Authorities say children currently associated with armed groups, including those in cattle camps, should be withdrawn from military activities and redirected toward education and skills training.

By Makur Adut

Authorities in Lakes State, UNMISS, organized forces, civil society groups, youth and women leaders have called for the urgent demobilization of children from military forces and armed cattle camps, urging that they be reunited with their families and supported to return to school.

The call was made during a joint discussion held to mark Red Hand Day, observed annually on February 12, which focuses on ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

They emphasized that children currently associated with armed groups, including those in cattle camps, should be withdrawn from military activities and redirected toward education and skills training.

The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfarereported that17 underage children were demobilized from Malou military base in 2023, whiletwo more children were demobilized and reunited with their families in 2025.

UNMISS Child Protection Team Leader for the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region, Miyikra Erasmus Ndemole, said South Sudan remains under international scrutiny over child recruitment and urged stakeholders to focus on practical solutions rather than denial.

He noted that some children are present in various armed forces and cattle camps where they are exposed to weapons at an early age, making it easier for them to be absorbed into military structures.

“The future of South Sudan lies with these children. They should be in schools, not carrying guns,” he said, calling on chiefs, elders and community leaders to support efforts to remove children from armed environments.

Women leaders also warned that children face high risks of death and trauma when exposed to military life and communal violence.

Agum Joseph Kuc, Chairperson of the Women’s Association in Lakes State, said the recruitment of children is prohibited by law and must stop.

Representatives of the organized forces reaffirmed their commitment to comply with national laws, noting that 18 years is the minimum legal age for recruitment. Police and military officials pledged to review their ranks and demobilize any underage personnel if identified.

The Minister of Gender, Angelina Ding Mario, said the government and its partners will intensify community awareness through radio programs and outreach to parents, chiefs and cattle camp leaders.

Civil society organizations also urged communities to discourage the presence of children in cattle camps, where many reportedly carry firearms, and instead support their enrollment in schools or vocational training.

They stressed that protecting children from recruitment is a collective responsibility, stressing that sustained peace, education and community awareness are key to ending the practice across Lakes State and South Sudan.

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“The future of South Sudan lies with these children. They should be in schools, not carrying guns,” said UNMISS Child Protection Team Leader for the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region, Miyikra Erasmus Ndemole.