“JMEC strongly condemns this brutal and horrendous attack on defenceless women and girls on their way to relief centres which was reportedly carried out by hooded men in uniform,” said the Commission in a press statement. 

The reported rape and sexual assault happened between the dates of 19 and 29 November 2018. 

The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) is conducting investigation.  

“According to their preliminary investigation status report submitted to JMEC yesterday, they have confirmed that the alleged incidents occurred south of Bentiu town in the areas between Nhialdiu, Bentiu, Thil and Padai road and Bentiu town to Guit,” said the Commission.

“While CTSAMVM continues to carry out full investigations, JMEC calls upon the government to conduct a speedy, transparent and timely investigation into the attacks and apprehend the perpetrators and hold them to account and urge that CTSAMVM be given full access and support to complete its investigations,” it added.

“The hard-won peace agreement in South Sudan remains the best chance for long-lasting peace to end the suffering of the people.  All steps must therefore, be taken to ensure its sanctity is protected and violations are dealt with by the full application of the law.”