South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The former community leader of Duk County in Juba has called on the government to take immediate action to address the growing concern of youth violence and gang activity, particularly in the streets of Juba.
In a press conference on Monday, Bol Manyang expressed deep frustration over what he describes as a breakdown of discipline among the youth and a lack of government response.
“Our children are defeating us as parents,” said Manyang. “What is the government doing? We need the government to help us discipline them. As elders, we are very sorry because our children are out of control.”
Manyang emphasised that many parents and elders once had high hopes for the younger generation to contribute positively to the nation’s future. However, he stated that this dream is now threatened by rising youth delinquency and violence.
“All the elders dreamed of raising children who would help build the country. But now, they are killing people, killing themselves, and roaming the streets. What is the government doing while this happens?” he asked.
He specifically called on authorities to introduce new laws aimed at curbing gang activity and removing children from dangerous street environments, regardless of their background or orphan status.
“Being an orphan should not mean your future is destroyed,” he said. “There are well-known places where these children gather, and security personnel are aware, yet they refuse to act.”
Manyang also raised concerns about systemic barriers that prevent community members from reporting youth gang activities, sometimes referred to as “niggers” or “crews” in local slang.
“We are ready to report any cases of gangs, but one of the biggest challenges is that government officials often demand money to process these reports. Where are we supposed to get that money from?” he asked.
The elder urged the government to eliminate these barriers and take more decisive action to safeguard both the youth and the wider community.
“The government must address this issue seriously; these children are our future, and we cannot just watch them destroy themselves,” Manyang said.
Last year, the former Inspector General of Police, Atem Marol, launched a crackdown on gangs in South Sudan, resulting in several arrests, which were appreciated by people in the country.
