These children were among over 600 individuals arrested for alleged gang-related activities in Juba on July 1, 2025. According to the Central Equatoria State government, the arrests were part of an ongoing operation targeting criminal groups. | Photo: CES Government

Torit Municipal Council has sponsored 36 former gang members to enrol in school after they pledged to abandon violence and continue their education.

Speaking to Eye Radio, the Mayor of Torit Municipality Eddy William said the initiative is aimed at supporting the reintegration of former gang members and helping them become responsible members of society.

Mayor William said he engaged local gang members shortly after assuming office and encouraged them to abandon violence and return to school.

“When I became mayor, I engaged the young people involved in violence and encouraged them to abandon it. I also separated them into those already in school and those who were out of school.

“For those who were not in school, I asked why they had dropped out, and they said they could not afford school fees. We then agreed with headteachers to allow them back into school so they can continue their studies. If we reject them, we lose their future through education,” he said.

He said the youths were grouped based on whether they were in school or out of school, noting that many of those who had dropped out cited lack of school fees.

“About 36 of them have now returned to school, both in primary and secondary levels,” he added.

Mayor William also said the municipality has intervened to support vulnerable children preparing for national examinations.

He said five orphaned Primary Eight candidates who had lost both parents and could not afford examination fees were assisted to complete their registration.

“Yesterday, we also did something different. Some Primary Eight candidates had lost their parents and had no one to pay their examination fees.

“They came to my office crying, and I registered them. They are about five in number. I had to send someone to borrow money from the market, and I paid for their registration so they could sit for their exams,” he added.

The mayor said the initiative is part of efforts to reduce youth violence through education and support vulnerable children.

He pledged to continue supporting and sponsoring children in the municipality.