Amid escalating tensions and diplomatic pressure from Juba, the army-controlled Sudanese government have temporarily halted the arrest of South Sudanese refugees, who have been caught in the crossfire of Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The decision follows an aggressive crackdown by Sudanese security forces, primarily driven by the paranoid suspicions of the General al-Burhan-led Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regarding alleged foreign support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The crackdown, which began in late June and intensified through mid-July 2024, targeted South Sudanese nationals in River Nile, White Nile, Gadaref, and Northern states.
These arrests stoked fear and uncertainty among the refugee population, who were accused of collaborating with the RSF—a claim that many believe was fabricated by the SAF to justify their actions.
One South Sudanese refugee, detained in Halfa and later released, recounted his experience with visible relief. “I was taken from my home and sent to Shajarab II refugee camp in Kassala State without even being allowed to say goodbye to my family. The whole experience was terrifying, and I feared I would be deported to South Sudan. But now, I’m back, and I hope this war ends soon.”
The arrests sparked outrage among South Sudanese officials, who swiftly intervened. Stephen Lual Ngor, a member of South Sudan’s parliamentary committee on foreign relations, confirmed the government’s efforts to halt the detentions. “We made it clear to the Sudanese authorities that these arrests must stop. The rights of our citizens need to be respected,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll the situation has taken on the South Sudanese community in Sudan.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Sudan was pressured into halting the arrests after Juba issued a stern warning, threatening to deport Sudanese nationals living in South Sudan if the crackdown continued. “We made it clear that targeting our people would not be tolerated,” an anonymous South Sudanese diplomat revealed.
The crackdown’s impact has been widespread, with refugees recounting harrowing tales of arrest, forced relocation to refugee camps, and eventual release. Kalangkit Machar (a pseudonym), detained during the crackdown, shared his relief at being released after days of uncertainty. “They told us we’d be sent to a camp far away, but then they let us go. I’m just glad it’s over.”
The arrests are a stark reminder of the precarious position that South Sudanese refugees find themselves in, caught between a brutal war and the SAF’s paranoia. With Sudan’s war showing no signs of abating, and the SAF increasingly desperate, the situation remains volatile, with refugees fearing that the recent reprieve may only be temporary.
Sudan and South Sudan share a tumultuous history, having been one country until South Sudan gained independence in 2011. The two nations’ intertwined fates continue to play out against the backdrop of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, further complicating the lives of those caught in the middle. As South Sudan struggles with its own economic crisis, the situation remains dire for those seeking refuge across the border.
