The authorities in Western Equatoria State have released four children from military ranks in Yambio as part of ongoing efforts to end child conscription and recruitment, and strengthen child protection across South Sudan.
The exercise was carried out jointly by the state government, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission, and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Speaking to the media in Yambio, Brigadier General Akech Maker Lang, Commander of SSPDF Brigade 16, said the army has no policy of recruiting children into its ranks. He explained that the four children were identified during a refresher training exercise organized for soldiers in Yambio.
“The children did not meet the required age qualifications to serve as soldiers,” he said.
The commander added that he immediately informed Captain David Kabash, who coordinated with child protection partners to facilitate the children’s release and transfer for protection and support services.
Meanwhile, officials from the State DDR Commission said the rescued children will immediately begin vocational training programs instead of returning to military barracks.
Tandu Philip Wilson Boner, Acting State Director for DDR, said the government remains committed to protecting children from military recruitment and helping them rebuild their lives through education and skills training.
“As part of our mandate, we do not allow children under the age of 18 to join the army,” he said. “We continue working closely with SSPDF commanders to ensure children are protected.”
He noted that the children released from the barracks would directly join vocational training centers to equip them with practical skills for self-reliance and a better future.
Philip also cited poverty, difficult living conditions, and peer influence as some of the major factors pushing children into armed groups.
“We understand that hardship and peer pressure are among the conditions forcing some children to join the army,” he stated. “However, the government remains committed to protecting children under the agreement signed with SSPDF and other partners to prevent the six grave violations against children.”
UNMISS child protection officials welcomed the release, describing it as an important step toward implementing the comprehensive action plan signed by the SSPDF in 2020 to end child recruitment and strengthen child protection.
Dennis Bambura, a UNMISS Child Protection Officer in Yambio, said some of the children had initially resisted returning home, prompting authorities to engage child protection actors for support.
“This is exactly what UNICEF and partners have been advocating for,” he said. “We appreciate the SSPDF for taking action to ensure that children found within military ranks are released.”
According to Bambura, UNMISS, UNICEF, and child protection partners will continue supporting efforts to fully implement the action plan and ensure the safety and well-being of children affected by conflict.
Child protection partners say the release of the four children marks another important milestone in efforts to end child recruitment in South Sudan and ensure affected children receive rehabilitation, education, and vocational opportunities to rebuild their lives.
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