South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Women’s Bloc of South Sudan has vehemently condemned the recent gang rape of a young girl in Shirikat, a suburb of Juba, labeling the incident “an assault on our humanity and dignity as a nation.”
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Amer Manyok Deng, chairperson of the Women’s Bloc, expressed profound sorrow and outrage over the attack, which she characterised as part of a larger trend of violence against women and children throughout South Sudan.
“This is not just an attack on one girl or one family; it is an assault on our collective humanity, and we must speak out. Rape is being used as a weapon of terror, and we must disarm it through unity, truth-telling, and justice.”
Deng urged the government, security agencies, and community leaders to take urgent and coordinated action to address growing insecurity and youth violence, particularly in the capital.
“Our communities are being torn apart by violence, manipulation, and tribal divisions. Our children are no longer safe. Our hearts cry out to God for mercy and healing for our homes, for our society, and for our country,” she said.
The chairperson warned that gangs are flourishing unchecked in Juba, claiming that there are more than 40 active groups in the city, with thousands of members, many of whom are school dropouts involved in drug use and criminal activities.
“While our daughters are organised in cultural groups, singing in churches, attending school, and helping in households, we must ask: what are our boys doing? We need our men—our husbands, fathers, brothers, and uncles—to intervene. This cannot be left to women alone.”
She also urged national security forces, the police, military intelligence, and local authorities to conduct thorough investigations, enforce the law, and disarm violent groups.
“Let this be a turning point. Let us raise one voice and say: no more rape, no more silence, no more shame. This must not be a moment, but a movement. We are calling for urgent amendments to the 2003 Penal Code to increase penalties for sexual violence,” she said.
Meanwhile, a representative from South Sudan Human Rights Defenders, Akur Leek Aleer, called for transparency, accountability, and public engagement.
“The case of our sister Duke is just one example,” referring to the survivor. “We know there are many more. People are scared to walk at night. Girls and women live in fear. We must speak out—on social media, in our homes, everywhere,” Aleer said.
Aleer emphasised that silence empowers perpetrators and discourages justice.
“Every time we stay quiet, we fail the victims. The police need to wake up. The government needs to respond. We are not safe, and that must change.”
According to the Women’s Bloc, two cases of sexual assault have been identified in Shirikat this month alone—one confirmed and one still under investigation. The group called on lawyers, civil society organisations, and government institutions to work together to ensure accountability and support for survivors.
The press conference concluded with a joint appeal for disarmament, youth engagement, and community-based solutions to rebuild safety and trust in South Sudan’s society.
