Top UN envoy welcomes conviction of 21 gov’t soldiers over conflict-related crimes

JUBA – The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Nicholas Haysom on Monday welcomed recent steps taken by the government of South Sudan to pursue accountability and justice for survivors of sexual violence in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State.

Last month, a military court sentenced at least 21 army soldiers belonging to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to various jail term after having been convicted of murder, rape, and looting in Yei between 2021 and 2022.

Five of the twenty-one soldiers accused of rape were convicted, dismissed from active military service and stripped of their rank, and then sentenced to up to 10 years of imprisonment, and were required to pay compensation to survivors.

“We commend the authorities and the SSPDF for holding perpetrators accountable for the horrific crimes committed. The community played an essential role, as they demanded that these cases be investigated and adjudicated,” said Haysom who is also the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for South Sudan.

Haysom disclosed the mission will continue to provide funding for survivors of GBV before and after the trial and added that the mission will provide logistics assistance through the Yei River Women’s Association.

“We must ensure that survivors get the help they need, are treated with compassion and respect, and are not further traumatized,” he said.

The UN Chief said the mission and partners have been supporting processes for accountability and access to justice, including justice for children, through a range of special and mobile courts.

He said Yei General Court Martial is part of the Mission’s ongoing collaboration with the Military Justice Directorate to strengthen accountability within the SSPDF.

On his part, Yei River County Commissioner Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa expressed his gratitude for the expedited establishment of the General Court Martial.

“Declaration of an end to impunity and lawlessness”, adding that “it proves that South Sudan can end impunity and provide justice; and that nobody is above the law,” Cyrus said.