A United Nations committee is weighing imposing sanctions on six senior commanders from South Sudan, the first to face penalties over the 18-month war. A proposal for sanctions floated by the United States has already identified at least 6 commanders, three from each side of the civil war between President Salva Kiir’s government and armed opposition faction led by former vice president, Riek Machar. The six are accused of threatening the peace and stability of the world’s newest state and will likely be sanctioned with a global travel ban and asset freeze.
They are Major General Marial Chanuong Yol Mangok, commander of President Salva Kiir’s presidential guard; Lieutenant General Gabriel Jok Riak, whose forces are fighting in Unity State; and Major General Santino Deng Wol who led a military offensive through Unity State in May in which children, women and old men were killed.
From the rebel side, Major General Simon Gatwech Dual, the chief of the general staff, is cited for leading offensives in Jonglei State as well as Major General James Koang Chuol who led attacks in Upper Nile State and General Peter Gadet, the rebels’ deputy chief of staff for operations.
