Kiir’s security advisor, Unity state governor accused of conscripting children into army to fight Gen. Thomas Cirilo

JUBA – South Sudan’s former army commander turned rebel leader General Stephen Buay Rolnyang has accused President Salva Kiir’s security advisor Tutkew Gatluak and Unity State governor Joseph Nguen Manytuil Wijang of recruiting little children to fight in the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) against the National Salvation Front in the Greater Equatoria region.

In a statement, Peter Malieth, the military spokesman of South Sudan People’s Movement (SSPM/A) said the two men are doing that to please President Salva Kiir Mayardit and also accused the government of Unity state of committing grave human rights abuses throughout the seven years of conflict in the world’s youngest country.

“The leadership of South Sudan People’s Movement /Army has learnt with great compassion the conscription of Bentiu youth into army by Governor Nguen Manytuil and Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs Tutkew Gatluak, and these young people have been transported to Equatoria region in order to fight NAS forces as a mean of pleasing President Kiir to maintain their positions, some of these newly mustered child soldiers will be deployed at the presidential palace to protect the president,” Malieth said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“The government of Unity State has been committing inhuman activities (atrocities) in the last seven years and had routinely marred the future of many youth by imposing forceful recruitment against them without their consent,” the statement added.

Sudans Post could not independently verify the claims as several phone calls to the governor’s office have not been answered at the time of filing this report.