Published on 20/01/2025
After a night of violent unrest, South Sudan’s authorities have enforced a nationwide overnight curfew to restore order.
Businesses owned by Sudanese traders in the capital, Juba, were targeted and looted. Police chief Gen. Abraham Manyuat announced the curfew, starting at 6 p.m. daily, to prevent further chaos.

Businesses are now required to close by 5 p.m. as part of measures to enhance security. “We will protect all the markets,” said Manyuat, speaking on state-run television.
The violence targeting Sudanese nationals is believed to have been provoked by alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals by militia groups in remote parts of Sudan earlier this week.
Several stores in Juba and elsewhere remained closed Friday.
Speaking of the alleged targeting of South Sudanese people in areas such as the state of Gezira, a press secretary for the presidency urged restraint. “We mustn’t allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country,” said Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel.
Civil war in Sudan has created a widening famine and the world’s largest displacement crisis. Fighting between forces loyal to rival military leaders exploded in the capital, Khartoum, in April 2023 and spread to other areas.
The conflict has been marked by atrocities, including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the U.N. and rights groups.