Activist backs EU call for independent investigations into Upper Nile, Unity crimes

JUBA – Prominent South Sudan Activist Edmund Yakani has expressed his support for the call by the European Union (EU) for leaders in the country to investigate this year’s violence in southern Unity and that of Upper Nile state where fighting between rival opposition forces has displaced and killed civilians.

The EU in a statement extended to Sudans Post this morning expressed concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation in the wake of continued fighting in Upper Nile State between rival opposition commanders, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, and Gen. Johnson Olony in which an unknown number but large number of civilians are said to have been killed.

The EU statement called on the authorities in the national unity government to carry out investigations into these atrocities and bring the culprits to justice.

In a statement this afternoon, Yakani welcomed the call for investigation into the atrocities committed against civilians by forces loyal to Gatwech and Olony, saying the ongoing displacement and suffering against civilians in the wake of fighting between the two opposition commanders’ forces in a crime against humanity.

“CEPO welcomes the call for independent investigation of Upper Nile State human atrocities committed by the forces of generals Simon Gatwech and Johnson Olony. This is right call-in right time. What the conflicting forces of the two generals namely Simon Gatwech and Johnson Olony are doing in some parts of Upper Nile state it can constitute crime against humanity,” Yakani said in the statement.

The prominent activist further reiterated his call on General Gatwech and General Olony to ceasefire and resolve their grievances peacefully for that civilians who are always victims are not caught in between their quarrel.

“It is better for Simon Gatwech and Johnson Olony forces to ceasefire immediately and opt to resolve their political difference in non- violent manner through dialogue,” he said.

“The ongoing armed clashes between their forces is senseless and carry no any purpose apart of teak behaviors of gun class on control of power and resources,” he added.