The South Sudanese Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare has strongly condemned the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Juba’s Shirkat neighborhood, calling it a “blatant violation of human rights” and demanding swift justice for the perpetrators.
In an official statement on Thursday, Gender Minister Aya Benjamin Libo Warille expressed outrage over the attack, which involved at least six assailants. “This horrific crime is not only an assault on an innocent girl but an attack on the very fabric of our society,” she said.
Warille emphasized that authorities are working to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible. “Our law enforcement must act decisively to deliver justice and send a clear message that such brutality will not be tolerated,” she added.
The ministry pledged to strengthen protections for women and girls, including preventive measures, survivor support, and legal reforms. Warille also called on communities to reject sexual violence and promote a culture of accountability.
Under South Sudanese law, rape carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. The country’s Child Act (2008) and Penal Code explicitly criminalize sexual violence against minors, invalidating any notion of consent under the age of 18.
The case has sparked renewed calls for stronger enforcement of gender-based violence laws in South Sudan, where such crimes remain underreported due to stigma and weak judicial oversight.
