A major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat child abduction in South Sudan was achieved today as 11 children, who were abducted during brutal attacks in April, were safely returned to their families in Kapoeta, Eastern Equatoria State. The children had been taken during a violent raid by armed criminals from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on villages in Kauto, Kapoeta East, which left 32 people dead, 22 injured, and 35 children abducted.
The successful recovery and handover of these children were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Eastern Equatoria State authorities, and other key partners. The children were airlifted from Pibor town to Kapoeta, marking a significant victory in the ongoing advocacy and operations aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted children.
“The handover of the children demonstrates a steadfast commitment to addressing the grave issue of child abduction while actively advancing reconciliation between communities in Eastern Equatoria and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” stated Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria, as he welcomed the children home.
Gola Boyoi Gola, Chief Administrator of the GPAA, confirmed that efforts to rescue the remaining children are ongoing. “These successful operations are vital for promoting peace in the region,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation between the communities involved.
The recovery process was supported by UNICEF and several humanitarian organizations, including Caritas South Sudan and the Grass Root Empowerment and Development Organization (GREDO). These organizations played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the abducted children, providing protection, family tracing, and facilitating potential reunifications.
Jennifer Nabongorika, Minister of Gender and Social Welfare in Eastern Equatoria, commended the efforts of the government and peace partners but urged for a quicker resolution to reunite the remaining children with their families. “We appreciate their efforts, but the parents are desperate to reunite with their young ones. We urge them to expedite whatever process they can to alleviate the trauma being suffered by these families,” she said.
Following the violent incident in Kauto, authorities from both Eastern Equatoria and the GPAA have been working to promote dialogue and implement policies aimed at preventing similar atrocities in the future. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enforce resolutions made in 2022 by various communities in Eastern Equatoria State and the GPAA to impose punitive measures against perpetrators of child abduction and cattle-related conflicts, emphasizing their collective commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence in the region.
