The Women Bloc of South Sudan has issued a forceful call for government action following the gang rape of a young girl in Sherikat, a suburb of Juba.
Describing the attack as a national crisis, the group urged a comprehensive crackdown on gang-related sexual violence and rising insecurity in the capital.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Amer Manyok Deng, Chairperson of the Women’s Bloc, condemned the assault as part of a broader pattern of violence against women and girls.
“This is not just an attack on one girl or one family,” she said. “It is an assault on our collective humanity. Rape is being used as a weapon of terror, and we must disarm it through unity, truth-telling, and justice.”
Deng warned that gangs are operating unchecked in Juba, with over 40 active groups involving thousands of youth, many of them school dropouts, engaged in drugs and criminal activity, calling on security forces, police, and local authorities to investigate, disarm, and dismantle these groups.
“Our daughters are in school, singing in churches, helping at home. But what are our boys doing?” she asked. “We need our men, fathers, brothers, uncles, to step up. This cannot be left to women alone.”
Akur Leek Aleer of South Sudan Human Rights Defenders echoed the call for justice, citing the survivor, known as “our sister Duke,” as one of many victims. “People are afraid to walk at night. Girls live in fear. Silence empowers perpetrators,” Aleer said.
The Women’s Bloc confirmed two reported cases of sexual assault in Sherikat this month and called for urgent amendments to the 2003 Penal Code to increase penalties for sexual violence, and a united appeal for disarmament, youth engagement, and national accountability to restore safety and dignity in South Sudan.
