Police Arrest 34 Suspected Gang Members in Bor, South Sudan

The police in Jonglei State's Bor County have arrested 34 suspected gang members, known locally as "niggers," for causing chaos in Bor Town. The arrests began last Thursday following a resolution by the state security committee to address rising gang violence. According to Daniel Deng Panchol, the commissioner of Bor County, the arrests have helped to restore calm in the town. The suspects, mostly aged 15 to 21, are being investigated for attacking, stealing, and terrorizing residents.

Commissioner Panchol stated that the arrests have been made over the past three days, during which the situation in Bor Town has been relatively calm. He urged parents to take responsibility for raising their children properly and hinted that some politicians might be using these young gang members for their own political gains. The commissioner did not provide names but emphasized that those found guilty will be arraigned in court. The police are working to determine the extent of political involvement in the gang violence.

John Bior, executive director of ATAKA Hub-South Sudan and a Bor Town resident, welcomed the crackdown on local gangs but expressed concerns about the effectiveness of such measures. He noted that previous arrests have not led to lasting solutions, as suspects are often released shortly after being caught. Bior suggested that those found guilty should be sentenced to work on projects that benefit the community, such as agriculture. This approach, he believes, could help address the root causes of gang violence.

Bol Deng Bol, executive director of INTREPID South Sudan and chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network and National Civil Society Coalition, also welcomed the crackdown, describing it as a relief for residents who have been terrorized by the gangs. However, he cautioned that the initiative might not be sustainable without a more comprehensive approach. Bol suggested that the police should establish permanent posts in the town to act as a deterrent and prevent future incidents.

The arrested suspects are currently being investigated for various crimes, including attacks, theft, and terrorism. The police are working to gather evidence and determine the level of involvement of each suspect. Commissioner Panchol emphasized that the authorities are committed to addressing the issue of gang violence and ensuring the safety of residents in Bor Town. The investigation is ongoing, and those found guilty will face justice.

Community leaders and residents have expressed mixed feelings about the arrests, with some calling for more decisive action to address the root causes of gang violence. They argue that poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities contribute to the proliferation of gangs in the town. Others have praised the police for their efforts to restore order and safety in Bor Town. The authorities face the challenge of balancing enforcement with community engagement and rehabilitation.

The arrest of the 34 suspected gang members marks a significant step in efforts to curb gang violence in Bor Town. However, sustaining this effort will require a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying social and economic issues driving the violence. The authorities will need to engage with the community, provide support for rehabilitation and reintegration, and work to prevent future incidents.

Key points

• Authorities in Bor County have arrested 34 suspected gang members, mostly aged 15 to 21, for terrorizing residents in Bor Town.
• The arrests were made following a state security committee resolution to address rising gang violence in the town.
• Community leaders have welcomed the crackdown but emphasize the need for a sustainable approach to address the root causes of gang violence.