By Emmanuel Mandella

State, The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) took a legal step to protect the rights of a 14-year-old girl in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal state.

The civil society organization filed a case on Friday against the girl’s father, who allegedly forced her into marriage on November 29, in violation of South Sudan’s Child Act.

In an exclusive interview with the City Review, Mr. Stephen Robo Musa, CEPO’s state coordinator, expressed concern over the authorities’ sluggish response, prompting the organization to intervene.

“We filed this case to stand against the injustices that this girl, a child of only 14 years, has endured. The child sought help, and as a civil society organization, we couldn’t ignore her plight. The case is now in the hands of the public prosecutor, and we are determined to see justice served,” Robo explained.

The police at Suq Hajar Police Station have reportedly summoned the girl’s family, and statements were taken on Saturday morning as investigations commence. CEPO aims to ensure the case proceeds to court swiftly for hearing.

Child marriage remains a deeply rooted challenge in South Sudan, fueled by poverty, cultural norms, and inadequate enforcement of existing laws.

According to UNICEF, 52% of girls in the country are married before turning 18, with some as young as 12. Many families view early marriage as a way to secure financial stability or to align with cultural expectations that deem girls ready for marriage upon reaching puberty.

“Child marriage is a violation of children’s rights. We must challenge these harmful traditions and uphold the laws that protect our children from exploitation and harm,” Robo emphasized.

The Child Act of 2008 stipulates that the minimum age for marriage in South Sudan is 18. Yet, enforcement remains a significant hurdle, leaving countless young girls vulnerable to abuse, early pregnancies, and lost opportunities for education and personal growth.

This case represents a broader struggle against systemic child rights violations. CEPO’s intervention highlights the urgent need for strengthened law enforcement and community education to eradicate harmful practices like child marriage.

“Justice for this girl is not just about her it’s about protecting every child in South Sudan, we must break the cycle of poverty and ignorance that perpetuates such practices,” he added.