Traders in Abyei say child homelessness is becoming a big problem in the markets of Abyei. Some of the children don’t have enough clothes or food and may be vulnerable to abuse.
In interviews with Abyei Today, traders said that thefts are on the increase. One trader said children stole clothes from the market, and business owners had no solution.
One child at Aniet market said he had no clothes to wear. Another said he had not been registered in school.
Charities which work in the market say children are also susceptible to taking drugs, including a type of glue called ‘Slicing’, Abyei Today reported.
Samuel Chol, the deputy director of social welfare in Abyei, said his team tried to reunite children with their families, but that was not always easy.
Meanwhile, in other news a group of young people and musicians has begun touring the Abyei area to persuade people to return to land north of the river known locally as the Kiir. The Rummamer Youth Association has joined forces with the musicians’ union to perform songs and dances in payams across the region.
They argue that promoting social and cultural values will help promote stability and peace.
One resident, Simon Chol Dufer, said the performance had helped reduce fear and had spread happiness. Another audience member, Mary John, said music made people feel happy, even if there was bad news.
One of the Awal elders, Gach Dau, said people felt connected when musicians visited remote villages like his. Performances in border areas made people feel safe and would encourage others to return.
The general secretary of the Abyei Musicians’ Association, Adel Deng Ajang, said he was glad to be involved in a project that spread happiness.
A member of the Rummamer Youth Association, Padeit Arop Mayol, said music – along with sport and art – would encourage people to think about issues other than conflict, and would encourage peaceful coexistence.
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