South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has called on the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Gen. Dau Aturjong to take immediate action to stop the recruitment of children into the military.
In a statement to the media on Tuesday, Yakani emphasised that the issue of child soldiers must be a top priority for the incoming military leadership.
“I appeal to the newly appointed CDF to make the prevention of child recruitment into our fighting forces one of his main priorities,” Yakani stated. “Under the leadership of His Excellency the President, the country has committed itself to a national action plan that protects children associated with armed groups.”
Yakani expressed concern over reports indicating that some children, particularly in areas like Nasir, have recently entered SSPDF training camps under the pretext of being part of government efforts to combat youth gang activity.
“We are quite concerned. Recently, with the crackdown on gang youth, we have received information that some of these youths, who are still children, are ending up in military training grounds,” he said. “This should not be happening.”
The activist urged the CDF to uphold and implement the national action plan aimed at ending the use of child soldiers and ensuring South Sudan is removed from international lists of countries involved in this practice.
“We urge the new CDF to take this issue seriously and ensure that the recruitment of children is not permitted,” Yakani emphasised. “Successfully delivering on the national action plan will demonstrate our commitment to ending this practice.”
He also extended his appeal to armed opposition groups in the country, urging them to respect children’s rights and refrain from enlisting minors.
“Even if you are in opposition, do not recruit children into your armed forces,” he said. “Children have the right not to be drawn into conflict.”
South Sudan has faced international criticism for the use of child soldiers throughout its civil conflict. Although the government signed an agreement to cease the practice, reports of ongoing violations persist, particularly in remote or unstable regions.
