Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Western Equatoria Governor Alfred Futuyo has denied the US’s accusations that he commanded forces to attack, kill or rape civilians in the state.
Early this week, the United States government sanctioned the Governor of Western Equatoria State alongside an SSPDF general in connection with atrocities committed during the 2021 violence in Tombura County.
The US accused Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, a senior politician affiliated with the opposition SPLM-IO of carrying out attacks in his state leading to mass abduction and sex crimes.
The U.S. said Governor Futuyo was responsible for or has engaged directly or indirectly “in the targeting of women, children, or any civilians through the commission of acts of violence.”
The sanction announced on Tuesday came a day after the U.S. warned it would take real action to prevent and respond to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and forms of gender-based violence across the world.
Reacting to the decision, the press officer cited the governor as saying he cannot accept or reject the US report, adding that South Sudan was in crisis between 2013 and 2018, and such crimes were likely to happen.
However, the governor denied any wrongdoing.
“Being a sector-6 Commander of the SPLA-IO in Western Equatoria from 2013 to 2020 before being appointed a governor, Lieutenant General Karaba has never commanded any commander or forces to attack, kill and rape,” the statement dated 21st of June, signed by the press officer partially reads.
The governor’ called on the US Department of The Treasury to investigate and list the SPLA-IO soldiers involved in the crimes to face the law.
SSPDF General Nando is yet to react to the sanction imposed on him.
Source: Eye Radio
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