NAS praises its leadership after releasing 23 people, stresses importance of International Human Rights Law

January 3, 2020 Newsbeat, South Sudan

General Thomas Cirillo Swaka, Chairman of the National Salvation Front (Photo: Supplied)

January 4th, 2020 (SSNN)—The National Salvation Front (NAS), a Non-signatory faction to the R-ARCSS fighting government forces in Central and Western Equatoria and headed by General Thomas Cirillo Swaka – has congratulated its leadership on abiding by International Human Rights Law by releasing 23 people including children under its custody.

“The leadership of National Salvation Front (NAS) would like to inform its members, the people of South Sudan and the international community that the Movement has successfully handed twenty-three (23) persons, who were under its protection, to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on 31 st December 2019 in Central Equatoria State, so as to be reunited and celebrate the new year with their families,” the office of NAS spokesperson confirmed.

NAS noted that, “The 23 persons came under the protection of NAS forces as they were left behind by the South Sudan people’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) fleeing NAS counter-offensives to SSPDF attacks on our forces in different locations in Central Equatoria.”

In light of the ongoing military operations between its forces and government forces in the area, NAS made it clear that it was not able to reunite the captives with their loved ones at the appropriate time.

“Due to the vastness of the area coupled with the insecurity situation caused by the on-going SSPDF military offensive, the NAS command in the area relocated the civilians to safe locations causing the delay to reunite them with their families. All of them are in good health at the time of the hand-over. NAS wishes them a happy New Year 2020 and happy family reunion.”

The NAS leadership expressed appreciation to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its neutral approach and effective coordination.

“Further, NAS would like to thank the ICRC for its patience, cooperation, and effective coordination. The National Salvation Front would like to reiterate its commitment to abide by the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law that protect human life and dignity, where noncombatants and innocent civilians are protected.”

“It is worth mentioning that the released civilians include the family of the SSPDF commander, in Mile-45 base in Kulipapa, who had fled his base leaving his family behind during the engagement with NAS forces.”