Urgent Appeal for the Protection of South Sudanese Citizens in Khartoum

This open letter to Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou expresses grave concerns over the targeting and killing of South Sudanese men in Khartoum due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The writer calls for immediate diplomatic action from the African Union and United Nations to protect South Sudanese citizens and facilitate their evacuation from the conflict zones.

Dear Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou, I convey my profound concern regarding reports of severe threats facing South Sudanese men in Khartoum. According to reliable sources connected to family in Sudan, there have been alarming incidents where individuals of South Sudanese origin are targeted and killed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) once the government establishes control over specific regions. Often, these acts are carried out under the guise of accusing South Sudanese individuals of affiliations with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Similar dangers occur when the RSF gains dominance. Those South Sudanese citizens who remain in these conflict areas are increasingly vulnerable, with some managing to flee to safety, while others, particularly those with financial means, successfully escape the turmoil. It is imperative that we urge both factions through the African Union (AU) to put an end to the killings of South Sudanese in Sudan. We must advocate for the secure evacuation of those who remain in Khartoum, ensuring their protection from threats by both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. If diplomatic channels do not yield results, it is critical to promote the agenda of the South Sudan representative at the United Nations General Assembly to facilitate discussions focused on airlifting foreign nationals still trapped in Khartoum. The violence directed at foreign nationals, especially South Sudanese people, by military forces requires urgent attention from both leaderships. The situation in Khartoum is dire. Since April 2023, a violent conflict has been unfolding between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Recently, the Sudanese army has escalated its efforts to reclaim control over strategic regions in Khartoum, resulting in extensive civilian casualties and significant damage to essential infrastructure. This ongoing conflict has displaced millions and has created a grave humanitarian crisis. South Sudanese residing in Sudan face unprecedented risks, with life-threatening challenges compounded by the animosity from both factions. It is crucial that those with diplomatic authority act decisively to remedy this situation rather than remain passive observers. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF must recognize that stability within Sudan is beneficial to South Sudan, especially considering their economic interdependencies, such as oil supplies and construction trade. Achieving peace will alleviate the suffering of South Sudanese citizens who are affected by this conflict. It is vital to clarify that the South Sudanese people and their government maintain neutrality and do not support either side in this war, making the targeting of our citizens by both military groups particularly concerning and deserving of immediate attention. Your diplomatic efforts will significantly bolster support for the South Sudanese community in Khartoum. Best regards! Tito Tiel, a concerned South Sudanese citizen residing in Canada, can be reached at [email protected].

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, has become increasingly violent since April 2023, escalating tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, with many civilians, including South Sudanese citizens, facing severe threats to their safety. Reports indicate that South Sudanese are often unjustly targeted and killed by both conflicting parties. The implications of this violence extend beyond individuals, affecting diplomatic relations and regional stability, particularly concerning South Sudan’s interests.

In conclusion, it is crucial for various diplomatic entities, including the African Union and the United Nations, to take urgent action to protect South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. The continuous targeting of these individuals by conflicting factions is alarming and necessitates immediate attention. Addressing this humanitarian crisis will not only ensure the safety of vulnerable populations but also contribute to broader regional stability, benefiting both South Sudan and Sudan as a whole.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org