Nicholas Haysom, Head of the UN Mission to South Sudan (UMISS), expressed concern over reports that four officers from the rebel South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A) have been summarily executed in Mayom County, Unity State.

The executions, which took place on 7 August, were allegedly in response to a 22 July attack by the SSPM/A on Mayom County.

 “Anyone who is suspected of a crime must be subject to a proper trial as part of a fair judicial process,” said Nicholas Haysom. “Extrajudicial killings must be condemned because they cannot be a basis for restoring law and order.”

Haysom stressed the importance of building strong local justice systems across South Sudan. “It is only by strengthening the justice system and ensuring criminal cases are tried in a fair and timely manner that community members benefit from accountability and will have faith in justice,” he stated.

UNMISS acknowledges the statements issued by the government condemning the summary executions, including assurances from the Information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, Defence Minister, Ms Angelina Teny, and the SSPDF spokesperson.

On 9 August, Unity state officials confirmed the extrajudicial killings of rebel commanders accused of killing the Mayom county commissioner and 11 others.

Last month, forces loyal to Gen. Stephen Buay attacked and killed Mayom county commissioner James Chuol Gatluak Manine, the brother to President Salva Kiir's security advisor Tut Gatluak Manime.