12 SPLA soldiers arrested, to be charged with war crimes

The army has arrested about 12 soldiers accused of committing crimes against civilians and fellow officers during the recent clashes in Juba, says the SPLA spokesperson.

Brigadier Lul Ruai says that two of the soldiers committed crimes against their colleagues.
Last week, the SPLA General Headquarters announced the establishment of a military court martial that will try soldiers accused of committing crimes during clashes between SPLA and SPLA-IO forces in Juba.

The court is also meant to try those accused of looting civilian properties during and after the violence.

He told Eye Radio that the accused will be taken for court martial when investigations are completed.

“The general court martial has been set up, we made arrest of SPLA soldiers who have been accused of wrong doing and we have started investigation,” said Brigadier Lul, adding that some of the accused are going to be presented before the military judge for trials very soon.
He said among the number of accusations received, are those from within the SPLA forces.

“So some of the complainers are SPLA soldiers themselves, I know two who have been accused of murder. I’m yet to find out from the director of military justice about the type of charges that is having against some of the accused.”

Reports by UN and other right groups allege that some soldiers were involved in raping women and girls around Juba after the conflict.