Calling for United Nations Assistance to Protect Eyewitnesses in South Sudan
As the Chairman of the Patriotic People’s Party (PPP), I am deeply concerned about the safety and protection of the eyewitnesses who have come forward to testify against Dr. Riek Machar Teny and seven others in the Special Court in Juba, South Sudan. These brave individuals have risked their lives to provide crucial testimony in a case involving the tragic events in Nasir, where the White Army, a Nuer militia, overran a garrison and killed over 250 South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) members.
The government has alleged that the attack was carried out by a joint operation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the White Army. However, it is essential that justice is served and that all those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable. Eyewitness testimony is crucial in ensuring a fair trial and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Unfortunately, there have been disturbing messages circulating on social media from members of the Nuer community threatening those who have come forward to testify. These brave individuals are now in danger, as there is no safe place for them to seek refuge in South Sudan. It is imperative that the international community steps in to protect these witnesses and ensure their safety.
I am calling on the United Nations to intervene and provide resettlement assistance to these eyewitnesses. The UN has a duty to protect all individuals who are at risk due to their cooperation with the justice system. By resettling these witnesses in a safe location, the UN can ensure that they are able to continue providing their testimony without fear of reprisals.
It is crucial that the international community stands in solidarity with those who are seeking justice and accountability in South Sudan. The brave eyewitnesses who have come forward to testify must be protected, and their safety should be a top priority for all stakeholders involved. I urge the United Nations to take swift action to ensure the safety and protection of these individuals.
In conclusion, I call on the United Nations to provide resettlement assistance to the eyewitnesses who have come forward to testify against Dr. Riek Machar Teny and others in South Sudan. It is essential that these individuals are protected and able to continue their vital work in seeking justice for the victims of the Nasir massacre. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the threats facing these brave individuals, and action must be taken to ensure that they are able to testify without fear of reprisals.
By: Joseph Makuer Nyieth
Chairman of Patriotic People’s Party (PPP)
