A 14-year-old girl in the Western Equatoria State capital, Yambio, has rejected a forced marriage to a 46-year-old man, prompting authorities to intervene and refer the matter to the police for investigation.
According to Inspector Oliver Paiyansi of the State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, the girl was pressured by family members and community elders to accept the marriage despite her young age and lack of consent.
The man reportedly offered money, goats, and other items as part of the marriage arrangement. The girl refused and reported the case to the ministry.
“The man gave SSP 500,000, but the girl rejected the marriage,” Inspector Paiyansi said. “He is now demanding either his money back or that the marriage proceed.”
He added that the ministry receives several cases of forced marriage each month and continues to raise awareness about its harmful effects.
“Child marriage negatively impacts girls’ education and wellbeing, and so far in 2026, we have received more than 10 cases,” he noted.
For her part, Livia Constantino, Director of Gender at the State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, said forced and early marriages are common in Yambio and across Western Equatoria State, posing serious risks to girls.
“Girls need time to grow, study, and prepare for life,” she said. “Early marriage exposes them to abuse, domestic violence, and responsibilities they cannot handle.”
She urged parents and community leaders to respect the rights of children.
“Fathers and household heads must avoid forcing girls into marriage because girls are the future of our families and communities,” Constantino emphasized.
Meanwhile, John Zebruna, the state’s Director of Gender, said the ministry recently intervened in three similar cases involving girls aged 14, 15, and 16.
“After discussions on the harmful effects of early marriage, two families agreed to cancel the arrangements,” he said.
Officials stressed that forced and child marriages are illegal and constitute gender-based violence (GBV).
On her part, Diako Pauline Badsita, Chairperson for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in the State Legislative Assembly, highlighted the broader social implications.
“Early child marriage violates human and child rights, leads to poverty, violence, poor health, and premature motherhood,” she said.
The ministry confirmed that the case has been handed over to the police to ensure legal action is taken against those responsible.