FILE: Suspected gang members based in Lologo Residential area. (Photo: SSNPS).

The Chairperson of Central Equatoria Women Union is encouraging young people in South Sudan to reject gang affiliations and violence and pursue peace and personal development.

Hundreds of idle and jobless youths are said to have grouped themselves into criminal gangs in Juba and other major towns in the country, according to police reports.

The unruly gang groups have been linked to violence, burglaries and disturbing public peace and safety.

Veronica Juan, the Chair of the Women Union emphasized that violence among the youth groups is not the answer to their problems.

Ms. Juan encouraged them to disown their groups, while urging the government to initiate programs that address the issues facing the youth.

“Children, we have given birth to you through death. Quit being gangsters. You’re killing yourselves without genius reasons and we’re at the lost,” she said in an interview with Eye Radio.

“We are crying for you our children in all the ten states, who’s going to burry us? Even if pushing our bodies to the river, it still needs sticks to push someone to fall into the river.”

“Drop the act of been a gangster, we need you our children. You’re our children not streets’ kids. Listen to this appeal our children.”

Young people in South Sudan, make up an estimated 72% of the population, but face numerous challenges that limit their access to education and livelihoods opportunities.