The South Sudanese government’s recent efforts to seek justice for victims of sexual assault in Yei, Central Equatoria State, are welcomed by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). 21 people were found guilty of major crimes, such as murder, rape, and the rape of a minor, perpetrated between 2021 and 2022 as a result of a general court martial that took place between June 1 and June 27, 2022. According to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army Act, the confirmation of the judgments is anticipated to follow.
Five South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) members who were accused of rape were found guilty, discharged, and stripped of their ranks. They were also given prison sentences of up to 10 years and ordered to pay compensation to the victims.
“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 the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan Nicholas Haysom.
The Yei River Women’s Association received support from UNMISS in the form of transportation, interpretation, and funding for survivors and witnesses to get counselling before and after the trial.
A specialised support worker was also allocated to each survivor during the proceedings. “We must ensure that survivors get the help they need, are treated with compassion and respect, and are not further traumatized,” SRSG Haysom added.
Through a variety of special and mobile courts, UNMISS and partners have supported procedures for accountability and access to justice, including justice for children, throughout the entirety of South Sudan. The Yei General Court Martial is a component of the Mission’s ongoing partnership with the Military Justice Directorate to improve SSPDF accountability.
The Yei River County Commissioner Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa expressed his gratitude for the expedited establishment of the General Court Martial, calling it “a 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.”