South Sudan protest death toll rises to 12, 20 injured

JUBA – South Sudan police authorities said on Sunday afternoon that death toll from anti-Sudanese protests in South Sudan has risen to twelve (12), with twenty (20) others injured.

Protests erupted across the country following the release of graphic videos showing members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias allegedly executing civilians, including South Sudanese, in different parts of Sudan’s Al Jazira State.

Speaking to Sudans Post, South Sudan police spokesman Colonel John Kassara Koang Nhial said nine people died in Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s capital Aweil, including two South Sudanese and seven Sudanese nationals.

Three more deaths were reported in Juba, bringing the total to 12.

“On 17 January at around 6:00 am, the Criminal Investigation Department in Juba managed to rescue 551 Sudanese foreign nationals residing in Juba city, and they are currently in their premises,” Col. Nhial said.

He described the overall security situation as relatively calm and stable.

Nhial said police registered 20 injured individuals in Juba, who were shot during the protests and looting.

“The unidentified angry demonstrators looted properties in Aweil town market, Aweil East market, Aweil North market, Aweil West market, and Aweil East county market; however, no incidents of demonstrations were reported in Aweil Centre county and Aweil South county,” he said.

He assured the public that the police would continue to protect all persons against illegal acts.

On Thursday, heavy gunfire erupted in Juba as security forces intervened to stop youths from looting Sudanese-owned businesses.