By Hou Akot Hou
A member of parliament in Northern Bahr El Ghazal state, Mayen Kon Akot, has raised concerns about the increasing criminal activities occurring in the neighbourhoods of Aweil Town.
The crimes, according to the MP occur particularly in areas such as Maper-Akot Aru and Mathiang, which have been exacerbated by economic downturns as the festive season approaches.
Mr. Akot, chairperson of the Gender, Child, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Affairs Committee in the state assembly, condemned the activities of local gangs referred to as “niggers.”
He highlighted a rise in incidents of violence and rape in the area ahead of the festive season.
“There have been rising cases, such as a recent report of a rape incident in Maper-Akot Aru,” Kon stated, noting that cultural norms are beginning to erode.
He recounted a troubling episode from two months ago, where a boy allegedly mixed a drug called Tramadol into a soda, which a girl drank, which affected her mental state while he assaulted her.
This incident sparked concern within the community and was subsequently brought to court.
Akot also mentioned that gang groups are loitering at night, even on the highways, including in remote areas of Aweil Center County.
“Boys and girls roam in groups at night and often engage in fights over girls,” he said.
The MP reported that the Minister of Gender in the state has drafted by-laws, which will be presented in parliament for discussion during the upcoming Aweil conference on January 20. These measures are meant to address the rise in youth crime.
He emphasized the trend of youths from Northern Bahr El Ghazal infiltrating Juba City, often fleeing without their parents’ knowledge.
“Many girls and boys escape to Juba and contribute to chaos and crime. This issue requires action from the state government, including directives for checkpoint authorities to prevent youngsters from traveling alone,” he added.
Lawmaker Akot also urged state authorities to deploy community police to hotspot areas during the festive season to discourage gatherings of youths that may lead to violence.
Some youths, though reluctant to be recorded, cited a lack of proper parental care as a significant factor driving many of them to the streets.
Mr. Keer Wel Deng, an official from the Ministry of Gender, echoed similar concerns.
He stated that to address the dangers faced by street children, they are partnering with organizations to provide support services in newly designated areas such as New Jerusalem, a site established by an organization, as well as another location identified by Egyptian well-wishers to assist vulnerable children.