The African Union Peace and Security Council is currently discussing whether or not to release its report on atrocities committed during the ongoing civil war, according to a prominent political observer close to the process.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj in Juba, South Sudanese scholar and former government minister Luka Biong said that the African Union Commission of Inquiry is expected to release its findings on crimes and abuses committed during the South Sudan conflict.
The AU Commission of Inquiry was formed a year ago to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, and human rights violations in South Sudan, as well as determine the way forward for accountability, reconciliation, and healing.
The Commission, led by former Nigerian President Olesugun Obasanjo, has yet to submit its findings. Obasanjo has come under pressure from human rights activists and civil society to make the report public.
Luka, who is Director at the University of Juba’s Centre for Peace and Development Studies, emphasized the importance of releasing the report.
“The people of South Sudan would really want to know the people involved in committing crimes against them during the conflict,” he said, noting that the IGAD Heads of State summit on 25 August agreed to adopt Obasanjo’s report and exclude anyone involved in crimes against humanity from the transitional government.
Regarding accountability, the AU commission’s report may recommend sending names of suspects to the International Criminal Court, to South Sudan’s own judiciary, to a “hybrid court” comprised of local and international judges, or some other system.
Luka recommended setting up a “hybrid court” to bring perpetrators of atrocities to book, noting that South Sudan’s courts will not be able to ensure justice.
He added that the report, coupled with the South Sudan’s economic crisis due to the war and the drop in global oil prices, may pressure the warring parties to accept peace.
‘Great achievement’
Separately, Luka said that the recent agreement reached by the three SPLM factions in Arusha, Tanzania is a great achievement for peace and stability in South Sudan. He said the SPLM’s decision to apologize to the people of South Sudan who lost their lives and properties in the war is paramount.
He commended the two-track approach of talks in both Arusha and Addis Ababa in trying to bring an end to the South Sudan crisis, saying that the Tanzania reunification deal will facilitate the ongoing peace talks in Ethiopia.
“The problem started due lack of democracy within the party, so if there is any agreement among the party leaders definitely there will be peace countrywide,” he said.
According to Luka, the implementation of the Arusha agreement on the ground will be challenging. He commended SPLM chairman Salva Kiir for working hard to reunify the party.
Luka hinted at the possibility of reunification of the three SPLM factions soon after signing the agreement, but stressed the need for comprehensive talks within the party for a democratic transformation.
Related:
Timeline: African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan