Map of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. (Courtesy).

Residents of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are planning a peaceful demonstration against the recurrent cases of rape and defilement of young girls in the state this Thursday, as police calls for calm.

The peaceful demonstrations are being planned against the recent defilement of two minors by a 40-year-old man in Mederia residential area.

The suspect, who has been identified as Sheikh Yasir Ismael Abakar, was arrested on Thursday on accusations that he sexually abused two minors on different occasions.

The state Youth Union condemned the incident in a statement dated February 18, and extended to Eye Radio.

The letter signed by the union’s chairperson, Tito Awen Bol invited the state residents to peacefully protest the incidents coming Thursday.

The union said the protest aims to call for justice and immediate deportation of the Sudanese suspect.

Meanwhile, the state police has called for calm amid plans by the youth to stage peaceful march.

Reacting to the call for demonstrations, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State spokesperson, Captain Guot Guot, called on the union to allow the investigations to take place, and give police investigation a chance.

“I want to urge people not to rush into the notion that always said justice delayed is justice denied. Because in such cases, justice rushed is justice crushed,” he said.

“At this juncture, I want to call upon the youths that are calling for a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, February 23^rd to give the police a chance.”

“If the only reason for calling for the demonstration is regarding this case, I believe that there is no reason now because the police are in control and the culprit is being investigated, justice shall be served, and the culprit will be held accountable for his wrongdoings.”

On February 11, the defendant reportedly defiled an 11-year-old girl in Mederia residential area in Aweil and threatened to kill her if she speaks out.

On the process of his arrest, the prime suspect was again found with another 14-year-old girl, whom he allegedly defiled on February 12.

It is not the first time that the state youth have demonstrated against the vices of sexual violence, which are commonly reported.

In May 2022, angry Aweil residents stormed the streets to protest the killing of the rape and murder of a 6-year-old child by a foreign trader.

Saber Abu Sam, 42, a Sudanese traders who has since been condemned to death, had defiled and murdered the child before dumping her body in a pit latrine.

The protests before the trial turned violence, as information minister William Anyuon told Eye Radio that local community went on a rampage, beating up foreign traders and vandalizing shops.