Young Fighters Leave the Front Line in Nyirol
In remote Lankien on Wednesday, SPLM-IO officials handed eight boys to the UN Mission in South Sudan after confirming they were under 18.
Child Soldiers’ Journey from Gelachiel to Safety
The youths had escaped an SSPDF training site in Gelachiel, Upper Nile, and surrendered to SPLM-IO authorities in Nyirol a few weeks earlier.
County commissioner Peter Gatkuoth Koang said UNMISS verified each age before accepting the group; sixteen others were adults and remained behind.
UNMISS Leads Family Reunification Effort
UN child-protection officers flew the boys to Bor, where they receive counselling and medical screening pending travel to their families.
Lt. Col. Khor Nyang Mabor described the handover as proof of ‘growing cooperation’ between SPLM-IO and the United Nations to protect children.
Legal Framework Against Child Recruitment
Civil-society advocate Ter Manyang Gatwech applauded the move, warning that conscripting minors violates the constitution and the 2008 SSPDF Act.
South Sudan’s laws and international treaties equally ban any military recruitment of persons below eighteen.
Conflict Dynamics Behind Forced Enlistment
Analysts link the recent forced recruitment drive to March clashes in Nasir and Ulang, where the White Army briefly seized an army base and senior officers fell.
After those battles, national forces reportedly intensified enlistment across Upper Nile, prompting some trainees to flee toward opposition-held Jonglei.
Ongoing Coordination for Youth Protection
SPLM-IO commanders say coordination with UNMISS continues to document remaining youths and secure assistance until all meet their families in safety.