US sanctions South Sudanese officials over conflict-related rapes of hundreds of women and girls

By FATIMA HUSSEIN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has imposed sanctions on a South Sudanese military officer and governor accused in connection with the rapes of hundreds of women and girls. The Treasury Department says they are the first U.S. sanctions issued with a dedicated focus on conflict-related sexual violence. In November, President Joe Biden signed a presidential memorandum to give additional support to the U.N. special representative to the secretary-general on sexual violence in conflict and to survivors of sexual violence in conflict settings.