Calls for Death Penalty Rise in Response to South Sudan Lakes State Violence

JUBA , SOUTH SUDAN - The newly appointed governor of South Sudan’s Lakes state is facing calls to institute the death penalty for anyone involved in inter-communal fighting, cattle raids or road ambushes, all of which have become rampant in the state.

The governor, Lieutenant General Rin Tueny Mabor, listened Sunday as hundreds of Lakes state residents, including traditional chiefs, attended a workshop in Juba’s Freedom Hall on ending the violence. “Murder must be punishable by death, and any revenge killings that occur after the culprits have been detained must be punishable by death as well. Those who are found in possession of arms without the support of the law must be penalized and disarmed by all means possible, including the use of lethal force,” said moderator Jacob Adut Mabor, reading from a list of recommendations put forward by Lakes state citizens. Participants agreed on 23 resolutions, including one that would arrest and punish politicians and military officials found guilty of inciting communities to fight and those that supply weapons to civilians.