A mobile military court has been launched in Yei River County of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State.
The military court was established to try government soldiers accused of committing crimes, including rape, looting, killings, and harassment since the outbreak of the conflict in the Yei area in 2016.
Several local officials and residents have accused some government soldiers of committing human rights abuses in parts of Yei.
Speaking during a public hearing on crimes against women and girls on Friday, Brig. Gen. John Lual, the military commander in Yei, urged members of the public to openly speak up and report all forms of crimes committed against civilians by the military forces in the area.
“I call on you not to fear, speak out, and tell the truth. Some of our forces who committed crimes against civilians have been arrested and will appear before this court. Once found guilty, they will face the law and be imprisoned according to the law,” he said.
For his part, George Lemeri Leon, the Director-General for Law Enforcement in the now-defunct Yei River State said it was the first time soldiers were being brought to justice through a court-martial.
“Since the CPA [Comprehensive Peace Agreement] was signed in 2005, no soldier was brought to justice in Yei like what is happening now. For you the citizens, be assured that we have been trying our best to ensure that the rights of people are given,” he explained.
Lemeri called on residents to be hopeful and use their constitutional rights to demand justice through legal procedures.
“I want to appreciate those who reported that they were raped, their properties looted and their brothers gunned down or harassed. Soldiers are not above the law and whoever has committed a crime he will be punished by law and for those whose rights have been violated, their rights will be reinstated,” he said.
Three government soldiers accused of raping women in Lasu Payam earlier this year were arraigned in court as victims testified.
The court hearing was adjourned to July 14, pending further investigations and hearing from witnesses before the final verdict.