South Sudan: ‘hellish existence’ for women and girls, new UN report reveals (22.03.2022)

According to the UN Commission, sexual violence has been instrumentalized as a reward and entitlement for youth and men participating in conflict.

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 22, 2022 – Widespread sexual violence against women and girls in conflict is being fueled by systemic impunity, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said on Monday.

The Commission’s new report, based on interviews conducted with victims and witnesses over several years, describes a “hellish existence for women and girls”, with widespread rape being perpetrated by all armed groups across the country.

According to the UN Commission, sexual violence has been instrumentalized as a reward and entitlement for youth and men participating in conflict.

The goal is to inflict maximum disruption of the fabric of communities, including through their constant displacement, the report continues.

Rape is often used as “part of military tactics for which government and military leaders are responsible, either due to their failure to prevent these acts, or for their failure to punish those involved”, the Commission advanced.

Bodies reduced to ‘spoils of war’

“It is outrageous and completely unacceptable that women’s bodies are systematically used on this scale as the spoils of war,” declared Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the UN Commission.

Calling for urgent and demonstrable action by authorities, Ms. Sooka said: “South Sudanese men must stop regarding the female body as ‘territory’ to be owned, controlled and exploited.”

Sexual violence survivors have detailed “staggeringly brutal and prolonged gang rapes” perpetrated against them by multiple men, often while their husbands, parents or children have been forced to watch, helpless to intervene.

Women of all ages recounted being raped multiple times while other women were also being raped around them, and a woman raped by six men said she was even forced to tell her assailants that the rape had been “good”, threatening to rape her again if she refused.

Anyone reading the details of this horrific report can only begin to imagine what life is like for the survivors. – Andrew Clapham, member of the Commission

The resultant traumas “ensure the complete destruction of the social fabric”, the UN Commission said.

Horrific assaults

“Anyone reading the details of this horrific report can only begin to imagine what life is like for the survivors. These accounts are unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone, inside and outside governments, should be thinking what they can do to prevent further acts of sexual violence and to provide adequate care for the survivors,” said Andrew Clapham, member of the Commission.

A woman described her friend being raped by a man in the forest who then said he wanted to continue to ‘have fun’ and further raped her with a firewood stick until she bled to death. Teenage girls described being left for dead by their rapists while bleeding heavily.

Medical personnel also report that many survivors have been raped multiple times throughout their lifetime.

Traumatised for life

The report also describes women often bearing children as a result of rape, and notes that in many cases, survivors have contracted sexually transmitted infections including being infected with HIV.

Following rape and pregnancy, women are often abandoned by husbands and families, and left destitute. Some of those raped while pregnant, have suffered miscarriages.

Husbands searching for abducted wives and daughters often spend years not knowing their fate, with some learning they were abducted by men from rival ethnic groups and forced to bear multiple children – one such man was so traumatized, he wanted to take his own life.

The Commission reported that these attacks were not random opportunistic incidents, but usually involved armed soldiers actively hunting down women and girls, with rape carried out during attacks on villages, systematic and widespread.

Accountability versus impunity

The Commission said the failure of political elites to deal with security sector reform, and to provide for the very basic needs of armed forces on all sides, continues to contribute to a permissive environment in which South Sudanese women are regarded as currency.

With near-universal impunity for rape and sexual violence, perpetrators avoid accountability.

Calling on the Government of South Sudan and its obligation to end impunity for serious crimes, the Commission noted the recent Government initiatives to address sexual violence in conflict, including establishing a special court and holding military justice proceedings.

While welcoming such measures, the Commission also said, “they remain woefully inadequate given the scale and extent of crimes”.

Gender inequality context

“It is scandalous that senior officials implicated in violence against women and girls, including cabinet ministers and governors, are not immediately removed from office and held accountable.

To address this pervasive violence in conflict and other contexts, those in positions of command and other authority must promptly and publicly adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards sexual and gender-based violence.” said Barney Afako, member of the Commission.

To grasp the full impact of conflict-related sexual violence, it is also necessary to understand the social and cultural context in which sexual violence occurs, under patriarchal systems based on domination and gender discrimination.

Half of all South Sudanese women are married off before they reach 18, and the country has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world.

Sexual and gender-based violence is also common outside of conflict, affecting women and girls amongst all segments of society.

The Commission is calling on the authorities in South Sudan to take the necessary steps to stop sexual violence against women and girls, by addressing impunity and the drivers of conflict and insecurity.

Work of the Commission

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. It was first established in March 2016.

The Commission is mandated to investigate the situation of human rights in South Sudan, and to determine and report the facts and circumstances of human rights violations and abuses, including by clarifying responsibility for violations and abuses that are crimes under national and or international law.

South Sudan: Joint Communique on the Visit of H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereign Council of Sudan to the Republic of South Sudan (18.03.2022)

South Sudan: “Don’t abandon us”: An Open Letter to Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council (14.03.2022)

South Sudan: New UN Report states how the R-TGoNU have failed the R-ARCSS

The United Nations Human Rights Commission Report on South Sudan has been released. What it says is striking. I am only taking a few paragraphs from it. As it shows how the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) haven’t been implemented and what sort of affects it has on the Republic in general.

Not that it’s breaking news in March 2022 to say the R-ARCSS is working slow… that is being stated in the February 2022: “Report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan”. What it says… is showing what sort of problems that is ahead and at this point in time. The international community shouldn’t push for elections, but pressure to actually fulfil R-ARCSS. Because, if they do that. It can create a timeline and possibilities for a roadmap and institutions of the state to actually govern. Instead of holding elections, which will be directed and controlled by the President by decree.

The Report starts with:

The Revitalized Agreement raised the hopes of the people of South Sudan for a long-delayed peace and the recovery and reconstruction of their country. However, further delays in establishing the Government and fierce political contestation between the signatories to the Agreement reflect the continuing failure of leaders to reach a position of political accommodation and manage diversity and are fuelling insurgencies and localized conflicts. Led by the President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG) remains the dominant political force in South Sudan, through its effective control of the defence and security agencies and of resources, including oil revenues. Meanwhile, the National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed groups outside of the Agreement have continued their insurgency” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

Just reading this should make you worry. As it shows what is occurring and the insurgencies shouldn’t be an issue. Especially not at this scale… but the state and the government of Juba should find mechanisms and able to talk to stop the reoccurring communal violence. As that is causing more harm and insecurity, which was supposed to cease by signing the R-ARCSS.

It doesn’t get better:

The deeply disillusioned people of South Sudan lament the delays and failings of the key parties and the fragmentation of various armed forces, which remain under different, ethnically aligned, command structures.1 In December 2021, the interim Chair of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Charles Tai Gituai, warned of the growing frustrations of citizens, while the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan criticized the reduced momentum on implementing critical aspects of the Agreement” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

The signatory parties of the R-ARCSS, all parties and involved should be worried about the statement by Chair of R-JMEC in December 2021. Because that sentiment is saying it all. They are disappointed by the slow and delayed movements of the current government. Therefore, the government should be concerned that they are betraying their role as a representatives and as a governing body. The citizens deserve peace and a proper government…

Brutal crackdown of civil society:

All these repressive measures, including the banking directive, appear to be arbitrary, be without any legal basis and lack a process for judicial or other review. The brutal State crackdown on the People’s Coalition for Civil Action implicates National Security Service, police, military and telecommunications officials, as well as the central bank, and suggests coordination and direction at the highest levels. The violations, emblematic of broader patterns documented by the Commission, severely undermine prospects for credible elections and for public participation in the transitional justice and constitution-making processes envisaged in the Revitalized Agreement” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

Part II:

Arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, unlawful killings and threats to life have become commonplace in South Sudan. These acts are violations of the rights to life and liberty, which are protected under national law and applicable international human rights law and which typically also involve other human rights violations. The targeting of civil society actors for their membership of, or association with, civic organizations constricts the civic space and discourages public participation. This, in turn, prevents the emergence of a culture of accountability, transparency and respect for human rights” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

When civil society is attacked this way and the brutal crackdown of it. It doesn’t make it possible to organize or even be a voice of reason for the ones who is left behind. The CSOs and NGOs can bring valuable context and spread the lights of various of issues in society. Especially, if the state and government are failing to oversee or make a difference for certain groups. It can also be mediator or a platform for entry of the state, if they have disfranchised itself from others as well. Therefore, brutally silencing them isn’t the way to build a greater society.

General overview of life:

The humanitarian situation in South Sudan has become a human rights crisis of epic proportions: more than 8.3 million people, amounting to 70 per cent of the population, required humanitarian assistance in 2021, with more than half of them children, of whom 1.4 million were malnourished.1 More than 7 million people (over 60 per cent of the population) experienced acute food insecurity2 and hunger-related deaths linked to the suspension by the World Food Programme of lifesaving assistance owing to global funding shortfalls were reported in several camps for internally displaced persons.3 This also affected South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia and Uganda, whose situation became increasingly desperate” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

The reading of this paragraph is just tragic and sad. That the extent of suffering, lack of food security and insecurity forces people in this manner. The government have clearly failed it’s mission, when the numbers and the amount of plight is at this stage. This shows what is needed right now, but there is a need to ensure this not continue. The food insecurity has to worked on, by not only World Food Programme (WFP) or others, but by the state itself. As they can ensure and find ways to produce and store food in the states.

The South Sudanese citizens should need to beg or get help from foreign donors. The state itself should be self sufficient and has vast earnings of petroleum sales. The leaders and the state could forge way of funding and getting the needs covered. However, the R-TGoNU haven’t prioritized this and it’s sad at this point. Yes, some of the lack of food or growing food insecurity comes after the floods and such in the recent year. However, the state hasn’t prepared or ensured the safety in the other states either. It isn’t just one place, but nationally. That’s why the leaders and signatories or the R-ARCSS has huge tasks ahead.

South Sudan deserves better… as we know that most likely the R-ARCSS will be further delayed and get prolonged. That is just what the current leadership does. While this isn’t making things better, but only extending the pain and not finding solutions that could be implemented on behalf of the people. Peace.

South Sudan: WFP – Families pushed to the limit as South Sudan braces for its worst hunger crisis ever (11.03.2022)

South Sudan forms part of a ‘ring of fire’ encircling the globe where climate shocks, conflict, covid-19, and rising costs are driving millions closer to starvation.

JUBA, South Sudan, March 11, 2022 – More than seventy percent of the South Sudanese population will struggle to survive the peak of the lean season this year as the country grapples with unprecedented levels of food insecurity caused by conflict, climate shocks, covid, and rising costs, warned the United Nations World Food Programme today.

While global attention remains fixated on Ukraine, a hidden hunger emergency is engulfing South Sudan with about 8.3 million people in South Sudan – including refugees – set to face extreme hunger in the coming months as the 2022 lean season peaks, food becomes scarce and provisions are depleted, according to the latest findings published in the 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview. Particularly at risk are tens of thousands of South Sudanese who are already severely hungry following successive and continuous shocks and could starve without food assistance.

South Sudan forms part of a ‘ring of fire’ encircling the globe where climate shocks, conflict, covid-19, and rising costs are driving millions closer to starvation. The impact of the climate crisis and ongoing conflict have led to large scale displacement, livelihoods losses, the destruction of arable land and crops as well as rising food prices — threatening the survival of communities living in some of the most isolated areas in the States of Jonglei, Lakes, Unity and Warrap.

“The extent and depth of this crisis is unsettling. We’re seeing people across the country have exhausted all their available options to make ends meet and now they are left with nothing,” said Adeyinka Badejo, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme in South Sudan.

Turning the tide on hunger

While providing critical food and nutrition assistance to meet the immediate needs of populations at risk, WFP simultaneously implements resilience building activities to help these communities cope with sudden shocks without losing all their productive assets.

“Given the magnitude of this crisis, our resources only allow us to reach only some of those most in need with the bare minimum to survive, which is not nearly enough to allow communities to get back on their feet. WFP is working tirelessly not only to cater for these immediate needs, but also to support communities to restore their own resilience and be better prepared to face new shocks,” said Badejo.

In 2021, WFP reached 5.9 million people with food and nutrition assistance, including more than 730,000 people in South Sudan who benefited from livelihoods activities.

In Greater Jonglei and Unity States, where unprecedented floods and localized conflict prevented people from reaching their cultivated fields, WFP supported people with cash assistance to buy food and other basic needs, provided communities with tools to protect and maintain critical assets, and trained young people in various vocational activities, including post-harvest management.

South Sudan: R-JMEC has asked the Government to provide it a roadmap on how to end the Transitional Period

Yesterday Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gitaui, the Chairman of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commisison (R-JMEC) delivered his statement on the progress of the R-ARCSS and the implementation of the process to the United Nations Security Coucil (UNSC). As this would prove how the R-TGoNU and all the stakeholders are coordinating and working together to facilitate all the articles of the agreement. However, the R-JMEC is stating what we already knew, but shows that the time and the current movement is to slow.

The Government of South Sudan, the leadership and everyone in Juba is clearly not moving ahead. The Head of State and the Ministers are not motivated or having the ambition to finish the stipulation of the R-ARCSS. Since, it is not like they have tried and unknowingly, there is always a crisis and a scandal, which comes as an excuse to postpone or hold later conferences or meetings to ensure all stakeholders are approving of the steps forward.

That’s why Maj. Gen. Gitaui is speaking the truth here:

Overall, progress in implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement has generally been very slow from the beginning, and there are several recurring challenges facing it. The challenges include lack of sufficient resources (both financial and material) needed for the implementation of the Agreement; insufficient political will and commitment of some actors; trust deficit amongst the Parties; capacity gaps; subnational violence and activities of the holdout groups; military defections from one signatory party to another; flooding; and the COVID-19 pandemic” (STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, 08.03.2022).

What is striking is that the state doesn’t have enough funds to implement it, but has a huge staff of cronies and nepotism. There are so many Vice-Presidents, but not working hospitals or schools for the citizens to use. Neither is there other government institutions to help the citizens. That should be the priority, but the state prefers to pay for SUVs and majestic titles for the insiders. If not ensure shady deals and lavish spending on VIPs. Therefore, the teachers and civil servants are not paid, but they got to bribe other state employees to get the help they need. That is what is reported, but not supposed to be told.

It doesn’t make it better that R-JMEC has to ask about this now:

Given the challenges facing implementation, the critical tasks pending, and the Agreement timeline nearing expiry, RJMEC has tasked the Revitalised Unity Government to review the status of the implementation of the Agreement and develop a clear roadmap and strategy within the framework of the Revitalised Peace Agreement on how to implement the outstanding critical tasks as the end of the Transitional Period approaches. The roadmap should be consensus-based, with verifiable benchmarks and timelines” (STATEMENT BY H.E. MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI (RTD) INTERIM CHAIRPERSON, RJMEC ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALISED AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, 08.03.2022).

This is telling the stakeholders, the government and everyone involved to sit down. Meet and greet, nod their heads and make lists of things they need to fulfil. While they have to make a time-line and deadlines to finish it. Alas, they have to gather, hold conferences and meetings. These most likely has to happen in Khartoum, Entebbe or in Rome. The warlords and the ones in-charge has to trust each other and settle grievances across the table. The opposition as well as the In-Government parties. All of them has to join forces, talk and negotiate. They have to make things possible and show goodwill.

That’s why this is worrying sign, after all of this time… that the R-JMEC has to ask for this now. Shows the current affairs isn’t moving along or trying it even. Just like they are not interested in it. Because, that means it has to sincere elections and possible changes of leadership.

If things are staying as now and with the ones in power. Things are not possibly moving, if anything at all. That is risking the ones who has an office and finally gotten power. They are seemingly happy with that and bashing in the glory of it too. While the limbo and transition seems to be a steady unit and not a temporary gig. It seems like it is stagnate and only keeping everyone worried with caution. With that being said, this is better than war and conflict. It is better to be stagnate and have lack-luster results. However, you cannot deliver that on the regular and expect to be praised either. Mediocrity isn’t something to aspire too and being self-imposed leaders aren’t that inspirational either.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, FVP Riek Machar and the others have a torch to carry and light a flame that be an eternal one. They can bring the peace and a representative government to the Republic of South Sudan. That is, if that is of interest and if they have will to do it. The ones in-charge and leading the nation has the opportunity and ability to make it happen. However, their will haven’t been there…

I doubt the nod and the wink of deadlines or roadmaps will make a difference. Only add stress and cause a stir. As that makes the leaders more edgy and they know they actually has to finalize the “transition” which they hoped could be semi-permanent. Since that is how it’s looking to me. Peace.

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Afghanistan: National Democratic Movement (NDM) – The gathering clouds of a deepening crisis (09.03.2022)

Opinion: President Kiir will not surrender to an election

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of 2018 and Khartoum Declaration of Agreement Between the Parties of South Sudan of 2018. Later the parties involved also signed another agreement in the Rome Declaration of 2020. While we cannot deny the importance of the Entebbe Declaration on the Operationalization of the Arusha Agreement on the Reunification of the SPLM, which was signed and agreed upon in 2017.

We are now in 2022 and the R-ACRSS haven’t been fulfilled or implemented within the boundaries of time. The R-JMEC and stakeholders are seeing the possibilities of extending the transitional period. Which seems to make sense at this point. As the stipulations in the R-ARCSS for a free and fair election isn’t there. Neither, is all the parties or involved all in agreement on how to move forward at this point.

The SPLM/A-IG, SPLM/A-IO, R-SPLM, SSOMA, NDM and NAS. There are plenty more, but it shows the reality on the ground. The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU). This government haven’t succeeded or been able to ensure the articles being meet in time. There been push-back and lack of concern, as the importance of holding on to power seems more important than actually implementing the R-ARCSS.

We are seeing leaders, war-lords and whatnot is moving between the main parties within the R-TGoNU as it is preparing for an election. However, I have doubts that it will even happen. If it will happen, it will be a pre-selected game-plan, where the ones involved will ensure longevity and secured victory without any shadow of a doubt. The ones who has negotiated and secured offices with perks and salaries will not back-down now. They took these offices with guns and ammo. These folks will not give way to the public will. I cannot see it now, as there is only a chosen few who might retire or give way to others. They are the noble ones and the ones who has integrity, but don’t expect a huge portion of the R-TGoNU to willingly do that now.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit seems not interested in losing power. He has run the nation by decree and orders. He decides who to appoint and who to promote. It is all within his ranks and power to do so. I cannot see him stepping down or retire as a head of state. No, he will prolong his terms and ensure “legitimacy” for his time there. If it means postponing elections and use the slowly implementation of the R-ARCSS. It is just favouring him and his allies.

The other parties also have stakes in this. They might risk losing out and they have now safe offices because of the agreements. This being SPLM/A-(IO) or SSOMA who could have valid concerns and ability in a possible election. The sentiments will spark and they have to sell policies. As they are now part of the same project and has position to regain. That might be sold, if they are running an election. That is something Kiir can trade-off, as the leverage of up-keep and retaining positions is more viable in the current regime. However, that still make it seem far-fetched to have a representative and civilian government. Since, this is the war-lords, militia leaders and former rebels who are in power now.

That’s why I doubt Kiir will offer an election very soon. He can use the R-ARCSS and hold talks with stakeholders. He can issue an extension and ensure his passing legacy as a President for Life in South Sudan. It is not like he will risk losing power or waste this opportunity. If he is in doubt or fears the loss control. Kiir will call Museveni and get help from the UPDF to cease the opposition usage of skirmishes within the Republic. That’s the sort of thing he does and it wouldn’t shock anyone.

I have doubt that Kiir will issue an election now. Unless, he will re-issue a possible selection and ensure total control of the Transitional National Assembly and Cabinet. Where he will not loose a thing and crowned King yet again. Peace.

South Sudan: Sharp decline in violence against civilians (18.02.2022)

UNMISS deployed peacekeepers proactively as well as pre-emptively, to conflict hotspots and conflict areas throughout the year.

NEW YORK, United States of America, February 18, 2022 – Reported incidents of violence against civilians fell by around 42 per cent in 2021 compared with the previous year, according to a new report released by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday.

The UNMISS Human Rights Division’s annual brief on violence affecting civilians, documented 3,414 civilian victims subjected to killing, injury, abduction, and conflict-related sexual violence, out of 982 recorded cases.

Mostly male victims

Some 75 per cent of the victims were men, while 14 per cent of cases involved women, and 11 per cent, children.

This compares with 5,850 civilian victims documented in 2020. Cases of conflict-related sexual violence declined slightly from 211 in 2020, to 194 in 2021, but remained “unacceptably high”, said UNMISS in its press release.

Subnational conflict accounted for most victims in 2021. Warrap remained the state with the highest number of reported incidents, accounting for 24 per cent, followed by Western Equatoria (19 per cent), and Jonglei and Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) (17 per cent each).

Militia attacks

Many of the victims were killed or injured during attacks by armed community-based militias across Jonglei and the GPPA.

In May last year, violence surged with at least 230 killed, 120 injured, 178 abducted, and 14 women subjected to conflict-related sexual violence.

A concerning surge of fighting was also documented in Tambura, Western Equatoria, between ethnic militias who are allegedly affiliated with conventional parties to the conflict, said the report.

Such violence resulted in 440 deaths, 18 injured, 74 abductions, 64 victims of sexual violence and an estimated 80,000 people displaced.

UNMISS deployed peacekeepers proactively as well as pre-emptively, to conflict hotspots and conflict areas throughout the year.

Abuses must be investigated

The Mission established 116 temporary operating bases last year which enhanced the protection of civilians through sustained long and short distance patrols.

At the same time, UNMISS engaged in political and community consultations at the local, state and national level, adopting a Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus approach.

UNMISS is urging the Government of South Sudan to investigate human rights violations and abuses wherever they are taking place, and to hold all perpetrators accountable, particularly as violence continues to surge in several parts of the country.