President Salva Kiir calls for calm amid Alleged Killing of South Sudanese Citizens in Sudan

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a public statement addressing sad reports of alleged atrocities committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces against South Sudanese civilians in Wad Madani, Al Gezira State, Sudan. The President expressed his deep sadness and condemnation of the barbaric killings of innocent civilians, labeling the acts as heinous and comparable to terrorism.

In a public statement seen by Lakes State Media, President Kiir acknowledged the shared history and cultural and diplomatic ties between the people of Sudan and South Sudan. Kiir emphasized the responsibility of the Sudanese government to protect South Sudanese citizens stranded in conflict zones under their control.

“It is a known fact that South Sudanese still consider Sudan home. Likewise, many Sudanese citizens consider South Sudan home. This is due to our shared history. Therefore, the government of Sudan is obligated to protect South Sudanese citizens trapped in war zones under its control,” he said.

The President confirmed that he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to engage with the Sudanese Embassy in Juba to demand a thorough investigation into the reported atrocities. He has also called for international human rights organizations to ensure transparency in the investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.

“Since learning of these atrocities, I have instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Sudanese Embassy in Juba for explanation, demands for immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of defenseless civilians, participation of international human rights organizations to ensure transparency in such investigation, and for the Sudanese government to ensure those found guilty of these atrocities are held accountable,” he added.

President Kiir called on South Sudanese citizens to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory actions, stressing the importance of unity and protection of Sudanese refugees seeking shelter in South Sudan. He urged citizens to safeguard the properties and businesses of Sudanese refugees and warned against taking the law into their own hands. He reassured the public that any individual found looting or intruding on properties would face justice.

“I, therefore, urged all South Sudanese citizens to remain calm and refrain from retaliation. It is crucial that we do not allow anger and emotions to cloud our judgment and turn against Sudanese brothers and sisters. Let us protect their properties and businesses, we are hospitable people, its our duty to offer protection and support to Sudanese refugees who fled the war in Sudan, let them find comfort around you. Let us trust in the processes of peace and dialogue to resolve this crisis rather than citizens taking matters into their own hands. Any person found looting or intruding into properties and businesses must be held accountable,” the letter reads.

To maintain order, President Kiir directed the Chief of Defense Forces, the Inspector General of Police, and the director general of the National Security Service to ensure the safety of all Sudanese citizens in South Sudan. Additionally, he instructed all organized forces to return to their units and await further directives.

“I hereby direct the Chief of Defense Forces, the Inspector General of the Police, and the Directors General of the National Security Service to ensure no one takes laws into their own hand.

Ensure protection of all Sudanese citizens within the territory of the Republic of South Sudan. I further direct all the Organized Forces out of duty to report to their units and barracks for further directives.”

In closing, the President prayed for the souls of the victims and urged South Sudanese to stand in solidarity, seeking peace and justice through appropriate channels.