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Tragedy Strikes: 16 Sudanese Nationals Killed in South Sudan’s Unrest

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South Sudanese police reported on Monday that 16 Sudanese nationals were killed in unrest last week sparked by allegations of the killing of South Sudanese people in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state.

The riots erupted in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, and other parts of the country on Thursday and Friday, with demonstrators expressing anger over the alleged involvement of the Sudanese army and allied groups in the killings in Al Jazirah.

The Sudanese army condemned what it called “individual violations” in Al Jazirah state after human rights groups accused it and its allies of ethnically motivated attacks on people accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighting the Sudanese army.

A puncture repair artisan in South Sudan’s capital Juba on November 22 2024. Riots erupted in Juba and elsewhere in the country on Thursday and Friday, with protesters angry about what they believed was the involvement of Sudan’s military and allied groups in killings in El Gezira. File photo\SAMIR

“Sixteen Sudanese nationals have been reported killed in four states,” South Sudan’s national police said in a statement carried by Reuters.The statement added that police would continue to patrol markets and residential areas to protect Sudanese nationals.The government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Friday, which remains in effect.

In a separate statement, the South Sudanese army said at least 24 suspects had been arrested and would be charged once investigations were completed.

The tragic deaths of 16 Sudanese nationals during recent unrest in South Sudan underscore the deep instability and suffering that continues to plague the region. This devastating incident highlights the complex challenges both nations face, where decades of conflict, economic hardship, and weak governance have left civilians—especially foreign nationals—vulnerable to violence.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has faced political and social turmoil since gaining independence in 2011. Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, tensions between rival factions and unresolved power struggles persist, leading to frequent outbreaks of violence. These conflicts often escalate quickly, leaving innocent people caught in the crossfire. For foreign nationals, like the Sudanese victims, the risks are even greater, as they are often unaware of or unable to navigate the dangerous dynamics of these regions.

The situation is worsened by intercommunal violence that plagues South Sudan. Disputes over resources such as land, water, and cattle frequently turn deadly, adding another layer of instability. Many of the Sudanese nationals who travel to South Sudan for trade or work find themselves in these conflict-prone areas, where the threat of violence is ever-present.

The ongoing war in Sudan has also exacerbated the situation. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has forced thousands to flee to neighboring South Sudan, further straining resources and heightening tensions in already fragile areas. The spillover effects of this conflict have created additional challenges for a country still struggling to rebuild its own governance and stability.

South Sudan’s weak security infrastructure and underdeveloped governance systems have further compounded the crisis. The lack of adequate protection and law enforcement allows outbreaks of violence to spiral out of control, leaving foreign nationals and local civilians alike vulnerable. This systemic weakness is a painful reminder of the urgent need for reform and stronger institutions.

The deaths of these 16 individuals are a heartbreaking reminder of the human toll of violence in the region. Addressing this ongoing instability requires tackling its root causes—poverty, competition for resources, political fragility, and intercommunal tensions. Without concerted peacebuilding efforts, tragedies like this will continue to devastate communities.

For the families of the victims, no amount of analysis or calls for change can undo the loss they now face. This incident stands as a somber reminder of the urgent need for unity, compassion, and meaningful action to break the cycle of violence in South Sudan and beyond.

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