SPLA denies HRW report on human rights violations in W. Equatoria

March 7, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army, the SPLA, has vehemently denied reports by the Human Rights Watch (HRW), which accused the government forces of indiscriminate killings, rapes and looting of civilians and their properties in the former Western Equatoria state, saying those reports lack evidence.

SPLA acting spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Marko Mayol, said government’s forces have been observing permanent ceasefire in Gbudue, Amadi and Maridi – the three states curved from the former Western Equatoria state.

“The whole of South Sudanese people are looking for peace and the SPLA cannot be an obstacle to peace,” said Mayol when contacted by Sudan Tribune for comment on Monday.

He said the agreement signed between President Salva Kiir’s government and the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of Riek Machar led to permanent ceasefire which is “generally holding” nationwide.

In a report released on March 6, HRW said it documented cases of looting and burning of homes by government soldiers in Yambio, the capital of Gbudue state. Similarly, the advocacy group said the Arrow Boys – armed civilians allied to the SPLM IO – are also accused of raping a 67-year-old catholic nun in Yambio last December.

Mayol said the SPLA will cooperate with the HRW to investigate and bring to book those soldiers implicated in the crimes.

(ST)