South Sudan conflict: UN reports widespread sexual violence against women

Key Concepts

• Ethnic Violence: Targeted attacks against civilians based on their ethnicity, specifically Dinka and Nuer communities.
• Peace Deal Collapse: The failure of the 2018 peace agreement intended to end the South Sudanese Civil War.
• Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: Systematic rape and sexual assault used as a tactic by both government and opposition forces.
• Impunity: The lack of accountability for perpetrators of violence and abuse.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Mass displacement, lack of medical care, and food insecurity resulting from the conflict.

Escalating Violence and Displacement in Jonglei State, South Sudan

The report details a significant escalation of violence in Jonglei State, South Sudan, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. This surge in conflict is widely considered to represent a near-total collapse of the 2018 peace deal that ended five years of civil war. The original conflict stemmed from tensions between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir (Dinka community) and those supporting his deputy and rival, Riek Machar (Nuer community). The 2018 agreement aimed to establish a power-sharing arrangement, but it has demonstrably failed to prevent renewed hostilities.

Testimonies of Brutal Attacks and Sexual Violence

The report centers on the harrowing accounts of four women who have fled the violence, their identities protected for security reasons. These testimonies reveal a pattern of extreme brutality perpetrated by both government and opposition forces.

One woman recounts being beaten with rifle butts, resulting in a broken arm, and witnessing the fatal beating of her friend. She explicitly states she has received no medical treatment for her injuries. Another woman describes being captured while fetching water on January 22nd and subjected to repeated beatings with rifles.

A particularly disturbing case involves a woman who was raped after weeks of walking with her six children, stating she lost contact with her two eldest daughters during the ordeal. She was unable to quantify the number of attackers or the number of individuals who assaulted her, only recalling being beaten until unconscious and identifying the perpetrators as belonging to the opposing side.

Further testimony details a woman raped by five government soldiers, subsequently unable to breastfeed her daughter. She also reports her older daughter being beaten with rifle butts. Another woman, spared from rape due to her pregnancy, recounts an attack where she was beaten unconscious, and her husband and two children remain missing. She expresses concern about the health of her unborn child.

UN Reports and the Rise in Abuses

UN peacekeepers, facing funding cuts and consequently withdrawing troops, have documented a corresponding increase in kidnapping and sexual violence against civilians since late last year. This suggests a direct correlation between the reduced peacekeeping presence and the escalation of abuses. The report highlights a critical issue: the UN asserts that impunity is entrenched in South Sudan, meaning perpetrators rarely face consequences for their actions. Both the army and opposition leaders have previously pledged accountability, but these promises have not materialized.

Lack of Accountability and Humanitarian Needs

The South Sudanese army did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations presented in the report. This silence reinforces the perception of a lack of accountability. The women interviewed consistently express a feeling of abandonment, stating “there’s no one to help.” The report implicitly underscores the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance, including medical care, food security, and protection for displaced populations.

Connection to the Failed Peace Deal

The resurgence of violence is directly linked to the breakdown of the 2018 peace agreement. The initial conflict, rooted in ethnic divisions between the Dinka and Nuer communities, has now expanded, with civilians becoming deliberate targets. The testimonies collected demonstrate that both sides are engaging in similar abuses, indicating a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents.

Malcolm Webb’s Reporting

The report is attributed to Malcolm Webb, reporting from Jonglei State, South Sudan, for Al Jazeera. The concluding segment is a standard call to action from Al Jazeera, encouraging viewers to subscribe, like, and share the content to stay informed.