Over a thousand Darfuris gather in Juba to protest Bentiu killings. Apr 23, 2014. Photo by Mohamed Arkou.

The Darfur Chiefs Council in South Sudan is calling the government to protect Darfuri traders in areas bordering with Sudan.

This morning, the Darfur community in Juba organized a peaceful demonstration in commemoration of Darfuris killed in Bentiu town last week.

The UN reported that forces of the SPLA-in Opposition carried out targeted killings of some foreigners.

About 450 Darfuris were reported killed in the incident. Another 93 were wounded and 100 are still missing.

The Darfur Chiefs Council has organized a two day funeral for those killed in Bentiu.

The Information Officer for the Council, Hamza Mohammed told Eye Radio that an investigation should be launched by international bodies.

“We’re urging the United Nations, European Union, African Union and all human rights organizations to go to Bentiu town to investigate this issue,” he said.

“We are also urging that those who committed these atrocities must be taken to the International Criminal Court.”

Approximately, there are 500,000 Darfuris in South Sudan. Most of them are businesspeople.

Stay away from violence-affected areas

The Sudanese embassy in South Sudan is urging its citizen to keep away from areas that are prone to fighting in South Sudan.

A statement from the embassy in Juba said Sudanese nationals should avoid areas in greater Upper Nile where there is fighting between forces of the government of South Sudan and the SPLA –in Opposition.

“All Sudanese nationals to stay away from the ongoing conflict in the sisterly Republic of South Sudan, respect its sovereignty and appreciate the hospitality accorded to them by the government and the people of South Sudan,” said Mr Ambassador Majdi Ahmed, Deputy Head of Mission at the Sudanese Embassy in Juba.

Last week, Sudanese of Darfur origin were among the 200 civilians killed in a Mosque in Bentiu town by forces of the SPLA-in Opposition.

Ambassador Ahmed said the Sudanese embassy will follow diplomatic and legal ways to preserve the safety and the rights of Sudanese nationals in South Sudan.