Alfred Futuyo Karaba, Governor Western Equatoria state. (Courtesy).

Western Equatoria Governor Alfred Futuyo has denied the U.S. accusations that forces under his command attacked civilians and committed atrocities during the South Sudan conflict.

On June 20, 2023, the United States government sanctioned Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba in connection with atrocities allegedly committed between April and August 2018.

The U.S. accused Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, a senior politician affiliated with the opposition – SPLM-IO of ordering or doing nothing to stop attacks against civilians leading to mass abduction and sexual violence.

The U.S. said Governor Futuyo was responsible for or has engaged directly or indirectly “in the targeting of women, children, or any civilians through the commission of acts of violence.”

The sanction announced on Tuesday came a day after the U.S. warned it would take real action to prevent and respond to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and forms of gender-based violence across the world.

Reacting to the decision, the governor said he cannot accept or reject the US report, adding that South Sudan was in crisis between 2013 and 2018, and such crimes were likely to happen.

However, the governor denied any wrongdoing.

“Being a sector-6 Commander of the SPLA-IO in Western Equatoria from 2013 to 2020 before being appointed a governor, Lieutenant General Karaba has never commanded any commander or forces to attack, kill and rape,” the statement dated 21^st of June, signed by the governor’s spokesperson partially reads.

Governor Futuyo called on the US Department of The Treasury to investigate and list the SPLA-IO soldiers involved in the crimes to face the law.

Meanwhile, the U.S also blacklisted SSPDF General Nando, who is yet to react to the sanction imposed on him.