South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The commissioner of Ezo County in Western Equatoria State, Hon. Abel Sudan, has arrested 12 youths as part of a crackdown on idleness, loitering, and petty crime.
The authorities launched a campaign to address rising concerns about youth disengagement and potential criminal behavior.
“So far, 12 youths have been arrested and are currently in police custody,” Sudan confirmed to The Dawn on Wednesday.
The initiative was prompted by complaints from community leaders regarding an increasing number of young people loitering along roads, playing games, and engaging in unproductive or unlawful activities.
“They are waiting for their parents to answer questions about their behavior. This effort will continue until our youth learn to focus on development, education, and helping their families.”
The arrested individuals reportedly lack stable homes, with some sleeping in friends’ rooms and having no clear plans for the future.
Authorities expressed concern that this vulnerability puts them at risk of joining criminal groups or developing negative habits.
Commissioner Sudan urged parents to take a more active role in guiding their children.
“We need to see serious action from parents,” he said. “Our youth are wasting their time on dominoes, shisha, cards, and other unproductive activities. This must change.”
The initiative is supported by traditional leaders, including Paramount Chief Martin Yosana of Ezo County Central Payam. He emphasized the importance of the campaign in encouraging positive change among young people.
“We are pleased to see this initiative progressing well,” said Chief Yosana. “Many youths are not helping in the gardens or contributing to their families. With this program, we hope some of them will change for the better.”
Authorities say they will continue monitoring youth behavior across Ezo County, urging young people to engage in education, agriculture, or small-scale businesses to secure their future.
