UN investigators propose criminal probe against Unity State governor, deputy army chief

JUBA, APRIL 3, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – A report released today by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has proposed criminal investigations against Unity State Governor Joseph Manytuil and deputy army chief of defense for operators Gen. Thoi Chany over their role in the August 2022 extra-judicial killing of opposition commanders allied top Gen. Stephen Buay Rolnyang.

Entitled “State of impunity: the persistence of violence and human rights violations in South Sudan,” the 114-page report is based upon its investigations in six states of South Sudan and in the neighboring region over the last 12 months.

“Over several years, our findings have consistently shown that impunity for serious crimes is a central driver of violence and misery faced by civilians in South Sudan,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission.

“So we have taken the step of naming more of the individuals who warrant criminal investigation and prosecution for their role in gross human rights violations,” she added.

Following the presentation of its 20-page report of main findings to the Human Rights Council on 7 March 2023, the full report published today reflects in greater detail the Commission’s findings on emblematic situations and sites of human rights violations during 2022.

The report identifies Unity State Governor Joseph Monytuil and Lieutenant General Thoi Chany Reat of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces as among the individuals warranting criminal investigation in relation to State-sanctioned extrajudicial killings carried out in Mayom in August 2022.

Koch County Commissioner Gordon Koang is among the individuals identified as being responsible for leading widespread attacks against civilians in Leer in February and April 2022.

The Commission’s findings also identify other individuals warranting further scrutiny or investigation in relation to human rights violations in Warrap State, Upper Nile State, northern parts of Jonglei State, and the Equatoria states.

“Breaking the grip of impunity can only be achieved if the national authorities recommit and adhere to the values and promises in the peace agreement,” said Commissioner Barney Afako.

“Political leaders are accountable to the people of South Sudan, and must therefore ensure that civic space for discussion is protected if the country’s first electoral and constitution-making processes are to be credible and positively impactful,” he added.