South Sudan has lifted the nationwide curfew that had been in place for over 10 days following violent riots sparked by anger over the alleged killing of South Sudanese nationals by General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) and allied groups. The curfew was first imposed after deadly protests broke out in the capital, Juba, on January 16 and 17.
The unrest erupted as protesters expressed outrage over what they believed to be the involvement of SAF and allied forces in the killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan’s El Gezira (Gezira) region. Human rights organizations have accused SAF and its allies of carrying out ethnically-targeted attacks against civilians suspected of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
South Sudanese authorities declared the curfew on January 17, but on Monday, police spokesperson John Kassara Koang Nhial announced its lifting. “This is to inform the public that the curfew declared on January 17, by the Inspector General of Police, is lifted,” he told media.
Nhial attributed the decision to improved security conditions, noting that the demonstrators who had previously engaged in violent actions had calmed down and returned to their homes.
