South Sudanese police reported on Monday that 16 Sudanese nationals were killed during last week’s unrest sparked by allegations of killings in Sudan’s El Gezira region.
Riots broke out on Thursday and Friday in the capital Juba and other parts of South Sudan as protesters voiced anger over what they believed was the involvement of Sudan’s military and allied groups in attacks on South Sudanese citizens in El Gezira.
The Sudanese army has denied responsibility, condemning “individual violations” in El Gezira, where human rights groups have accused the military and its allies of ethnically targeted violence against civilians suspected of supporting the rebel Rapid Support Forces.
South Sudan’s national police confirmed that the deaths of the Sudanese nationals were recorded across four states. Authorities announced ongoing patrols in markets and residential areas to ensure the safety of Sudanese residents.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew, implemented on Friday to curb the violence, remains in effect. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s military revealed that 24 suspects have been arrested, with charges pending the completion of investigations.