South Sudan: “They hit me and cried, then complained first”

By Mohammed Wadaa

In the Maringan neighborhood of Wad Madani, the artillery of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, composed of members of the Dinka Ngok, some from Abyei, and a group of Nuer families, has been stationed. Armed southern Sudanese groups also roam the streets of Madani on motorized rickshaws, with vehicles loaded with artillery and DShK machine guns. Another group, stationed in the Andalus neighborhood, trespassed into homes and looted them, in addition to groups that plundered factories and houses in the neighborhoods of Al-Muneera, Al-Zamalek, and Al-Daraja. Some militia leaders supervised the dismantling of factories and transferring them to South Sudan and Chad, including cigarette factories, water factories, and oil factories—events documented and witnessed by many.

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the statements made by the South Sudanese Foreign Minister in New York, where he called for United Nations and African Union intervention in Sudan. The ministry deemed this step unjustified, pointing out that despite the formation of an investigation committee following recent events in Al-Jazeera State, retaliatory campaigns in Juba and other areas of South Sudan have involved killings, physical assaults, and looting, targeting innocent Sudanese citizens. These incidents were reportedly incited by South Sudanese officials and even extended to the Sudanese embassy in Juba, violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and international laws and norms.

In its statement, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Sudanese government has shown considerable patience toward numerous violations by South Sudan, out of respect for the ties between the two peoples. However, it noted that the South Sudanese government has failed to take necessary measures against the involvement of South Sudanese mercenaries fighting alongside the RSF, despite the evidence and detailed information provided to Juba. Instead, South Sudan has continued to facilitate the RSF’s activities, including transporting and treating RSF personnel in its hospitals.

The ministry further highlighted violations by South Sudan in Abyei, noting that the UNISFA mission had documented these breaches in reports submitted to the UN Secretary-General. The ministry assured that the Sudanese government would take appropriate measures to respond to South Sudan’s multiple violations in international and regional forums and would not hesitate to protect its rights and citizens in accordance with international laws and treaties.

Being an aggressor while simultaneously complaining does not reflect the conduct of states and governments. The Sudanese government has provided South Sudan with all the facts, evidence, and documents, which are undeniable. Some implicated leaders have openly bragged during “business and bribery-sharing” sessions.

A critical investigative report by Naba Al-Sudan revealed suspicious aerial activities in South Sudan since October 2024. Unusual aircraft movements were observed over South Sudan, with some planes turning off their tracking systems near the Sudanese border. For instance, a Kenyan-registered plane, flight number (5Y-JJJ), declared its destination as Malakal but continued near the Sudanese border before turning off its tracking system.

Additionally, a company owned by an Israeli arms dealer, Barak Orland, who holds Ugandan citizenship and has ties to the Ugandan government and military officials, conducted suspicious flights within Sudan. A Beechcraft 1900D (5X-JBR) landed near the Sudanese border, and another Fokker 50 flight followed a similar pattern, disappearing from radar near the Sudanese border before reappearing and returning to Juba.

Despite being informed at the highest levels, the South Sudanese government has not taken any action regarding these violations. Some South Sudanese leaders merely whisper faint condemnations, while others allied with the militia obstruct oil exports, prioritizing debts owed to the RSF over national interests.

These actions reveal that South Sudan’s complicity is no longer a secret. Sudan, despite its patience, will not relinquish its rights. This behavior—remarkably irrational and short-sighted—is unbecoming of leadership. The tactic of “they hit me and cried, then complained first” deceives no one.