AU inquiry wants Kiir excluded from transitional leadership
March 5, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir and those who served government before cabinet was dissolved in July 2013 should not be part of the country’s transitional executive, a draft report of an African Union inquiry recommended.
Last year, the AU established a commission of inquiry led by former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo to investigate crimes committed in South Sudan during the crisis.
The commission, however, delayed release of the report on the ground that its findings were likely to jeopardise the ongoing peace talks mediated by the regional leaders.
Several human rights groups and activist criticised the AU’s decision over the report’s release, saying it was likely to encourage impunity.
Fighting between forces loyal to president Kiir and rebels allied with former vice-president, Riek Machar has caused instability in South Sudan, as thousands have died and nearly two million civilians have been displaced.
The draft report reportedly faults the Troika countries for creating “a politically unchallenged armed power” by backing a 2005 peace deal that “ushered in an unaccountable political class”.
The report recommends that the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights, instead of the International Criminal Court, be given criminal jurisdiction over “high state officials individually responsible for war crimes and/or gross violation of human rights.”
The US, Britain and Norway had earlier called for the release of the report, a position reiterated by the UN Security Council as it adopted a resolution for sanctions on Tuesday.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) should immediately consider, publish and disseminate the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations and abuses committed in South Sudan, 76 various organisations demanded on Friday.
“A culture of impunity has fuelled South Sudan’s conflict and emboldened combatants to target civilians, commit sexual violence, destroy and loot civilian property without fear of legal consequences,” Arnold Tsunga, Africa Director of the International Commission of Jurists said in a 6 March letter addressed to the AUPSC members.
“The release of the report could help deter further atrocities, by bringing to light what has taken place and making more real the prospect of accountability,” he added.
The two warring parties in the South Sudanese conflict have been accused of allegedly demonstrating disregard for international human rights as well as humanitarian law.
(ST)