Matia Samuel
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Maj Gen. (rtd) Charles Gituai hailed the SSPDF for raising the bar on accountability by prosecuting officers for crimes committed against civilians.
“Despite the aforementioned setbacks, there has been some progress in the enforcement of accountability among the SSPDF who commit crimes against civilians,” he stated.
Gituai made the remarks during the presentation of the RJMEC quarterly report to the lawmakers yesterday.
He noted the SSPDF who were tried in Yei General Court Martial this year.
“For example, the SSPDF conducted a General Court Martial in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, which heard 29 cases. This accountability effort culminated in convictions for murder, rape, sexual harassment, and loss of weapons and ammunition.”
He added that the South Sudan National Police Service, and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in collaboration with the University of Juba, have been implementing police reform initiatives meant to improve safety by enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of security institutions to operate according to human rights and the rule of law.
“Furthermore, the National Police Service Directorate of Community Policing launched the Voluntary Civilian Disarmament Strategy, which aims at voluntary disarmament of communities and enhancement of their protection,” he stated.
In May this year, the General Court Martial, with technical and financial assistance from the United Nations, concluded its work in Yei River County and delivered verdicts in 14 cases where 11 members of the SSPDF accused of serious crimes including murder, and sexual and gender-based violence were convicted.
They were stripped of their ranks, dismissed from the SSPDF, and some were sentenced to up to 10 years’ imprisonment. They were also required to pay compensation to survivors.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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