Youth make risky journey through desert to cross the Mediterranean sea| Courtesy

National Minister of Youth and Sports Atong Kuol Manyang has urged young South Sudanese to remain in the country and play an active role in addressing its challenges, saying lasting solutions can only come from citizens themselves.

Speaking on Eye Radio’s Zone 72 Youth Program, Atong acknowledged the frustrations driving some young people to seek opportunities abroad but warned against undertaking dangerous migration routes.

“Let them not leave the country because nobody else will address their issues. Nobody else will do things for them. It is them to take ownership of that,” she said.

The minister encouraged youth to speak out about the challenges they face and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Her remarks come amid growing concerns over irregular migration by young South Sudanese seeking better economic opportunities overseas.

Atong said it was troubling to hear of cases where South Sudanese detained abroad choose to remain in custody rather than return home.

“It becomes very sad in a way that you would prefer to be arrested than being deported to your country,” she said.

Atong said young people who wish to travel abroad should do so through legal channels such as education opportunities and formal resettlement programs, noting that irregular migration exposes them to serious risks, including the loss of life.

She also linked youth employment prospects to ongoing peace efforts, saying the full implementation of peace agreements would help stabilize the country and attract investment.

“Once our country is calm, many investors will come back. And when many investors come back, they will get job opportunities,” she said.

The minister reiterated that South Sudan’s future depends on the participation of its youth, urging them to take ownership of the country’s development rather than seeking solutions elsewhere.