SPLM-IO Transfers Eight Underage Boys to UNMISS for Family Reunification in South Sudan

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Jonglei state's Nyirol County has handed over eight underage boys to the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for family reunification.

The handover occurred on Wednesday in Lankien town. The boys were part of 24 youths who had fled a South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) training base in Gelachiel, Upper Nile state, and later approached SPLM-IO authorities.

SPLM-IO commissioner Peter Gatkuoth Koang confirmed that UNMISS verified the ages before transfer, with 16 others found to be over 18. Lt. Col.

Khor Nyang Mabor stated that the boys are now in Bor under UNMISS care. Civil society activist Ter Manyang Gatwech endorsed the handover while condemning forced recruitment of minors, which South Sudan's laws prohibit. This follows a forced recruitment campaign after clashes in March between the White Army and the national army in Upper Nile State.