The minister for Youth, Culture and Sports in South Sudan’s Jonglei State has issued a decree dissolving all community-based youth associations operating in the state.
The decree released on Tuesday, targets all county-based, payam-based and boma-based youth associations based in greater Duk, greater Twic East and greater Bor areas.
Dut Abraham Bol, the youth minister in Jonglei told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that he ordered for the closure of these groups because they are a source of division and hatred.
“It came to my notice that those associations have no clear defined objectives, mission and vision; they are illegal since the ministry does not recognize them and they are a source of division. And even the leaders of those associations claim to be representing the whole community,” he said.
He pointed out that the state authorities will punish those who will defy the order.
Minister Dut urged Jonglei youth to join the Jonglei State Youth Union (JSYU), a body within the state youth ministry.
Some local youth told Radio Tamazuj that they are disappointed with the order, saying that it is aimed at marginalizing local youth.