South Sudan welcomes deferral of AU report on conflict

February 14, 2015 (JUBA) – The government of South Sudan has welcomed the decision by regional leaders and the African Union to defer release of a recent report on crimes committed during the over one-year conflict in the country, an official said on Saturday.

“The release of this report endangers the ongoing IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority in Development]-led peace process. Justice and accountability can only be embarked upon once our streets are calm and citizens have food on the table,” Ateny said.

“Only then can we can determine as a country the avenues of justice for any crimes committed during this conflict and stain the history”, he added in a brief statement.

Several human and civil rights activists say deferral of the AU findings was a deliberate attempt to delay justice and encourage impunity.

David Deng, a South Sudanese researcher, said the decision not to publish the report effectively negates any contribution it could make to the transitional justice agenda.

Anthony Sebit, a Juba-based analyst, said releasing the AU commission of inquiry report would allow the perpetrators of violence to be identified.

“It is unfortunate the African Union has decided to listen to voices that encourage impunity. Releasing the report would be the opportunity to know the perpetrators,” said Sebit.

“The report was the opportunity to find out what the truth is. Our people ought to know the perpetrators. They had placed hope and trust in the sincerity of the commission,” he added.

Ateny, however, said government was not opposed to justice and accountability, but wanted peace and stability to allow proper identification of those who committed crimes.

Formed in March last year, the five-member commission of inquiry led by former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo investigated atrocities committed during the crisis.

Thousands of people have died and nearly two million displaced in the ongoing conflict that is likely to cost the young nation between $22-28 over the next one to five years.

(ST)