![US embassy press release illustration [Photo by US embassy in Juba]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/118820728_3219445998147089_818088416937395210_o.jpg?resize=1200%2C711&ssl=1)
In a statement marking international Human Rights Day, the US embassy said that commitment to human rights has been the driving force behind the United States support to the people of South Sudan which it said remains strong.
“On Human Rights Day, we mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. On this occasion, we call on South Sudan’s leaders to act with urgency to end human rights violations and to hold perpetrators accountable,” it said.
“Commitment to human rights is a foundational element in the U.S. relationship with South Sudan. It has been the driving force behind U.S. support for the people of this country from its very beginning, which dates back decades before South Sudan’s independence in 2011. This commitment remains as strong as ever today,” it added.
The US government said it is concerned by the continued violence and violation of human rights in Upper Nile state most of which, it said, is within the context of subnational violence though elites in Juba bears primary responsibility.
“In that light, the United States is gravely concerned by credible reports of continued human rights violations and the impunity enjoyed by those perpetrating such acts,” it said.
“Many of these violations occur within the context of subnational violence, such as in the ongoing conflict in Upper Nile State. It is clear that political actors in Juba bear responsibility for much of the violence in Upper Nile State and must act to end it,” it added.
The statement further said the US government is “deeply concerned about sexual and gender-based violence and extrajudicial killings. Other significant violations pertain to limitations on internationally recognized rights, such as freedom of expression, that are essential elements for a stable, thriving society and open civic space. “
“Those who work to advance human rights in South Sudan are helping to build a better future for the South Sudanese people. They do so with our support and respect.”
Infact, the current state of consistency military violence and indiscriminating killings in the Upper Nile State are mainly perpetuated by the renegade militia armed youth of Nuer white army and Agwelek army forces under the command of LT Gen. Jonhson Oliny from ( Shilluk Community) fighting against LT Gen. Gatwech Dual, former SPLM-IO General chief of staff, who has been sacked by Dr. Riek Machar not to be in charge of his SPLM-IO chief of staff anymore, especially when Dr.Riek Machar called upon him to come to Juba, South Sudan’s Capital City with all their SPLM-IO army forces. However, LT Gen. Gatwech Dual defied on Dr, Riek Machar’s orders to come to Juba, South Sudan’s Capital City as aftermath LT Gen. Gatwech Dual had lastly decided to join LT Gen.Jonhson Oliny’s military Camp under the Shilluk Agwelek army forces. Contrary, they disagreed to work under the same military chain of commands in order for them to have been achieving their military operationalization objectiveness and vision. Therefore, what has been happening in the Upper Nile State is just about undermining the current peaceful process by the rescinded left out hiding in the bush renegade army forces under their separate commands, which apparently results into such uncontrollable inter-communal violence between Nuer against Shilluk instead of it would have perceived and treated the military violence provocative impeded by the left outside militia army forces in the peaceful negotiable table that is why it being extent into inter- communal violence in between Nuer against Shilluk whereas Upper Nile State and South Sudan’s govt keeping their lips tightening without intervening in that critical situation everyone has been exposed into hiding in the bush for a safety of their own lives out of respective villages.