The Repercussions of War Follow Sudanese Nationals in Juba
Moatinoon – News Report
The campaigns of hate speech that sparked the war in Sudan have extended their heavy toll to South Sudan. Reports surfaced about incidents targeting South Sudanese nationals in Gezira State following the violent events accompanying the recapture of Wad Madani, the state capital, by the Sudanese army and allied forces.
In Juba, the capital of South Sudan, incidents unfolded yesterday targeting Sudanese nationals and their properties. Reports indicated that some businesses owned by Sudanese in specific neighborhoods were vandalized and looted. Police in Juba responded to unrest in neighborhoods such as Amarat, Souq Sitta, Tombura Road, and other parts of the city by opening fire.
In a phone call with “Moatinoon”, a source residing in Juba revealed that they were hiding in their homes, unable to venture outside. He reported that four Sudanese nationals had been killed in the city. Another source stated that he had to leave his workplace for home after his South Sudanese colleagues advised him to secure himself amid the tense situation.
During the conversation, the sound of gunfire was distinctly audible in the background.
Refugee Rights Observatory
The Refugee Rights Observatory in South Sudan strongly condemned the riots and attacks targeting Sudanese refugees and citizens in Juba, describing these events as a blatant violation of humanitarian values and international laws guaranteeing refugee rights.
The Observatory called on all parties to exercise restraint and immediately cease the violence, emphasizing the need to strengthen peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. It urged South Sudanese authorities and security forces to fully assume their responsibilities in protecting refugees and ensuring their safety while holding perpetrators accountable for these violations.
It appealed to the public not to exploit the events in Wad Madani as a pretext for targeting refugees or Sudanese citizens residing in South Sudan, urging the issue to be addressed through official and diplomatic channels.
The Observatory underscored the importance of fostering community dialogue and awareness campaigns promoting tolerance and coexistence. It also called on the international community to monitor the situation and support efforts to protect refugees and safeguard their rights.
Return of South Sudanese from Wad Madani
In the wake of the violent events that followed the Sudanese armys entry into Wad Madani, sources in South Sudan reported the arrival of 70 South Sudanese nationals at the Joda border area between Sudan and South Sudan, fleeing from the recent turmoil in the city.
The sources confirmed that most of the arrivals were women and children, who were forced to leave their properties and homes in search of safety as tensions escalated in Wad Madani. Local authorities in Joda expressed their readiness to provide urgent assistance and meet basic needs in collaboration with humanitarian relief organizations.
On the Official Level
South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation denied reports of closing its embassy in Sudan. In a press statement on its Facebook page, it urged people to disregard unfounded rumors circulating on social media about the closure of South Sudan’s embassy in Sudan.
It confirmed that South Sudan’s embassy in Port Sudan and Sudan’s embassy in Juba are operating normally, with both governments actively engaging in addressing the situation.
The Ministry had summoned the Sudanese ambassador in Juba to discuss the protection of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan following the events in Wad Madani.
In a press statement last Wednesday, the Ministry officially summoned Sudan’s ambassador to South Sudan, Issam Mohamed Hassan Karar, to express deep concerns over the recent incidents following the Sudanese Armed Forces’ takeover of Wad Madani.
It noted receiving a comprehensive report from its Port Sudan embassy detailing the distressing events, which led to loss of life among innocent South Sudanese nationals, some of whom hold dual citizenship.
Ambassador John Samuel Bugo, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed grave concern about these developments. He urged the Sudanese government to take immediate and effective measures to protect the rights and dignity of all foreign nationals, particularly South Sudanese citizens, who are currently affected by the ongoing crisis in Wad Madani and other areas in Sudan.
