential fallout resulting from the ongoing crisis in Sudan.