UK announces sanctions against South Sudan general, 3 others
March 8, 2023 (NAIROBI) – The UK has sanctioned Major Gen. James Nando, who commanded the South Sudanese army (SSPDF), perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence in Tambura County of Western Equatoria State in 2021.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced the new package of sanctions aimed at human rights violators, particularly those who target women and girls
The latest sanctions, unveiled on International Women’s Day, also targeted violators of women’s rights in Iran, Syria and the Central African Republic (CAR).
“This package includes 4 individuals and 1 entity involved in grievous activities, including military figures who have overseen rape and other forms of gender-based violence in conflicts in Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic,” partly reads a statement from the Foreign Office.
It added, “It also sanctions government institutions in Iran responsible for enforcing mandatory dress codes for women in Iran with unreasonable force”.
Between June and September 2021, Maj. Gen. Nando allegedly commanded SSPDF elements to carry out attacks in Tambura County, abducted and killed civilians, looted civilian and humanitarian properties as well as displaced civilians.
This, the UK Foreign Office said, was done in violation of international humanitarian law.
These sanctions, according to the UK government, send a clear message that the perpetrators of abhorrent gender-based violence must be held accountable.
“We are increasing our efforts to stand up for women and girls, and will use all the tools at our disposal to tackle the inequalities which remain,” it stressed.
Edmund Yakani from Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) welcomed the sanctions, saying all human rights violators be held accountable.
“CEPO welcomes the UK sanctions against Maj. Gen. James Nando and hope that others from the other conflicting party with Gen. James also can be held accountable through the sanctions approach since they are also involved in committing human rights violations,” he told Sudan Tribune Thursday.
Sanctions are restrictive measures that can be put in place to fulfil a range of purposes. In the UK, these include complying with United Nations and other global obligations, supporting foreign policy and national security objectives, as well as maintaining international peace and security, and preventing terrorism.
(ST)