Child Soldier Demobilization in South Sudan

South Sudan has made progress in its efforts to end the recruitment of child soldiers. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reports that several children have been released by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

Official Statements

Brigadier Akech Maker, Commander of SSPDF Brigade 16 in Yambio, Western Equatoria, attended the official handover ceremony and stated, “We, in the SSPDF, will not allow the recruitment of children into the army. If a child shows interest, we will guide them towards education instead.”

Hellen Ernasio, Chairperson of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) in Western Equatoria, emphasized ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure children do not return to combat and highlighted the aim to remove the army from the “list of shame” associated with child recruitment.

Reintegration Process

Officials from DDR conducted registration and verification processes to facilitate the children’s transition back to civilian life. Social workers and UNICEF staff are providing psychological services, learning materials, and personalized guidance to support the children as they adapt to civilian life.

Clement Gbatanawo from the UNICEF office in Yambio stated, “We are going to provide psychosocial support to these children in the transit center and assess their needs for skills training or formal education.”

Rita Bampo, Child Protection Officer at the UNMISS Yambio Field Office, confirmed ongoing monitoring to ensure successful reintegration and urged conflict parties to release any remaining child soldiers under their command.

UNICEF estimates that approximately 19,000 child soldiers remain in South Sudan, but efforts continue to address and resolve this issue.