UN condemns sexual attacks in South Sudan
Aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres says unidentified gunmen raped 125 women in a 10-day spree of violence in Bentiu
Juba — The UN has condemned a wave of sexual attacks on women and girls in South Sudan's northern town of Bentiu, which it said was in a government-controlled area. Aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said on Friday that unidentified gunmen raped 125 women in a 10-day spree of violence in Bentiu, but local officials disputed the report. South Sudan has suffered five years of civil war. Despite a fragile peace accord signed two months ago by the government and rebel groups, it remains riven by ethnic grievances and awash with weapons. Civilians of rival groups bear the brunt of violence and revenge. The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said about 125 women and girls had sought medical treatment after being raped or sexually assaulted while walking along roads near Nhialdu and Guit on their way to Bentiu. Victims said attacks were carried out by young men in civilian clothing or military uniforms. They were also beaten and robbed, it said. “The violent assaults happened in a g...
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