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BEYOND ARRESTS: Finding Sustainable Solutions to Youth Gangs in Juba

The Case of Shirkat Arrests.

1 July 2025

In what is seen as a solution to the current social disorders in Juba's suburbs, especially in the areas of Gumbo and Shirkat, 623 teenagers and young adults have been arrested by the authorities. The exercise has been praised, and it's expected to extend to other parts of the city. While this is a good step, one needs to ask: where will these young boys and girls be taken and kept? Is there any reason the law will send them to jail? How prepared are the authorities to control the recurrence and reorganisation of these gangs? 

In November 2023, a group of civil societies, NGOs, and youth and culture ministry officials conducted a three-day workshop aimed at identifying and empowering teen groups branded as gangs in Nimule. Several groups attended the workshop, explained the challenges they faced, and unanimously came up with solutions. However, some groups didn't show up, possibly because they knew the futility of such efforts. Honestly, these young men were promised empowerment, education, and vocational training on the condition that they would help mobilise their colleagues to join, but it was all in vain. 

With that incident in mind, I will still ask again: is arresting teenage association members a solution to the suburbs' problems faced in Juba and other parts of the country? The answer is possibly no! First, the law does not arrest anyone who does not conflict with it. Just because someone has a group they associate with should not be termed as a gang, since there is a provision for freedom of association in the country's constitution. 

Moreover, arresting these young people without addressing the root causes of their involvement in gangs may not yield the desired results. Poverty, lack of opportunities, and social exclusion are some of the factors that drive youth to join gangs. Without providing alternative solutions and support, arresting them may only lead to temporary relief, and the problem may resurface. 

Furthermore, the authorities need to consider the potential consequences of mass arrests on the youth and the community. It may lead to further stigmatisation, mistrust, and resentment towards the authorities. Instead of solving the problem, it may create more social unrest and exacerbate the situation. 

A more effective approach would be to engage with the youth, understand their concerns, and provide them with opportunities for education, employment, and personal development. By addressing the root causes of gang involvement and providing support, the authorities can work towards creating a more inclusive and peaceful society. 

In conclusion, while the authorities' efforts to address the social disorders in Juba's suburbs are commendable, arresting teenage association members may not be the most effective solution. A more holistic approach that addresses the underlying issues and provides support to the youth is necessary to create lasting change.


Ayella John Bosco

Writer, Critic, and Teacher-Pastor

Inform, Inspire, and Influence

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