On January 17, 2025, South Sudan’s national police imposed a **nighttime curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.** in response to escalating violence sparked by a wave of deadly riots. The unrest, rooted in both local frustrations and regional complexities, raised alarms in a nation still finding its footing as the world’s youngest country. This curfew, implemented immediately and remaining in effect “until further notice,” is seen as an urgent measure to restore calm following the tragic events of recent days.
The riots began after reports surfaced of the **brutal killing of 29 South Sudanese citizens in Sudan**, allegedly carried out by **Sudanese government forces and allied groups**. These killings ignited outrage across South Sudan, sparking protests in the capital, **Juba**, on January 16, 2025. While the demonstrations were initially aimed at the Sudanese forces accused of the atrocity, they quickly escalated into violence against **Sudanese-owned businesses and refugees** within South Sudan itself.
Looting, destruction, and clashes with police led to a significant toll. Official reports confirmed **three fatalities** and **seven injuries**, alongside the destruction of numerous Sudanese-run shops. The next day, many businesses in Juba remained shuttered as owners feared further violence. For Sudanese refugees—already displaced by a longstanding civil war in their homeland—this unrest deepened a cycle of vulnerability, with many relocated to safer areas under police watch.
In the wake of the violence, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir addressed the nation, calling for restraint and unity during this difficult time. **“We must not misplace our anger,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of protecting Sudanese refugees who sought safety within South Sudan’s borders. **“Our response to this tragedy must not lead to further divisions.”
President Kiir’s plea for peace highlighted an important truth: while the killings in Sudan touched a nerve for many South Sudanese, internalizing that anger and directing it toward vulnerable groups only deepen societal fractures. As a result, the curfew was introduced to prevent further loss of life and property, safeguard marginalized groups, and provide space for the nation to recover.
Police officials stated that the 12-hour curfew will remain as long as necessary to restore order. Even as frustrations simmer, government efforts to de-escalate hostilities are critical to preserving stability during this fragile moment.
The unrest also underscores the complex relationship between South Sudan and Sudan, whose intertwined histories are marked by turmoil. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has navigated its challenges of nation-building, even as its northern neighbor battles an ongoing civil war. The latest phase of Sudan’s conflict pits the government against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), fueling displacement that has forced hundreds of thousands of refugees to cross the border into South Sudan.
For South Sudan, these refugees are a poignant reminder of its history of displacement and struggle. Yet, the violence of January 16–17 reflects the precarious line between solidarity and animosity during times of crisis.
The riots are a sobering reminder of how unresolved grievances can quickly spiral into destruction. They laid bare vulnerabilities within South Sudan’s socio-political framework—raising questions about how to foster unity in a young nation still grappling with old wounds. The human toll of the unrest extends beyond the lives lost; it has eroded trust and displaced communities that once sought refuge within South Sudan’s borders.
The curfew and calls for peace from national leaders represent an important first step toward halting the violence. However, lasting solutions will require deeper, systemic efforts. This includes rekindling trust between South Sudanese citizens and refugees, ensuring the safety of minority groups, and addressing the root causes of public frustration—both at home and across the border.
This moment is more than a turning point; it is an opportunity for South Sudan to emerge stronger—reaffirming its commitment to peace and protecting the most vulnerable who rely on this young nation for safety and hope.