By James Innocent
Local chiefs in Yei River County have warned that rising youth unemployment is pushing many young people into gang-related activities, urging the government of South Sudan to take swift action to address the growing concern.
Micheal Juma Cosmas, a chief from Kondeko Boma, said many young people in the area had completed their education or vocational training but remain jobless due to the ongoing economic challenges and instability affecting the country.
“Most of our youth have the skills and education, but there are no jobs. This frustration is forcing some of them into negative groups and crime,” Juma explained.
He called on the government to create more employment opportunities and youth programs instead of engaging young people in unproductive initiatives that do not benefit society.
Yei River County youth leader, Gaga Frank, also urged young people to focus on agriculture as a sustainable source of income, underscoring it could help reduce crime and improve livelihoods.
“There are many educated young people without jobs, and this is leading some to theft and gang activities,” Frank said.
“Partners and organizations should support youth projects to reduce crime and promote development” he added.
Earlier this year, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme visited Kondeko Boma and called on parents to monitor their children’s movements, particularly at night, to curb the spread of youth gang groups.
He also encouraged young people to engage in farming to support their families and education.
Meanwhile, Police Inspector Major General Ali Abdullatif cautioned the youth against engaging in criminal activities, warning that such behaviour could lead to imprisonment.
“The future of Yei depends on its youth. They must choose the path of hard work and peace, not crime,” he said.
In South Sudan, the unemployment rate measures the number of people actively looking for a job as a percentage of the labour force.