A Sudanese diplomat, Yahya Mohamed Othman Hashem, was attacked Thursday in the lobby of a hotel in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as beginning with verbal insults before turning violent. It is believed the attack stems from recent reports of serious human rights violations by General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) against South Sudanese citizens in Sudan’s Al-Jazeera state. These reports allege racial abuses and killings, which have fueled anger in South Sudan.
During the confrontation, the attackers demanded Hashem leave the country immediately. The situation was defused after bystanders intervened, and security forces arrived to restore order.
South Sudanese authorities confirmed an investigation is underway and vowed to bring the responsible individuals to justice. The attack underscores the deepening strain in bilateral relations, particularly in light of the ongoing allegations of SAF abuses in Al-Jazeera (Gezira) that have sparked widespread outrage across South Sudan.