South Sudan army accused of gross violations in Yei

South Sudan army soldiers in unidentified area in Central Equatoria state (Photo by REUTERS)

JUBA – Members of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces have been accused by holdout opposition National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo Swaka of committing gross human rights violations in the country’s Central Equatoria state’s Yei River county.

The NAS said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Monday that government troops in Lok West of Yei River county raped three women and forced members of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan to drinking alcohol before looting and burning properties.

“These crimes are serious violations of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement which aimed at protection of civilians and provision of unhindered access to humanitarian assistance,” the statement reads in part.

“The Leadership of NAS condemns in the strongest possible terms these heinous crimes of the regime of Salva Kiir and holds the SSPDF and President Kiir responsible for committing ethnic-based crimes in South Sudan,” the statement added.

The statement further decried the silence by peace monitors saying: “It is very unfortunate and alarming that these crimes are being committed in full glare while the peace monitors are watching and being indifferent.”