Protests have turned violent in South Sudanese capital, Juba, with officials imposing a nighttime curfew, starting at 6:00 p.m. daily.
The curfew was announced on Friday by Police Chief Abraham Manyuat after demonstrators clashed with security forces and looted businesses owned by Sudanese nationals.
The protests, which erupted earlier this week, were fueled by anger over reports that Sudanese forces had killed South Sudanese civilians in Wad Madani, Sudan. Disturbing footage of the alleged killings circulating on social media further intensified the unrest.
On Thursday, heavy gunfire rang out across Juba as security forces were deployed to disperse protesters, who vandalized and looted Sudanese-owned shops. Police responded with warning shots, and tensions spread to other cities in South Sudan.
Authorities have assured Sudanese nationals living in South Sudan that they will be protected, with Police spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial making it clear that attacks on their property would not be tolerated.