Rights body calls for urgent formation of S. Sudan’s unity government

February 13, 2016 (JUBA) – The African Centre for Transitional Justice (ACT-J) has called on South Sudanese leaders to expedite the formation the Transitional Government of Nation Unity (TGoNU) to open up a new page of justice for those who committed crimes during the 21-months of conflict.

ACT-J’s executive director, Peter Gai Manyuon said it was important for the thousands killed to get justice by holding accountable those responsible.

“Civilians got killed by the South Sudanese Leaders and nothing has been achieved yet to make proper accountability and Justice. Cases of war crimes, crimes against humanity and related to genocide need to be tackle at this particular period of time instead of wasting time, talking always of formation of government and nothing is achieved is meaningless,” he said.

The South Sudanese government and the armed opposition faction led by the country’s first vice president, Riek Machar signed a peace agreement in August last year, but both sides on several occasions violated the accord.

Manyuon, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, criticised both parties in the violent conflict of failing to implement the Addis Ababa peace deal.

“There is no absolute mechanism put across for the full implementation
of the peace agreement. Parties are still on the issue of 28 states creation by the government of South Sudan and lack of commitment by both parties is also identifies as one of major concern that delays all process of implementation,” stressed ACT-J’s executive director.

He however said ACT-J remains in full support of calls for justice against those who have committed any form of crimes against civilians.

“The time wasting by the Government of South Sudan and Sudan People
Liberation Movement in Opposition in delaying formation of the unity government should not be tolerated at this crucial time where most of the citizens are looking for the issues to address keys agenda like peace building and proper accountability on the human rights violations that happened across the Country,” he added.

The right body further urged the international community and regional leaders to pressure the country’s warring parties to impose sanctions against those who violate the peace implementation.

Last week, president Kiir appointed Machar the country’s first vice-president, in what is seen as a positive step for TGoNU’s formation.

(ST)