Peace monitor says new militias emerge in South Sudan conflict

Festus Mogae, the Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), said new militia groups, some “opportunists”, others “downright criminal”, have emerged in South Sudan since renewed clashes erupted in July last year.

Festus Mogae, the Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), said new militia groups, some “opportunists”, others “downright criminal”, have emerged in South Sudan since renewed clashes erupted in July last year.

Mogae, the former president of Botswana, is tasked with overseeing implementation of the August 2015 peace deal.

In a press statement in Nairobi on Friday, Mogaa said these new rebel groups did not exist before, while expressing fears of renewed ethnic violence in the country.

“Some are opportunists, others are downright criminals, because of the shortage of food,” Mogae said. “There are allegations that some groups are targeting Dinkas.”

Photo: Festus Mogae (Radio Tamazuj)