File photo shows the Protection of Civilians site 3 of the United Nations Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS) in Juba, capital of South Sudan. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)
JUBA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of South Sudanese on Tuesday staged a demonstration in the capital Juba to condemn an arms embargo imposed by the United States over failure by the country's warring parties to respect a pact on cessation of hostilities.
The pro-government protestors marched to the U.S. embassy and to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) compound where they handed over a petition.
The demonstrators, led by a group of traditional leaders known as the Chiefs Council of South Sudan and the South Sudan National Youth Union, sang revolutionary songs and carried anti-U.S. placards across streets.
"We condemn the attempts made by your country to weaken our hard-fought independence in what appears to obstruct prosperity for our people," the traditional leaders said in their petition.
The protest kicked off peacefully but turned violent after angry youth started throwing stones at journalists and police guarding the UNMISS compound.
A Canadian female journalist working for the Associated Press (AP) was beaten up by the mob before being rescued by police.
The Trump administration on Friday announced arms embargo on South Sudan and urged the UN Security Council to enforce a global arms ban on the world's youngest nation.
The U.S. government also called on the African Union (AU) and the East African regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to consider sanctions against those who undermine the peace process.
South Sudan responded by recalling its ambassador to Washington the next day to express its displeasure.
Gatluak Bol Dhew, Acting Secretary of South Sudan National Youth Union, argued that the weapons restriction will enable the several opposition groups to gain upper hand.
He said the arms ban is part of a regime change agenda spearheaded by the Trump administration, an allegation Washington has dismissed several times.
"We are aware that this arms embargo will not bring about peace but to support the lawless insurgence and will give the rebels the upper hand to fight the government," Dhew said.
"We believe in credible elections but not regime change by force. Therefore, we are ready to defend our nation from any foreign aggression," he added.
South Sudan has been embroiled in four years of conflict that has taken a devastating toll on the people, creating one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world.
A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April 2016, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.
Fresh attempts to restore the fragile peace on the oil-rich land are ongoing in Ethiopia where warring factions are holding discussions on the best way out of the conflict.
