UNMISS urges restoration of calm after South Sudan protests

January 17, 2025(JUBA) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is calling for the immediate restoration of calm following an outbreak of violence which has resulted in an unverified number of casualties and looting of businesses in the capital Juba as well as other states.

The violence came in the wake of the alleged killing by the Sudanese army (SAF) of South Sudanese nationals during conflict in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State capital, Wad Medani this week.

“We urge all South Sudanese to continue to embrace this generous spirit of hospitality and work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all communities,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom.

He added, “UNMISS urges social media users to refrain from spreading misinformation, disinformation and hate speech which is stoking tensions and inciting violence.”

On Friday, police announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew as a mechanism to end protests in the country.

At least three people were reportedly killed and seven others injured during a protest in Juba on Thursday.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Friday called for calm and urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands.

He described the killings in Wad Medani as an act of “terrorism” and an “unacceptable” crime.

Since conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, South Sudan has provided much-needed protection and support to hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees who have fled the war.

(ST)