The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has welcomed the concrete steps taken by the Government of South Sudan to pursue accountability and justice for survivors of serious crimes, including sexual violence, in Yei, Central Equatoria State.
According to a UNMISS press statement, on 16 June 2023, a General Court Martial (GCM), with technical and financial assistance from the United Nations, concluded its work in Yei River County and delivered verdicts in 14 cases.
Eleven members of the SSPDF accused of severe crimes, including murder as well as sexual and gender-based violence, were convicted, stripped of their ranks, dismissed from the SSPDF, sentenced to up to 10 years imprisonment, and required to pay compensation to survivors.
“The GCM included three female judge-advocates to ensure that both female and male victims and witnesses felt comfortable participating in the justice process,” the statement read in part. “Before the GCM’s deployment, consultations between civilians and military personnel were held to enhance community awareness and ownership of the justice process.”
“The Yei community has since recognized the GCM as an important mechanism for combatting impunity, building trust between military and civilians, improving discipline and order in the SSPDF, and advancing peace and stability in Yei River County,” it added.
Brigadier General John Lual, the commander of SSPDF’s Independent Brigade in Yei, said that the GCM has had a positive impact.
“Soldiers know that rule of law and disciplinary measures will be taken and civilians have become aware that nobody is above the law. This is a result of the court-martial,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Yei River County Commissioner Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa urged civilians to report errant soldiers to the authorities.
“No one is above the law. This should show citizens of Yei that they should not fear to report soldiers who commit crimes,” he said. “I call for both civilians and soldiers to respect each other and serve the nation.”
During the closing of the GCM, the Military Justice Directorate distributed to all military personnel at the Yei Garrison, the Directorate’s ‘Six Key Messages to End Sexual Violence.’
Brigadier General Riek Bim Top Long, the deputy director of the directorate, stressed that the SSPDF had enacted the messages as standing orders that are legally binding on all military personnel. He also called for the SSPDF to end sexual violence and protect the people of South Sudan.
For his part, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, said the GCM’s work had spurred a quest for justice.
“We commend the SSPDF’s efforts to improve and identify ways to strengthen accountability among the armed forces, implement best practices, and build trust with affected communities,” he said. “The work of the GCM has created a demand for justice and is a concrete step forward to combatting impunity.”
UNMISS provided funding for victims and witnesses to receive psycho-social support, as well as interpretation services, food, accommodation, and transport from several local civil society organizations during the GCM.
According to the Mission, all victims had access to two civilian victims’ counsel who provided free legal advice and participated in the proceedings to protect their rights and help them navigate the justice process.