Government forces in Bentiu accused of rape

September 14, 2014 (BENTIU) – Displaced residents sheltering inside a United Nation camp in South Sudan’s Unity state have accused pro-government forces of sexually assaulting victims of the country’s ongoing conflict who are living under the protection of peacekeeping forces.

It is alleged that at least 10 women and girls were attacked last week about 1km outside of the camp by forces loyal to president Salva Kiir, currently occupying the twin towns of Bentiu and Rubkotna county.

One rape victim who spoke in condition of anonymity told Sudan Tribune by satellite phone on Sunday says she and another 11 women and young girls were attacked at gun point while collecting fire wood for cooking outside the camp perimeter.

“One of the guys told us in Dinka, ‘when you move or cry we will shoot you. Put up your hands’. Each person was told to move away with a soldier at gun point,” she said.

The woman told Sudan Tribune that government forces are responsible of torturing civilians in Unity state since the conflict erupted in mid-December last year.

The fighting, which was triggered by an internal rift in South Sudan’s ruling party (SPLM) has pitted government troops against rebel forces aligned with former vice-president Riek Machar, stirring tribal tensions across the country.

An aid worker who also spoke on condition of anonymity blamed the state government for the ongoing unrest and rape of civilians in the area, accusing it of failing to control its forces on the ground and mistreating internally displaced people in Bentiu and Rubkotna.

He also accused government forces of failing to carry out their mandate to protect civilians against violence.

“It is unbelievable that the national army do carry out rapes on women and small girls,” the aid worker said.

“It has never happen[ed] in the whole world in those countries of conflicts that the national army tortures their civilians that they are tasked for protection, but it is only happening in South Sudan, a lawless country,” he added.

REBEL COMMANDER’S WARNING

Meanwhile, rebel military commander in Unity state Peter Gatdet has warned rebel forces would retaliate against pro-government forces, who he claims are responsible for ethnically targeting civilians sheltering at the UN camp.

He told Sudan Tribune on Sunday that the rebel faction was prepared to take military action if government forces continued to torture and mistreat civilians, saying it was their duty to protect South Sudanese citizens.

“It is very clear during the beginning of this crisis that the government is the causer of everything; look what is happening in Unity state,” he said.

“How should a legitimate government force rape and maim it citizens?” he added.

The UN last week reported 10 cases of rape outside it facilities where vulnerable groups of women often go to gather fire wood.

The UN says the number of reported rape cases has continued to rise over the past eight months, although it remains unclear who is responsible for the attacks.

The oil hub town of Bentiu has been a flashpoint for violence since the conflict erupted, changing hands several times between government and rebel forces.

Both warring parties have been accused of committing atrocities against civilians in the area.

(ST)