The Sudanese community in the South Sudanese capital Juba today held a protest against the mass killing of their countrymen in Unity State last week.

Hundreds of Sudanese traders were among those killed by rebel forces loyal to Riek Machar when the Unity State capital was overrun. The number of dead has not been verified but the death toll has now risen to more than 400, according to government sources and Sudanese community members.

The protesters today presented a petition to the government of South Sudan and to the United Nation Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Speaking to the gathering, the paramount chief of the Darfur community in South Sudan, Abdullah Hamad Othman condemned the killing of 455 Sudanese citizens who were from Darfur State.

The chief urged the government and UN to set up a committee to investigate the atrocities and the killing of their fellow citizens in Bentiu, Unity State.

He also denied the allegation made against their fellow citizens of taking sides in the conflict, saying the victims were not supporting any party or taking any side in the conflict.

For his part, the South Sudanese civil society alliance chairman, Deng Athuai, offered his condolences to the families of the victims. He condemned the killing and calling for an investigation.

A number of other notable people attended the event today, offering their condolences and sympathies to the Darfur community, including Minister of Defense Kuol Manyang Juuk, Minister of Interior Aleu Ayieny and ex-environment minister Abdallah Deng Nhial.