Source: Star Africa
South Sudan government forces were involved in widespread sexual violence and slavery in the rich-oil region of Unity state, fresh reports disclosed on Tuesday.The two reports which published in the British newspaper the Guardian and French wire service Agence France-Presse documented widespread and systematic use of sexual violence during South Sudan's government's southern Unity offensive, including the use of "rape camps" holding hundreds of women.

The reports claimed that at least 1000 civilians were killed, 1300 women and girls raped, and 1600 people abducted during the campaign which began in late April in Leer, Mayendit, and Koch counties, according to situation update covering April to September compiled by aid groups working in civilian protection.

It quoted many victims and eyewitnesses as confirming the wide violations.One woman was abducted by soldiers and taken to a military camp, tied up and raped repeatedly for two months. Another was kidnapped with her 15-year-old sister and raped every night for five nights. A third was taken to a forest with her 12-year old daughter where both were raped" one of the witnesses said.

"When one of the soldiers wanted to have sex he would come, untie us and take us away. When they were finished they would bring you back and tie you to the post again" one woman quoted in the reports.

Women who refused to work or fought against their rape would disappear, including ten out of the 40 she was with" she added.

The reports identified Wankai in Mayom county as a transit point for the abducted sex slaves, which at one point held between 200 and 300 women. Rier in Koch county near the Thar Jath oil fields and Kotong in Mayom county which is a base for SPLA General Matthew Puljang were other holding centres.

South Sudan government didn't react to the reports.

Human rights international organizations and UN peacekeeping mission in south Sudan have reported wide violations since the eruption of the war in December 2013, including killing for ethnic causes, raping women and girls and abducting children.

U.S and other Western countries are leading efforts to impose more sanctions on South Sudan at the UN Security council.

Six generals from both the government and the opposition were already faced international sanctions.

 

• Sudan