Sexual Violence as a Strategy of War : Ending Conflict-related Sexual Violence in South Sudan by Strengthening Accountability

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the use of sexual violence as a strategy of war in South Sudan, with a specific focus on the importance of accountability.

Method: The qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews, where the interviewees were selected purposively and with snowball sampling.

Results: Sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war in South Sudan. Root causes for the conflict-related sexual violence in South Sudan included reasons such as a long history of conflicts, intergenerational traumas, patriarchal values, a culture of impunity, weapons of war, an inadequate criminal justice system, difficult inter-ethnic relations, a circle of revenge, and cattle trading. The services for the survivors are insufficient and unattainable. Perpetrators are not held accountable for their crimes, and South Sudan has a strong culture of impunity. Strengthening accountability needs to be based on factors from both retributive and restorative models, with a deference of local beliefs and traditions. Women’s participation in peacebuilding in South Sudan is strong, yet women are not involved well enough in peace negotiations and implementation. The conflict is complex and multi-dimensional.

Conclusions: To end the sexual violence as a strategy of war in South Sudan, work on all levels of society is required. Strengthening accountability is hampered by huge obstacles, yet it is one of the most important aspects in ending the conflict-related sexual violence.