German charity accuses pro-Khartoum militia of atrocities in south Sudan

NAIROBI, March 21 (AFP) — A German charity on Sunday accused pro-government militia in southern Sudan’s Upper Nile state of committing atrocities against civilians, saying the fighters had killed people, torched homes and stolen cattle.

“I can confirm that fighting in the area has been going on at least until yesterday (Saturday). Several people have been killed,” Klaus Stieglitz, the human rights commissioner for Hoffnungszeichen (Sign of Hope), told a news conference in Nairobi.

“We documented atrocities against civilians carried out by pro-government militia, which are supported by Sudanese police,” he said after returning from the violence-affected area.

Fighting in Upper Nile pits militiamen loyal to Lam Akol, a former rebel leader who in mid-1990s defected to the government side and who recently rejoined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), against pro-government fighters opposed to the decision to return to the rebel fold.

Hoffnungszeichen’s Executive Director Reimund Reubelt said the latest figting in Ubai and Nyilwac areas of central Upper Nile had forced civilians flee to more stable regions of southern Sudan.

“In Ubai the troops allegedly killed civilians, burnt huts and took away cattle,” Reubelt said, citing witness accounts.

SPLA spokesman Yassir Arman could not confirm the attacks, which would constitute a violation of a cessation of hostilities agreement between the rebels and the government.