South Sudan’s campaign to end the use of child soldiers has taken a significant step forward, with a new group of children released from the ranks of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
At an official handover ceremony in Yambio, Western Equatoria, Brigadier Akech Maker, commander of SSPDF Brigade 16, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to ending the recruitment of children.
“We in the SSPDF will not allow the recruitment of children into the army,” Brigadier Maker said. “If a child shows interest, we will guide them towards education instead. I urge institutions to support these children fully so they do not return to the barracks.”
Verification and Reintegration
Officials from South Sudan’s Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) program registered and verified the children to support their transition back to civilian life. Monitoring will continue to ensure none of the released children return to military service.
Hellen Ernasio, Chairperson of the DDR Commission in Western Equatoria, said her team remains vigilant:
“We shall continue monitoring to see that they are not there, so that our army is clean from that list of shame that came upon them because of recruiting children and other violations against child rights.”
Preparing for Civilian Life
At a temporary transit center in Yambio, social workers and UNICEF staff are providing psychological support, educational materials, and individualized guidance to help the children reintegrate.
“We are providing psychosocial support and assessing their needs—whether they want to pursue formal education or skills training,” said Clement Gbatanawo from UNICEF’s Yambio office.
Rita Bampo, a Child Protection Officer with UNMISS, emphasized that the mission will continue to oversee the process to ensure its success.
“UNMISS will monitor and ensure the reintegration process is successful so that these children remain in society and are not drawn back into armed groups,” she said. “We urge all parties to release any children still under their command.”
A Long Road Ahead
According to UNICEF, an estimated 19,000 children have been recruited by armed forces and groups in South Sudan since the conflict began. While progress has been made, humanitarian agencies stress that sustained support is essential to help former child soldiers rebuild their lives and prevent re-recruitment.
For these children, the release marks the start of a new chapter — one of healing, education, and hope for a peaceful future.
Lebanon Orders Release of Gadhafi’s Son After 10 Years in Detention, Sets $11 Million Bail
Source:Africa Publicity
