UN accuses S. Sudan rebels over human rights violations

December 19, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudanese opposition forces killed at least 11 civilians and rape others in what amounted to war crimes, the United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said in a new report.

“This report is a timely reminder of the fighting that has continued in Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei states in spite of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement that both warring parties signed nearly a year ago,” said Ellen Margrethe Loej, the head of UNMISS in a report extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.

Released by the UN human rights division, the report details several abuses allegedly committed by opposition forced in Bentiu, Unity state last October.

UNMISS human rights officers reportedly received testimonies from multiple sources alleging opposition forces abducted and raped female residents after government troops withdrew from some parts of the city on 29 October.

“I strongly condemn the targeting of unarmed civilians in the ongoing fighting and call on both parties to the conflict to act with restraints,” said Loej.

A list of 14 female names was compiled by the UN as evidence of those allegedly kidnapped by opposition forces during their five-hour occupation of Bentiu.

Two women and a six-month old baby were reportedly among those killed by opposition forces near a Catholic church in the Dere neighborhood of Bentiu.

“Reports of such gross human rights abuses are all too common in the current conflict and involve all sides,” observes the report.

“[Opposition] forces committed gross human rights abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law which may amount to war crimes,” it adds.

Meanwhile, the UN human rights officers reportedly conducted 21 interviews with victims, witnesses and other sources in the aftermath of the 29 October attack by opposition forces on the Unity state capital and the adjacent town of Rubkona.

Bentiu has changed hands several times between the opposition and government forces since fighting broke out due to political disputes in the country a year ago.

The human right team of the world body also visited the opposition-controlled town of Nhialdiu on 24 November to investigate allegations against the rebels.

However, local authorities allied with the armed opposition denied accusations that the latter targeted civilians. The deceased, they say, were crossfire victims.

They further claimed women who left Bentiu had accompanied opposition forces of their own mainly followed their husbands who had joined the armed opposition.

Sudan Tribune could not easily reach the armed opposition members for a comment.

(ST)