The authorities in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State have assured the Sudanese nationals of their safety and that the traders should continue with their normal activities.
Last week, Sudanese nationals became the target of the South Sudanese for the alleged killing of their compatriots by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Videos circupelating around the internet ignited chaos in major South Sudan towns.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme assured the Sudanese of their safety.
‘‘All the business men, escially the Sudanese in Yei, should continue with their businesses as usual. There is no cause for alarm and we will continue doing our job as government to protect and avoid insurgencies.’’
The chairman of the Sudanese business community in Yei, Abdu Salam Abdallah, appreciated the county leadership for the unwavering support, noting that peaceful coexistence is key.
‘‘Our brothers here have not done anything bad to us like in the other parts of the country. We appreciate the county authority for giving us the chance and space to do business here. We are working from morning to evening, pray for peace, and love among the people in Yei,’’ he said.
Yei River County Police Commissioner Maj Gen Ali Abdallahtif also assured the Sudanese of their safety and that the authority would stand with them in the protection of their properties and lives.
“Sudanese are our brothers when it comes to businesses. That is why today we are here to inspect the businesses of our brothers to see to if there is any problem as a result of the recent insurgencies. Just know that we are standing with you and hope that things will be fine in the nearest future so that no one lives in fear again. You continue with your normal duties, your protection is our responsibility here in the county,’’ he said.
On Thursday evening, angry South Sudanese took to the streets in Juba, breaking into the Sudanese shops. However, the government’s intervention quickly restored calm.