South Sudan Child Soldiers Crisis
More than a decade after independence, South Sudanese children are still being pushed to front lines, activists warn, turning classrooms into recruiting grounds and jeopardising national recovery.
Parliamentarian Samuel Buhori Lotti says armed groups keep abducting minors despite existing laws, adding that motions summoning defence and interior ministers stalled amid court proceedings but will return to the agenda.
Government Commitment to Renewed Action Plan
National DDR coordinator Oluku Andrew affirms the state intends to renew the Comprehensive Action Plan that lapsed in October 2025, stressing that safeguarding the young is “a shared national responsibility”.
According to Oluku, documentation for a two-year extension is ready, yet scarce transport and monitoring funds hamper field verification, leaving some technical committee members unable to reach remote enlistment hotspots.
Parents Paying Ransoms for Freedom
Lotti reports families paying up to 500,000 South Sudanese Pounds to reclaim children, an unlawful practice he calls “heart-breaking” and evidence that economic desperation feeds conflict incentives.
Civil Society Fuels Accountability Drive
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization head Edmund Yakani insists promises must translate into arrests and reforms, warning that the country’s future “remains in uniform” while recruitment persists in Nasir and parts of Upper Nile.
Yakani urges citizens, media and faith leaders to track parliamentary motions and expose officials who obstruct debate, arguing that community engagement can reinforce political will.
UNMISS, UNICEF and Donors Step In
UNMISS Child Protection chief Patricia Njoroge welcomes the joint communique linking government, MPs and civil society but cautions that “paper must not gather dust”, pledging ongoing field monitoring with the DDR Commission.
She calls for sustained logistical and financial backing from UN agencies and bilateral partners, noting that credible data and rapid response teams deter commanders tempted to exploit minors.
Road Ahead for War-Born Generation
Stakeholders converge on one message: extend the action plan, fund monitoring, and prosecute recruiters, or risk losing another generation and delaying the peace dividends South Sudan urgently needs.