Greater Pibor government distances itself from child trafficking allegations

The government of Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has distanced itself from allegations of child trafficking following the arrest of eight suspects in Juba, including a former official from the area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, the administration condemned child abduction and trafficking but rejected attempts to blame the entire Murle community for crimes allegedly committed by individuals.

“The fight against child abduction and trafficking involves no ethnic or tribal bias,” the government said.

Military arrests eight suspects

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) announced on October 17 that military intelligence officers had arrested eight suspects linked to an alleged child trafficking network operating in Suk Darfur, Juba.

Military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the arrests followed investigations into the disappearance of 23 children from the area over the past three years.

According to the military, the suspects allegedly lured children, kept them in houses and arranged their transfer to potential buyers.

The military also named Stephen Jongkuch Kudumuch, a former Greater Pibor finance minister, among those suspected of involvement.

Greater Pibor rejects collective blame

Responding to the allegations, GPAA Caretaker Information Minister Jacob Werchum Juok said accusations against the former official should not be used to blame the entire administration or Murle community.

He stressed that any involvement must be established through proper investigations and handled as an individual criminal case.

The government also rejected allegations that children were openly exchanged for cattle in Pibor and Gumuruk, calling for credible evidence.

It said its authorities had helped rescue and return 27 abducted women and children to Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and Central Equatoria states between June and August 2026.

Eight children awaiting return

Meanwhile, the SSPDF said one boy who had been missing for about 20 days was recovered from Greater Pibor and reunited with his parents on October 20.

The military said eight other children had been traced but were still awaiting return to Juba.

Authorities have not clarified the whereabouts of all 23 children reported missing or announced formal charges against the suspects.

The Greater Pibor government reaffirmed its commitment to working with national security agencies to recover missing children and bring those responsible to justice.

“Criminality has no tribe. Justice must be served without discrimination, and no community should be collectively condemned,” the administration said.

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Greater Pibor government distances itself from child trafficking allegations

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