CEPO welcomes army decision to arrange soldiers accused of rape, murder in court

JUBA – The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has welcomed a decision by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to send judges to Yei River County to try soldiers accused of rape, murder and looting in several parts of the area.

At least eleven (11) soldiers belonging to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Yei River County are currently facing a court-martial for murder, rape and looting.

This is two years after the military established a court to try such crimes across the country.

The soldiers – whose names have not been anonymous – are allegedly between the rank of corporal and lance corporal.

The court was established in 2020 by the general headquarters of SSPDF in an attempt to try to bring to justice soldiers accused of standing behind atrocities against civilians during the conflict.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post this evening, the CEPO welcomed the decision and congratulated the army for ‘making justice prevail’ which the rights defender said is key in achieving peace and reconciliation in the country.

“Community Empowerment for Progress Organization congratulates the leadership of SSPDF and military Justice for this remarkable act. Making justice prevail is key foundation of embracing peace in the society,” the CEPO said.

The CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani says that “holding soldiers that committed crimes of rape, killing, looting, harassment and intimidation against civilians accountable is central in making soldiers adherence to the principle of civil-rule, rule of law and respect of human rights.”

“SSPDF leadership’s decision to take the step of holding the soldiers accountable is impressive and we wish the SSPDF leadership through military justice to keep this demonstration of responsibility for holding soldiers who committed crimes against civilians accountable,” he added.

Yakani further urged the army to make similar courts available in conflict hot-spots such as countries in southern Unity state where violence killed dozens of civilians since the start of the year.

“The SSPDF leadership should make similar military court martial for the crimes committed in Mayendit, Kajo-Keji, Leer, Twic and Agok and Aneet Market. SSPDF leadership embracing the culture of holding soldiers that commit crimes against civilians’ population accountable is a best practice as rule of law and respect of human rights is concerned,” he said.

“Indiscipline soldiers should not be allowed to walk away with the crimes they committed against the civilians population. Soldiers should be discipline enough to upheld law and order during their working hours,” Yakani stressed

He further urged “the SSPDF headquarters leadership to remain pro-active in holding soldiers that committed crimes against civilians accountable. CEPO will be closely monitoring the court martial proceedings and procedures to confirm observation of due diligence process of rule of law.”