CES Government Proposes Vocational Training for Gang Members

(CESGPU, Juba) – Authorities in Central Equatoria State have called for the establishment of reformatory schools to address the growing involvement of young people in gang related activities and other anti-social behaviours.

The proposal came during an extraordinary security meeting held on 25 June 2025, chaired by the Governor of Central Equatoria, H.E. Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, at the Juba Block.

During the meeting, the Central Equatoria State Security Committee reviewed key security concerns facing the state, with particular attention to an increase in suicide cases, a rise in armed robberies in Juba, and the absence of rehabilitation facilities for young offenders.

Committee members also discussed the regulation of pharmaceutical practices in residential clinics to ensure they meet public health standards and reduce drug abuse, especially among youth.

State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Hon. Leon Abe Brown, said that the committee emphasized the importance of mental health services and outreach initiatives to help reduce the number of suicide cases reported in the city.

He stated that authorities have directed relevant security agencies to enhance surveillance efforts aimed at controlling armed criminal activity in Juba and surrounding areas.

Hon. Abe highlighted the urgent need for reformatory institutions, pointing out that gang related offenders are frequently released without undergoing any form of behavioral or vocational rehabilitation.

He argued that introducing reformatory schools would offer practical skills and vocational training to help young people reform and reintegrate into society as productive citizens.

“We currently lack reformatory schools. When gang members are arrested, they are often released without undergoing any reform,” he said.

“Establishing reformatory schools will offer vocational training and help reintegrate these individuals into society as responsible and productive citizens.”

The committee also resolved to continue strengthening oversight of local health clinics. The State Ministry of Health was instructed to ensure these clinics comply with regulations to provide safe and standard healthcare services.

According to Hon. Abe, the unregulated sale of medication and misuse of prescription drugs has become a growing concern, contributing to youth addiction and related social problems.

In a separate but related matter, Hon. Abe raised concern over reports that individuals posing as members of security agencies have been operating illegally in public markets, extorting vendors and contributing to the inflation of commodity prices through unauthorized taxes.

He called this practice “unlawful” and urged that only officially mandated security organs be allowed to work in public areas to ensure accountability and protect the public.

The minister also reaffirmed the state government’s firm commitment to security and stability across Central Equatoria.

He cited the recent armed attack on Morobo County Hospital as an example of the ongoing threats facing the region and underlined the government’s readiness to respond with both immediate and long term measures.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for concrete, coordinated action to tackle the root causes of insecurity and social unrest, particularly among vulnerable youth populations in urban and peri-urban areas.