South Sudan recalls UN-based diplomat over rape allegations

JUBA — South Sudan government on Thursday said that it has recalled Amb. Charles Dickens Imene Oliha, one of its diplomats posted to the country’s permanent mission to the United Nations, after he was accused of raping an unidentified woman, according to a statement.

The government, as per the statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Thursday afternoon, said it had recalled the diplomat in question and formed a specialized committee to investigate him over the alleged sexual assault.

“The leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation took the decision to immediately recall the diplomat in question, pending a full investigation from a specialized committee,” a statement seen by Sudans Post said.

“The diplomat in question is now back in South Sudan and has been suspended from his duties, awaiting the outcome of this investigation.”

Charles Dickens Imene Oliha, 46, a career diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in South Sudan was arrested on Sunday following an alleged sexual assault in upper Manhattan.

The alleged attack is said to have occurred around lunchtime in the same building where Oliha resides.

Oliha was released by New York Police Department (NYPD) officers after they were informed of his diplomatic immunity that comes from his role at the United Nations.

The victim told police how she was walking her dog around noon when she was approached by a man in the lobby of her building.

The ministry expressed its regret that the diplomat was involved in an alleged rape incident with one of the New York City residents.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the government of South Sudan’s, and indeed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs position that sexual misconduct in any shape or form is heinous and wholly unacceptable,” it said.

“Beyond ratifying regional and international instruments for the protection of women and girls, we have also worked to receive direction from our gender and youth cluster to practically implement these instruments across the country, because it is our belief that living a life devoid of gender-based violence and indeed the threat of it, is a right for all.”

It said the mandate of the foreign missions is to protect the interests of South Sudanese citizens abroad and to promote strong bilateral relations with host countries.

“It is regretful that in this alleged instance, the latter has been jeopardized,” it said adding that the ministry is committed to working closely with the relevant US authorities to take the appropriate action, following the outcome of all investigations. 

 “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and indeed the extended government of South Sudan stands with victims of sexual assault everywhere and is committed to continuing to safeguard all those at risk of sexual violence.”