Igad advised to sanction South Sudan army commanders

JUBA

The UN panel of experts for South Sudan has urged the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development to impose travel bans and on military commanders sanctioned by the Security Council.

It also asked Igad to freeze their assets.

Last week, the Security Council sanctioned six commanders from the government and opposition forces for committing atrocities since the start of the country’s civil war in 2013.

Those targeted are Maj-Gen Marial Chanuong Yol, who is in charge of presidential guards, Lt-Gen Gabriel Jok Riak and Maj Gen Santino Deng Wol, all from government side.

The rebel military bosses sanctioned are Maj-Gen James Koang, Maj-Gen Simon Gatwech Dual, the chief of general staff for the rebel forces, and Maj-Gen Peter Gadet.

IMPOSE TRAVEL BAN

According to the report released by the UN panel last week, four of the commanders have assets in South Sudan.

“The committee writes to Igad members to reiterate their obligation to enforce the travel ban and asset freeze,” the report said.

The experts also renewed calls for the imposition of an arms embargo on South Sudan.

“To demonstrate the council’s resolve in supporting an inclusive and sustainable peace in South Sudan, the Security Council should impose an embargo on supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel to South Sudan,” the experts said.

The government said it would issue a response on Friday.