Juba markets gradually returning to life, some shops remain closed

Exploratory visits to main markets in Juba after the violent protests last week reveal life gradually returning to normal, but some shops, especially for Sudanese, remain closed

By Thomas Gumi

For the fifth consecutive day since the outbreak of violent protests in Juba, the city’s main markets, commonly known for bulging, busy crowds, remained relatively deserted, with a handful of shops closed.

The protests, which began peacefully on Thursday, turned violent in the evening and spilled into Friday morning, as rioters turned chaotic, looted and destroyed property of Sudanese foreign nationals, as part of a retaliatory attacks following the killing of civilians that included South Sudanese, by the Sudan Army Forces in Wad Medani, Sudan.

Key markets in Juba were affected, including the country’s largest market- Konyo Konyo.

The targeting of property and the attacks, forced most Sudanese families to abandon their homes in Juba, and sheltered in safe areas provided by the South Sudan government, in an effort to protect lives.

In an exploratory tour of Juba markets by The City Review yesterday, we met an anonymous trader in the Custom Market, which has gradually returned to life and activity.

“I decided to close my shop after the violence that our Sudanese brothers were subjected to, and some of them were severely beaten. So, we feared for our lives and stayed at home,” the trader, who sought to remain anonymous, said.

He thanked the government for responding to their call promptly and for containing the chaos.

“What happened to our brothers in Madani has affected us. We all strongly condemn what happened,” he said, and called on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to resolve the matter as soon as possible, so that the people of the two countries can live in peace and mutual trust.

Another trader, who spoke to this publication, said:

“My shop in Gudele was vandalized, destroyed and looted. Since the protests and looting happened, I feel the keys to my shop every morning, and I cannot forget that the criminals have completely looted it,” he said, adding:

“We closed the shops when we heard about the demonstrations, but despite that, the shops were broken into and everything inside twas stolen.” The trader called on the security authorities to provide security for the remaining shops so that they would not be exposed to theft.

We also took a round tour of Konyo Konyo, the largest market in South Sudan, which is usually crowded with vendors and shoppers, to see the impact of the protests and the current business status. At first glance, we noticed some activity in the market, as the doors of the shops and grocery stores were partially opened, if not completely.

During our tour inside the market, we met another trader, Ali*, who reassured his fellow traders that the general situation inside the market was calm following provision of security by the forces.

“There is some element of calm and tranquility in the market. So, there is no need to fear because the security forces were deployed around the market since the first day,” he said.

“We, the Sudanese community present in South Sudan, appreciate the efforts of the two governments to show cooperation and balance in dealing with such events. We hope that our families will return to their homes and resume their normal work after security gradually returned.”

He further assured the public that other businesses would reopen in the coming days, due to the stability in various parts of the market.

“The closing of the market significantly affected both traders and customers. So, we are working to reopen our closed shops and resume work,” he said, commending the government of South Sudan for protecting lives and property.

Ms. Paulina Victor, a trader in Konyo Konyo market narrated how citizens were affected by the closure of markets, bakeries and shops as a result of the violence last week.

“We struggled to find bread on the second day of chaos, but the markets opened partially today,” she said.

She hoped that the rest of the closed shops would open so that life could return to normal. She also denounced the acts of violence and vandalism that occurred last week.

On Monday, a joint security force recovered food and non-food items that had been looted from shops owned by Sudanese traders in Juba. The recovered items included corn flour, mattresses, juices, chairs, grains, cooking oil, among others. A week after the vandalism, Sudanese traders are still cautious, with some yet to open their businesses, despite government promising to maintain security and protect property.

“We, the Sudanese community present in South Sudan, appreciate the efforts of the two governments to show cooperation and balance in dealing with such events,” said a trader at the Konyo Konyo market.