Troika denounce Mirmir violence as Gatwech’s forces are sail to be on killing spree

JUBA – The United States, United Kingdom and Norway (together known as Troika) have issued a statement condemning reports of violence and brutality against civilians after locals accused General Simon Gatwech Dual’s forces of looting, raping and killing against local population.

General Gatwech is a former chief of staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in  Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, but he decided to form an opposition SPLA-IO faction of his own in August last year when he attempted to removed Machar as the group’s leader.

Since then, fighting has been escalating between opposition forces loyal to Gatwech and those who have decided to remain with First Vice President Machar. Clashes have been reported in northern-most town of Magenis in Upper Nile state, parts of Jonglei and Unity state.

Last month, forces belonging to General Simon Gatwech, assisted by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), attacked Mirmir, a cantonment site hosting opposition forces loyal to Machar, and started – reportedly – killing civilians as well as rapping women and looting property.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Troika said it is deeply concerned about the continued reports of human rights violation by the parties to the conflict in Mirmir which it said include killing and rapping of civilians and destructions of properties as well as looting of humanitarian supplies.

“The Troika is deeply concerned by allegations of egregious human rights violations and abuses in Unity State, including killing of citizens, rape, destruction of homes, and the looting of humanitarian supplies,” the Troika said.

“The Troika calls upon state and national leaders to denounce the brutality and intervene to halt the violence,” the statement a copy of which is seen by Sudans Post further added.

The statement said the Troika expects “the Government of South Sudan to conduct timely and transparent investigations of these allegations and to identify and hold accountable the perpetrators responsible for them, regardless of affiliation.”

“We urge all sides to seek a peaceful resolution of differences through sincere dialogue and conflict mitigation efforts.”