Traditional leaders from across Central Equatoria State have united in a renewed commitment to tackle child marriage, protect girls, and support them to remain in school. This commitment was made during a two-day conference of paramount chiefs, where leaders reviewed progress under their 2026 Resolution Action Plan. The plan aligns with South Sudan's Strategic National Action Plan on Ending Child Marriage, which runs from 2017 to 2030.
The urgency of the issue was highlighted by Nunu Diana, Director General in the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender and Child Social Welfare. She shared cases of girls who have already become mothers while still of school-going age. During a visit to Mugo in Yei County, Diana encountered 10 girls aged between 13 and 15 at a market, none of whom were attending school and all had already become mothers.
Diana also pointed to Terekeka County, where many young girls selling milk along the streets appeared to be children who should still be in school. She stressed that these were practical evidences of the issue, not just theories. Diana urged traditional leaders to use their influence within communities to discourage child marriage, raise awareness, and encourage families to keep girls in school.
The conference was supported by Amref Health Africa and the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, as part of efforts to strengthen the role of traditional leaders in addressing harmful practices and protecting children. Regina Lullo, Director General in the National Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, thanked the chiefs who attended the meeting, highlighting their important role in protecting girls' rights, dignity, health, and future.
Lullo specifically highlighted Terekeka County, where cases of child marriage have been recorded. She emphasized that no county would be left behind in efforts to end child marriage. Diana stressed that traditional leaders cannot address child marriage alone, calling for coordinated action involving government institutions, civil society organisations, women's groups, and young people.
Speaking on behalf of the paramount chiefs, Joseph Brown called for continued community sensitisation and stronger cooperation between traditional leaders, government, and other stakeholders. At the close of the conference, the chiefs signed a pledge committing themselves to strengthening efforts to prevent child marriage and protect girls.
The traditional leaders are expected to take the resolutions back to their respective communities and translate the commitments into action. For girls already facing barriers to education and early motherhood, the chiefs' pledge now places the focus on what happens beyond the conference, in homes, schools, markets, and communities across Central Equatoria.
Key points
- Traditional leaders in Central Equatoria State have committed to tackling child marriage and protecting girls' education.
- The commitment was made during a two-day conference of paramount chiefs, where leaders reviewed progress under their 2026 Resolution Action Plan.
- The traditional leaders are expected to take the resolutions back to their respective communities and translate the commitments into action.
