Open Letter: Urgent Appeal for the Safety of South Sudanese Citizens in Khartoum

Recent reports highlight the grave dangers faced by South Sudanese individuals in Khartoum, as they are often targeted by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Urgent diplomatic action is needed to ensure their safety and facilitate their evacuation amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.

Dear Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou, I wish to formally express my grave concerns regarding the perilous situation facing South Sudanese individuals in Khartoum. Recent reports from reliable sources indicate that South Sudanese men are under serious threat. It has been noted that when the Sudanese government consolidates control over specific areas, South Sudanese citizens are frequently targeted and executed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), often unjustly accused of being affiliated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Conversely, similar threats arise when the RSF gains control, leaving South Sudanese individuals vulnerable in these conflict-ridden territories. Those who remain have few options; while some have managed to escape, many others, especially those with financial resources, have successfully fled the violence. In light of this dire situation, I implore both warring factions through the African Union (AU) to halt the systematic killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. It is essential that we advocate for the safe evacuation of individuals still trapped in Khartoum, ensuring their protection against potential harm from either the RSF or the SAF. If diplomatic initiatives do not yield results, it would be prudent to encourage the South Sudan representative at the United Nations General Assembly to facilitate discussions aimed at organizing the airlifting of foreign nationals remaining in Khartoum. The violence directed towards foreign nationals, particularly South Sudanese citizens, must be brought to the forefront of diplomatic discussions with both leaders. The situation in Khartoum has deteriorated significantly. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have been embroiled in intense conflict, with the Sudanese army recently launching a substantial offensive to regain control of crucial regions in Khartoum. This escalation has resulted in substantial civilian casualties and destructive impacts on essential infrastructure. The ongoing violence has displaced millions, contributing to a grave humanitarian crisis. South Sudanese citizens residing in Sudan face a myriad of challenges, including life-threatening dangers from both factions. It is crucial that individuals with diplomatic influence take decisive action to alleviate this situation, rather than adopting a stance of passive observation. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF, along with the government, must acknowledge that stability in Sudan is vital for South Sudan, especially considering our economic ties, including important resources such as oil and construction materials. Attaining peace would significantly benefit South Sudan, as our population is suffering extensively due to the current conflict. It is imperative to emphasize that South Sudanese citizens and their government do not harbor animosity towards Sudan, nor do they take sides in this ongoing warfare. The targeting of our people by both the RSF and the Sudanese army is profoundly concerning and demands immediate attention. Your diplomatic involvement in addressing this pressing matter would provide considerable support to the South Sudanese community in Khartoum. Sincerely, Tito Tiel Concerned South Sudanese Citizen, Canada Email: [email protected]

The conflict in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, with violent confrontations between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces resulting in severe instability and humanitarian crises affecting millions. South Sudanese nationals in Sudan have faced targeted violence, raising humanitarian and diplomatic concerns.

In conclusion, it is crucial for diplomatic entities, particularly through the African Union, to intervene in the ongoing violence faced by South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. The dire circumstances necessitate the safe evacuation of affected individuals and an immediate response to the humanitarian crisis. The recognition of mutual benefits in achieving stability between Sudan and South Sudan is vital for peace and safety in the region.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org