Synopsis
South Sudan has called for an investigation by the African Union and the United Nations into the alleged killings of its citizens by Sudanese Armed Forces. The inquiry aims for transparency and resolution to benefit both nations.Key Takeaways
- South Sudan demands an investigation into alleged killings of its nationals.
- The call was made to the AU and UN for a credible probe.
- Violence in South Sudan erupted following these allegations.
- Recent conflict in Sudan has led to significant casualties and displacement.
- UNMISS expresses concern over escalating violence in Eastern Equatoria.
Juba, Feb 4 (NationPress) South Sudan has urged the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to launch an inquiry into the reported deaths of its citizens by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its allied troops in Sudan.
Apuk A. Mayen, spokesperson for South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, communicated to the press that an investigation into the fatalities, which took place on January 11 after the SAF regained control of Wad Medani in Al Jazirah State from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is essential for transparency and expedient resolutions that would benefit both nations.
"At this moment, we reaffirm our appeal for the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the AU to support our call for a thorough investigation," Mayen emphasized.
"We also call upon the government of Sudan to avoid making baseless accusations that might threaten our diplomatic relations and regional peace. Our commitment to strengthening our bilateral ties with Sudan remains steadfast, and we assure that any disputes or concerns will be addressed promptly and effectively," Mayen added.
The reported murders of South Sudanese individuals by the SAF incited violent protests on January 16 in South Sudan, predominantly targeting Sudanese citizens and their enterprises.
As per South Sudanese law enforcement, 16 Sudanese nationals lost their lives, and numerous businesses were vandalized and looted, according to reports from Xinhua.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which has resulted in approximately 27,000 fatalities and displaced nearly 15 million people, both within Sudan and beyond its borders, as per the latest data from international organizations.
On Sunday, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) voiced its concerns regarding the rising violence among cattle herders and settled farming communities in Eastern Equatoria State.
Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of UNMISS, condemned the ongoing violence and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint.
Armed clashes began on January 31 between pastoralists and settled communities in the vicinity of Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, resulting in retaliatory violence in the villages of Agoro, Chomboro, Obama, and Ayiii.
Local authorities reported that the violence has resulted in at least 35 fatalities and over 40 injuries.
UNMISS indicated that these incidents have induced widespread fear and led to civilian displacement from affected regions in Eastern Equatoria and Lokiliri in the adjacent Central Equatoria State.
