Juba forces accused of torturing residents of Magwi in Eastern Equatoria

December 2, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) has been accused of wanton killing, torture and rape of residents of Magwi county in Eastern Equatoria state in the pretext of identifying armed opposition members in the area.

“We have been receiving disturbing reports about government forces having gone on rampage in Magwi County’s Pajok Payam, terrorizing citizens of the area. We have received reports of killing, torture and rape where the victims are accused of allegedly being either members or supporters of the SPLM/SPLA (IO),” James Gatdet Dak, opposition leader’s spokesperson, said on Wednesday.

He said a total of 14 youth members in Pajok this week have been arrested by members of the South Sudanese army, tortured and carried away on military pickup trucks and that their whereabouts are not known to date, adding that many women have been raped.

Dak said among the youth who have been detained and tortured included Saverio Omal, Olayo Idek and Susan Aloyo, urging for the release of all the victims.

He said government troops have been driving around the villages targeting youth members whom they keep on accusing of supporting the reform agenda of the SPLM-IO.

The opposition’s media official however said the government should not continue to act as if it has not signed a peace agreement which provides for implementation of reforms in various sectors in the country.

The opposition group has forces in Magwi county and has designated cantonment areas for the assembling of their troops in accordance with the security arrangements agreement.

(ST)