By James Innocent
Local officials and community leaders have raised alarm over rising gang activity among young people, attributing the trend to unemployment, poverty, and lack of parental guidance.
Speaking to the media, Azania Amude, Acting Director of Gender and Social Welfare in Yei River County, said unemployment and poor parental care are fuelling the crisis.
“Ninety percent of the young people have joined gang groups because parents are not adequately providing basic needs. Many parents are vulnerable, forcing children to drop out of school or enter early marriages, leaving them with little choice but to join gangs,” she said.
Amude urged parents to take greater responsibility during their children’s adolescence, describing it as a critical stage where guidance is essential.
Community member Babe Onesmo called on the county’s gender department to step up public awareness campaigns through radio programs and grassroots engagement.
“Community leaders should be more involved so the message reaches beyond the towns. Some leaders fail to even meet with their communities,” he noted.
Youth leader Gaga Frank Osman of the Yei River County Youth Association urged young people to reject negative influences and instead focus on peacebuilding.
“We must work for peace and development rather than joining destructive groups,” he said.
The concerns highlight growing frustration over joblessness and weak social structures, which community leaders warn could further destabilize South Sudan’s fragile peace if left unaddressed.