The United Nations has condemned reports of sexual attacks on women and girls in South Sudan.
Aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) on Friday reported of the raping of some 125 women within a period of ten days in the east African country.
The sexual attacks according to MSF happened in northern town of Bentiu. Local officials have however disputed the report.
On Sunday the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said victims of the recent rape claim the act was carried out by young men in civilian clothing or military uniforms.
David Shearer, the head of the U.N. mission, said in a statement that “The violent assaults happened in a government-controlled area.”
“UNMISS peacekeepers have immediately sent patrols to the area to provide a protective presence and our human rights team has launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators,” the statement added.
Mr. Shearer said “the mission is also urging armed forces in the area to guarantee command and control over their troops to ensure rogue elements within their ranks are not involved in these criminal acts.”
In October the United Nations said government troops and rebel forces in South Sudan abducted hundreds of women and girls.
The abductions took place this year and led to several girls and women being subjected to raped and sexual slavery.
South Sudan has been gripped with insecurity following years of civil war sparked by fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebels fighting for Riek Machar.
The civil war broke out in 2013. A peace deal was recently signed to end the fighting.
Source: Africafeeds.com
