Ex-Dutch general to lead probe into South Sudan attacks

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointed a retired Dutch general to lead an independent investigation into allegations that UN peacekeepers did not take action to prevent multiple cases of abuse and sexual violence against civilians and foreigners in South Sudan’s capital in July.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that former Major General Patrick Cammaert’s investigation team will visit the capital, Juba.
The investigators will review reports of attacks on civilians and sexual violence in or near a UN compound in Juba, where thousands of people had sought refuge from fighting, and will determine whether UN peacekeepers responded appropriately to prevent these incidents and protect civilians, he said.
The investigators will also assess the circumstances surrounding an attack on a compound popular with foreigners and assess the UN response, Dujarric said.