South Sudan massacre

ARMY: ABOUT 232 CIVILIANS INCLUDING 35 CHILDREN, 50 WOMEN DIE – UN

Attacks took place after the signing of a cessation of hostilities accord in December.

The United Nations (UN) has accused South Sudan’s army and its allied militias of killing over 200 civilians, committing rape and burning villages in a series of attacks carried out in the Southern Unity region from April 16 to May 24.

Following an investigation carried out by the UN Mission in South Sudan’s human rights division (HRD) and the peacekeeping mission, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report documenting grave human rights violations.

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir, and allied forces are accused of attacking at least 40 villages and settlements during which 120 girls and women were raped or gang raped.

“HRD also documented the killing of 232 civilians including 35 children, 50 women – including 25 who were killed by hanging – and 63 individuals comprising of children, the elderly and persons with disabilities who were burned alive across these locations,” it said.

The attacks took place after the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement in December last year and the reason, according to the report, was to increase territories under government control by displacing civilians in addition to fighting members of the SPLA-In-Opposition.