Tensions flare between Sudan and South Sudan after protests and killings

PORT SUDAN – Diplomatic tensions between Sudan and South Sudan are escalating sharply following a series of violent incidents, including the alleged massacre of South Sudanese civilians in Sudan and retaliatory attacks in South Sudan.

Last week, graphic videos emerged purportedly showing Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias carrying out brutal killings of South Sudanese in Al Jazira State, sparking international outrage and protests in South Sudan.

These protests, which resulted in the deaths of Sudanese traders, further inflamed the situation.

Addressing the UN Security Council, South Sudan Foreign Minister Ramadan Goc condemned the killings as “a live act of terrorism” and called for an international investigation.

“The act of terrorism has been a story of South Sudanese during their struggle days, but last week we have seen a live act of terrorism by the inhuman killing of innocent South Sudanese in Sudan,” Goc said.

Sudan swiftly denounced Goc’s remarks as an unwarranted call for intervention. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry statement condemned the “retaliatory campaigns” in South Sudan, including attacks on Sudanese citizens and the Sudanese embassy, while accusing South Sudanese officials of inciting the violence.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the statements made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan in New York, in which he called for the intervention of the United Nations and the African Union in Sudan—an unjustified step,” the statement read.

The statement also reiterated accusations of South Sudanese support for rebel groups, such as the RSF, fighting against the Sudanese government and warned of retaliatory measures to protect its sovereignty.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further reminds that it has been monitoring the serious violations committed by South Sudan in Abyei, which constitute a clear breach of the agreement concerning Abyei’s status. These violations have been documented in reports by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to the UN Secretary-General. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that it will take appropriate measures to respond to the numerous violations committed by the Government of South Sudan at international and regional forums. The Sudanese government will not hesitate to take the necessary measures to protect its rights and those of its citizens, in accordance with international laws and treaties,” said the statement.

These recent events have further strained the already fragile relationship between the two countries. The 2011 independence of South Sudan, while ending decades of civil war, did not resolve numerous outstanding issues, including the disputed Abyei region.

South Sudan recently took steps towards unilaterally recognizing the 2013 Abyei referendum, which is not recognized by Sudan.

This move, seen by Sudan as a violation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the Sudanese civil war, has further escalated tensions. The Sudanese government has warned of “appropriate measures” to protect its sovereignty.

The current crisis echoes the 2013 Heglig Crisis, a brief but intense conflict triggered by accusations of South Sudanese support for Sudanese rebels.

While both countries have signed agreements to address outstanding issues, these agreements have repeatedly been violated, leading to a cycle of accusations, counteraccusations, and escalating tensions.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly the involvement of paramilitary forces, has further complicated the situation. Sudanese officials have repeatedly accused South Sudanese nationals of fighting alongside rebel groups, while South Sudan views these accusations as attempts to justify the violence against its citizens.