NBS Governor vows to intensify fight against GBV

By Awan Achiek

Newly appointed Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut has vowed to intensify the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse and forced marriage.

 “Talking of justice and equality, I take this platform to add my voice like everyone else in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan and the world at large to discourage sexual and gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, child and forced marriage,” said Ober while addressing the crowd during his reception ceremony in Aweil town on Friday.

He urged people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to join hands with him to combat what he called ‘bad practices’ which are disadvantageous to humanity and taint the social fabric.

“The most important well-being for a girl child is taking them to school so that they become future leaders,” said Ober.

Ober promised to strengthen the criminal justice system to support survivors of GBV.

“We very much appreciate from the bottom of our hearts our women who are still suffering on our behalf. They are the very pillars upon which humanity rests,” he noted.

Ober vowed to take up the case of Abuk Lual Lual, a five-year old girl who was raped and killed by a 42-year-old Sudanese trader on 3rd May, 2022.

“The most important message which I want to strongly underscore is the heinous raping and brutal killing of our little angel, Abuk Lual Lual, in the hands of the Arab migrants here in our town,” he said.

Ober said that this devilish act will never be condoned under his leadership in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

“The perpetrator and his accomplices are old enough to be her grandfathers. I want to assure the people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State that I will personally take up this case and make sure that it is expedited for justice to be rightfully served,” he said.