Major General James Nando - Courtesy

The spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force has described the sanction imposed on one of its officers by the UK government as something not new.

UK government sanctioned James Nando who is a Major General with South Sudan People’s Defense Forces on the eve of International Women’s Day yesterday.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cheverly said that General Nando was responsible for sexual and gender-based violence in Tambura County in 2021.

The sanction comes two years after the UN human rights division accused him of committing human rights violations and abuses during the conflict in Western Equatoria.

Prior to joining the SSPDF, Major General James Nando was the SPLA-IO division commander under Dr. Riek Machar in Western Equatoria state.

On 26^th March 2020, General Nando joined the SSPDF along with soldiers loyal to him.

According to the UN human rights, General Nando led an effective command and control over individuals within his power and was responsible for serious human rights violations committed in Tambura.

When contacted, General Nando declined to comment on the sanction.

Meanwhile, responding to the UK sanction against General James Nando, the spokesperson of the SSPDF says the sanction is not something new.

Major General Lul Ruai said the UK’s government was echoing previous sanctions.

“Well, they are just echoing what was done previously, and this is how they work, it is not a new thing,” he said.

According to the UN Human Right division for South Sudan, between June and September 2021, clashes between the SPLM/A-IO and Major General Nando-led SSPDF and their respective affiliated armed militias in Tambura resulted in the killing of 440 civilians.