Authorities in Kapoeta East County of Eastern Equatoria State have arrested a 23-year-old man on accusations of impregnating a schoolgirl and potentially being involved in the termination of the pregnancy in Narus.
The parents of the 15-year-old girl had reported the incident to the police, leading to the man’s arrest last week. Akim Geofrey remains in custody as further investigations are underway.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Kapoeta East County Commissioner Angelo Abdalla Lokeno said: “I have received information regarding a girl who was impregnated and subsequently underwent an abortion. It is extremely disheartening to witness the violation of a schoolgirl, which poses a significant problem. This individual has committed two crimes: firstly, impregnating the girl and disrupting her education, and secondly, participating in the termination of the pregnancy and returning the girl to her parents.”
Commissioner Lokeno continued, “To the youth, it is essential to make the most of your lives and not engage in unplanned pregnancies that can jeopardize your future and leave you without proper support or stability. These actions result in losses not only for the individuals involved but also for South Sudan as a whole and the families that strive to provide education and financial assistance to ensure a better future.”
David Nayee, the President of Eastern Equatoria State Youths, emphasized the responsibility of parents in educating their daughters to prevent such incidents. He stated, “When a child becomes entangled in such circumstances, their future becomes uncertain. Even if they return to school, they may face stigma from their peers, causing a lack of focus and potential abuse. The same goes for the boy involved; his education will likely suffer as well. I urge all children and youths from all walks of life to prioritize education and ensure that their goals are set in order to secure a prosperous future. Our country is still developing, and education is paramount.”
Expressing sadness over the incident, Alimochan Proscovia, a female civil society activist working for Voice for Change, an organization based in Torit, called for increased advocacy for girl child education.
She stated, “The actions of this young man are deeply distressing. I am saddened because they will impact the girl’s future, hindering her ability to complete her education and potentially causing complications in her life, including difficulties in childbirth. The government must take a firm stance against early marriage and promote initiatives that discourage teenage pregnancies. Emphasizing girl child education is crucial, and we must encourage them to avoid any factors that may hinder their progress, especially during their adolescent stage.”
Article 17 of the South Sudan constitution defines a child as anyone under the age of 18.
According to the Child Act of 2008, every child has the right to be protected from sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, including but not limited to rape, incest, inducement or coercion of a child to witness or engage in sexual activity.
It further says whoever commits such an offence shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years on conviction.