Authorities in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, have released 30 youths after they pledged to change their behavior and engage in productive activities.
Last week, local officials told Radio Tamazuj that they had arrested multiple youths in a crackdown on idleness, loitering and petty crime. They said the measure aimed to encourage productivity, reduce dependency and curb theft and disorder in the community.
County Commissioner Abel Sudan told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the youths were released following investigations and consultations with community leaders and families.
“After engaging with the youths, they confessed and committed to reform. The main reason for their detention was to encourage them to be self-reliant and productive. We want these young people to become responsible citizens and future leaders,” Sudan said.
He said county leadership enacted a local order to reinforce discipline and responsibility among young people.
“People often ask what we have done for the young people—whether we’ve given them jobs or opportunities. We have a good population. If at least 60% of them are productive, we will have a healthy society. But if only 10% are productive, that leaves a big gap and poses a threat to community development,” Sudan said.
He noted that while many youths were initially arrested, only 30 were formally detained after discussions with local chiefs, community leaders and parents.
Ezo Chief Martin Yasona Yambio confirmed the release, saying the detentions were based on policies adopted in meetings in recent months.
“Youths from age 18 are just roaming without work or education. Many have abandoned school. As leaders, we decided both traditionally and officially to take action,” Yambio said.
“There is enough land, and plots have been surveyed, but the youths are not utilizing them. Instead, many waste time gambling or playing games like diesel dice,” he added.
Yambio urged the youths to return to their villages, cultivate land and work toward building a better future.
“Youths should aim to build their own houses, cultivate their farms and prepare for marriage. These are things that will benefit them, not idleness and crime,” he said.
Ezo County Youth Chairperson Cosmos Bonfase called the release a positive step.
“This is good news for our community. Some of those released have promised to change. They plan to start their own gardens, build homes and are asking the government for support to begin income-generating activities,” he said.
The arrests had drawn criticism from civil society groups, which argued that detentions were not the right approach. They urged authorities to provide opportunities rather than punitive measures.