At least 22 survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including seven rape cases reported this month in Ibba County, have been registered for assistance in Western Equatoria State, according to local officials.
The cases, recorded across several counties, include both women and men, according to the state Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.
Officials say survivors were identified to facilitate access to medical treatment, psychosocial support and legal services, though they acknowledged major constraints in delivering aid.
State Gender Minister Cecelia Anigunde told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that seven women raped in Ibba County are currently receiving care at a child transit center in Yambio, the state capital. She linked the rise in GBV cases to ongoing insecurity and displacement, calling for stronger government intervention and partner support.
“So far, we have registered 22 GBV survivors across the state, and seven women were raped in Ibba County alone. This is alarming and reflects the lack of peace,” Anigunde said.
She said the ministry is providing counseling and psychosocial support but is hampered by shortages of transport, food and operational funding — challenges that have long affected GBV response services in South Sudan’s conflict-affected areas.
John Zebruna Gasi, the state director at the Ministry of Gender, said the seven rape survivors from Madebe Payam in Ibba County were transferred to Yambio, where they underwent medical examinations with support from the local NGO EVE Organization.
“The number of GBV cases is very high. In just one month, seven women were raped and registered from Ibba County,” Gasi said, without giving details on whether suspects had been identified or arrested.
Local authorities say perpetrators will be prosecuted, but rights groups note that convictions for sexual violence remain rare in South Sudan, often due to weak investigations, fear of reprisals, and limited access to courts.
Yambio Mayor Fozia Abbas Barnaba Bangasu warned that rape is a criminal offense and said offenders would face arrest and imprisonment.
“Rape is a crime, and anyone found committing it will be taken to Yambio Central Prison,” she said. “Twenty-two cases are too many.”
Alice Sette Zungo, deputy chairperson for gender, child and human rights in the state, urged women in all 10 counties to report abuse and said planned awareness campaigns would target both men and women, particularly during the festive season when incidents often rise.
Civil society activist Odetta Miwai condemned the reported cases, describing them as traumatizing and linked to persistent insecurity. She called for accountability and expanded survivor services.
“These survivors need sustained counseling, psychosocial care and material support to recover and reintegrate,” Miwai said.
Western Equatoria has experienced repeated bouts of violence in recent months, disrupting community structures and access to basic services. Aid agencies warn that GBV is often underreported, meaning the true scale of abuse may be significantly higher than official figures.