DDR Commission Announces Release of 49 Children from Armed Forces

By Patricia John

The National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission has announced the release of 49 children from military training centres and armed forces as part of ongoing efforts to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

Speaking during the 4th National Child Protection Conferences on Tuesday on the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan, the Chairperson of the DDR Commission, Ayuen Alier Jongroor, said the children were released following high-level engagements carried out between April and June 2026.

According to Jongroor, 23 children were released from a military training Centre in Malakal, 21 from a military training Centre in Baryang, and five from former SPLA-IO forces that have since been integrated into the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Yambio.

He described the releases as an important step toward fulfilling South Sudan’s commitments to protect children affected by armed conflict.

Jongroor also welcomed the extension of the Comprehensive Action Plan until 15 October 2027, saying the additional time should be used to complete all outstanding commitments under the agreement.

“We should regard this extension as an opportunity to conclude all our standing commitments,” he said, urging all stakeholders to ensure the extension becomes the final one through measurable progress, stronger accountability, and sustained cooperation.

He appealed to commanders of the SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and other organized forces to prevent the recruitment of children into their ranks, emphasizing that protecting children requires collective responsibility.

South Sudan has been implementing the Comprehensive Action Plan with support from the United Nations and partners to end and prevent grave violations against children during armed conflict. The plan focuses on ending child recruitment, facilitating the release and reintegration of affected children, and strengthening mechanisms to prevent future violations.

The latest release of 49 children marks another milestone in the country’s efforts to comply with its child protection commitments and advance the reintegration of former child recruits into their families and communities..