What happened, where and when?
Following the recent events in Wad Madani, where control of the city shifted from the Sudanese army, reports emerged on social media alleging the killing of South Sudanese individuals in the area. In response, a series of retaliatory incidents occurred in several parts of South Sudan on the evening of January 16, 2025.
These incidents were reportedly triggered by claims that 29 South Sudanese citizens lost their lives during the capture of Wad Madani, allegedly at the hands of Sudanese military forces or aliated groups. Since then, demonstrations have continued, primarily led by groups of South Sudanese youth, resulting in attacks on Sudanese-owned businesses and residences in various towns, including Juba, Aweil, Wau, Malakal, Tonj, and Kuajok. On the evening of January 16, sporadic gunre was heard across Juba, reportedly as security forces attempted to contain vandalism. By the morning of January 17, multiple businesses owned by Sudanese nationals had been looted in markets such as Newsit, Suk Darfur, and Gudele, among others, despite ongoing eorts by law enforcement to maintain order. Tragically, the unrest led to the loss of at least three lives and injuries to several individuals. In response to the escalating situation, South Sudanese authorities imposed a nightly curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM to restore calm. Security forces continue to patrol aected areas, and in all impacted locations, Sudanese nationals have been provided shelter in police stations, military barracks, and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) facilities for their safety.
To mitigate tensions and curb the spread of inammatory content, the National Communication Authority announced a temporary restriction on social media platforms on January 22. This measure, aimed at reducing the circulation of sensitive content related to the Wad Madani incident, is expected to last for a minimum of 30 days, with a possible extension of up to 90 days, depending on developments. The situation remains uid, and authorities continue to monitor and respond to emerging security concerns.