Army arrests eight in Juba over alleged child trafficking ring

South Sudan’s army says it has broken up a ring accused of abducting and selling children in Juba, arresting eight suspects in an operation around Souk Darfur in the Mangateen neighbourhood.

Briefing journalists at Giada Barracks on Saturday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said military intelligence officers caught the suspects “red-handed” in the business of kidnapping and trafficking children. Three of those arrested are serving soldiers; the other five are civilians.

How the ring allegedly worked

According to the army, members of the group lured children, kept them in safe houses and searched for buyers. A minor among the suspects told the briefing he had delivered three children on separate occasions, receiving a bicycle the first time, then 400,000 and 200,000 South Sudanese pounds.

The army alleged that girls were sold in Juba for around 15 million pounds and boys for 7 to 9 million, while buyers in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area paid in cattle. These claims are based on suspects’ statements and have not been independently verified.

One child home, many still missing

Around 23 children are reported missing from Mangateen. One of them, Hakim, who disappeared on September 15 while his parents were at work, has been rescued and returned to his family. Eight other children have been traced to people suspected of holding them.

“I am very exhausted with this issue,” said Hakim’s father, Kuol.

Capt. Achol Lazarus Garang, legal adviser to Military Intelligence, warned that “human trafficking is a threat not only to one family, but to every family in Juba.” Suspects with military backgrounds may face military trials, while civilians will be handed to the police.

The army urged parents to keep a close eye on their children and asked the public and media to share photos of missing children as investigations continue.

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Army arrests eight in Juba over alleged child trafficking ring

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