South Sudan imposes nationwide curfew as anti-Sudanese demonstration leaves 3 dead, 7 injured

JUBA, South Sudan

The South Sudan Inspector General of Police, Abraham Manyuat Peter, announced a nationwide curfew Friday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to curb looting that has been reported in the capital, Juba, and other towns as anti-Sudanese demonstrations left three dead and seven injured.

Businesses are required to close by 5 p.m. as part of measures to enhance security.

The unrest follows protests by residents condemning the alleged killing of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

The police chief said the curfew is effective from Friday until further notice.

The decision comes in response to looting and unrest targeting Sudanese nationals, particularly in Juba, Warrap State and Aweil Town in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

Manyuat reassured the public that additional security measures are in place to safeguard public and private property. He urged citizens to remain indoors during curfew hours and to cooperate with law enforcement officers to ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"The police are committed to protecting civilians and their property. We will not tolerate any violations that threaten public security," he said.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Any individuals found violating the law will face legal consequences,” he said.

Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial, spokesperson for the South Sudan National Police Service, confirmed that a demonstration was carried out by an unidentified group of South Sudanese in Juba, especially in Gudele One, Gudele Two, Mangateen, Jebel Dinka, Jaborona, New Site and the Nyakuron residential areas that resulted in the shooting deaths to three victims and injuries to seven others.

He said the victims were admitted to the Juba Teaching Hospital and a similar incident occurred in Awiel Town on Thursday which resulted in the burning of three houses that belong to Sudanese nationals in the Mathiang residential area.

He said that the motive behind the demonstration is related to the killing of innocent South Sudanese in Wad Medani by the SAF.

“However, the police managed to rescue 45 Sudanese traders in Juba and they are now in the police premises and further details will be communicated later on. I'm assuring the people of South Sudan and all the foreign nationals that the police will continue its mandate of protecting the lives and the properties of the people both in Juba and within other towns of South Sudan,” he said.

Gruesome videos circulating on social media earlier this week 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 the war-torn neighboring country.

All shops owned by Sudanese nationals remained closed in Juba and locations across the country.