Juba, South Sudan,
July 29, 2021 – South Sudanese security forces in Warrap State have summarily executed at least eight suspected criminals, including two children, as part of their anti-crime campaign, an international rights group, Human Rights Watch has said.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, the group of advocates says the executions were carried out on the orders of Governor Aleu Ayieny Aleu adding that the killings amounted to violations of international human rights laws.
“South Sudanese authorities should immediately halt and ensure justice for the unlawful killings, which constitute serious violations of international law,” HRW said.
Warrap state, in northern South Sudan, has perennially experienced violence linked to inter-ethnic violence and cattle raiding since the country’s independence in 2011.
Led by Kenneth Roth, HRW says President Salva Kiir appointed Aleu to help stamp out the violence and protect human rights. However, the Governor did the opposite.
“During 2020, there was an escalation in violence against civilians, including killings, sexual violence, and abductions as political elites manipulated local rivalries. President Kiir appointed Governor Aleu in January with a mandate, among other things, to curb violence and crime,” the statement says.
“If Governor Aleu authorized summary killings instead of legal proceedings against suspected criminals, he is abusing his power and undermining the rule of law,” said Nyagoah Tut Pur, South Sudan researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“President Kiir should ensure credible and transparent investigations into these serious violations of the right to life, bring those responsible to account and ensure compensation for the victims’ families,” she added.
Human Rights Watch says between June 4 and June 25, 2021, it interviewed eight witnesses and relatives of victims of state security forces’ violations in Warrap State, as well as seven lawyers, activists, and journalists with knowledge of the killings.
“Interviews were conducted by telephone and secure messaging applications in English and, using an interpreter, in Thuuk Muonyjang (Dinka/Jieng dialect). Human Rights Watch also reviewed reports by the United Nations, community groups, and the local media as well as videos posted on social media platforms,” it says.
The report coincided with another report from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan implicating Warrap and Lakes State in extrajudicial killings.
