Rescued Children Face Lingering Trauma
Across Jonglei State, families are celebrating unexpected reunions, yet many rescued boys and girls remain locked in painful memories.
Months spent under captivity in Greater Pibor exposed youngsters to new languages, strict hierarchies and repeated uncertainty, leaving them anxious and withdrawn back home.
Parents Struggle With Reintegration
For farmer Biel Jal, reclaiming his 20-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter offered relief, but daily communication still falters.
He describes evenings where siblings sit silently, translating borrowed words into Nuer before daring to speak to neighbours.
Mother Kaka Jiek compares the task to raising newborns, noting that some children attempt to return to abductors when misunderstandings erupt.
Therapists Recommend Trauma-Focused Care
Child psychologist Lith Bol Gai identifies layers of acute, chronic and developmental trauma among the returnees.
She promotes trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, guiding children to link thoughts, emotions and actions through play, art and story circles.
According to her, consistent sessions in safe spaces gradually rebuild confidence while community compassion shields progress from stigma relapse.
State Authorities Coordinate Rescue Efforts
Elijah Mayan Lul of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare reports 573 abduction cases registered across six counties during 2023-2024.
Joint patrols between Jonglei and Greater Pibor administrations now map remote villages, negotiate releases and arrange transport for reunifications despite difficult terrain.
Mayan insists the Child Act classifies abduction and cattle raiding as grave violations, adding that ongoing dialogue with local chiefs widens humanitarian access.
Call for Long-Term Peace Measures
Residents argue that trauma services must be matched with security reforms; forests that shelter raiders today could become farmlands tomorrow.
Stakeholders believe sustained peace would let children heal, attend school and contribute skills learnt in captivity to rebuild their own communities.