The security situation in Nasir County, Upper Nile State and Western Equatoria State is marked by numerous rights violations, including killings, burning, and looting of property.
These acts are not only inhumane but also reflect deep-rooted human-interest conflicts.
In 2022, a 14-year-old girl was raped to death in Aweil. On June 1 of the same year, a similar incident occurred in Gumbo Sherikhat, where a teenager was gang-raped and hanged.
South Sudan is already one of the most challenging countries for women, experiencing some of the highest levels of sexual violence in the world in recent years. Even before the civil war ended, women and girls faced high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) with limited avenues for justice.
The civil war, which erupted in 2013 and was fueled by ethnic divisions, exacerbated violence against women and girls. From 2013 until the end of 2018, soldiers from both sides used sexual violence and torture as part of their military strategies. The collapse of the rule of law allowed armed men to act with impunity throughout the conflict.
Such atrocities have been perpetrated by both sides. During the 2013 crisis in Bor, for instance, women and young girls endured immense suffering, including rape and murder.
In any instance of violence in South Sudan—whether political, cattle raiding, or tribal—women are invariably affected. Recent cattle raids in Magwi have shown that women often become targets of violence. In Leer County, Unity State, a 15-year-old girl was exploited by soldiers, facilitated by warring politicians.
The ongoing crises have left many women and young girls suffering from severe trauma. This trauma can lead to health issues, including HIV, complications during childbirth, and even death. The continuous state of conflict exacerbates these challenges.
Although political violence has decreased since the peace agreement was signed in September 2018, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) persists. Armed men, some affiliated with various military groups, continue to assault women and girls, especially those traveling. Widespread displacement increases risks such as intimate partner violence and underage pregnancy.
I urge the government and the Ministry of Justice and Gender Social Welfare to take issues of gender violence seriously for the sake of future generations. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. We are in a time of peace, not conflict.
God protect South Sudan
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