This photo taken on Jan. 11, 2025, shows people celebrating the Sudanese army’s retaking of Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, in Omdurman, north of the capital Khartoum, Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday recaptured Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the office of the SAF spokesperson said in a statement. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)
A group of concerned South Sudanese in the diasporas in an open letter criticized the Sudanese embassy in Juba for running short of acknowledging the killing of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan’s city of Wad Madani and called on the international oversight bodies to investigate the carnage perpetrated by elements of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).
Response to the Sudanese Embassy’s Press Release on January 16, 2025
To: The Government of Sudan, The Sudanese Embassy in Juba, and International Observers
We, the citizens of South Sudan, deeply regret and reject the inflammatory and baseless accusations made in the press release issued by the Sudanese Embassy in Juba on January 16, 2025.
These claims, aimed at blaming South Sudan and its citizens for the atrocities occurring within Sudan, are both misleading and harmful to efforts aimed at achieving peace and justice in the region.
In response to the accusations, we assert the following:
1. South Sudan’s Commitment to Peace and Neutrality:
South Sudan has consistently upheld its commitment to peaceful coexistence with Sudan and has acted as a neutral party in Sudan’s internal conflicts. Any claims suggesting complicity in supplying weapons or fighters to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are categorically false and lack credible evidence.
2. Innocence of South Sudanese Citizens:
The South Sudanese nationals in Wad Madani and other areas are largely innocent civilians who fled to Sudan seeking safety and livelihood opportunities. They are victims, not perpetrators, of violence. To accuse them of complicity in atrocities without concrete evidence is not only unjust but an affront to their dignity.
3. Condemnation of Atrocities by All Parties:
We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, including those committed by the RSF and any other armed groups involved in Sudan’s conflict. Violence against civilians, regardless of the perpetrator, is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately.
4. Respect for Sovereignty and Mutual Responsibility:
While Sudan has every right to defend its sovereignty, this must not come at the cost of targeting innocent civilians or spreading false narratives that exacerbate tensions between our two nations. We call on Sudan to respect the rights and safety of all South Sudanese citizens residing within and within its borders.
5. The Role of International Oversight:
Given the gravity of the situation, we urge international human rights organizations, the African Union, and the United Nations to conduct independent investigations into the accusations made by the Sudanese government. Transparency and accountability are essential to uncovering the truth and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
6. A Call for Constructive Dialogue:
Rather than issuing statements that deepen division, we call on the Sudanese government to engage in constructive dialogue with South Sudan to address mutual concerns and work toward a peaceful resolution of this crisis.
Blame-shifting and inflammatory rhetoric serve no purpose other than prolonging suffering and instability.
Our Position and Appeal
We, the people of South Sudan, remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, freedom, and justice.
We urge our government to continue advocating for the safety and rights of its citizens in Sudan while working diplomatically to resolve misunderstandings and prevent further harm.
We call on the international community to closely monitor the situation, protect the rights of vulnerable populations, and support both Sudan and South Sudan in their pursuit of lasting peace.
Let us reject hatred, uphold truth, and work together toward a future free from violence and division.
Note: The opinion expressed in this article does not represent or reflect the position or stance of The Golden Times | South Sudan.
