Central Equatoria Calls for Youth Empowerment to End Gang Activities
By Roselyn Oboy
The Central Equatoria State Minister of Culture,Youth and Sports, Bush Buse, has called for stronger investment in young people through dialogue, skills development and sports to curb gang-related violence across the state.
Speaking during South Sudan’s 15th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Gudele Block 9, held under the theme “One People, One Nation,” Buse said the state government, under the leadership of Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, is engaging youth involved in gang activities through dialogue aimed at encouraging positive change.
He said the government is expanding opportunities for young people by promoting vocational training, sports programmes and business support initiatives to address the root causes of crime and youth violence.
The minister expressed confidence that sustained engagement with young people, coupled with strong community support, could significantly reduce gang-related activities by next year.
Buse also underscored the importance of reclaiming public playing fields, developing additional sports and recreational facilities, and working with development partners to construct stadiums in line with the Juba City Master Plan.
He emphasized that tackling youth violence requires a collective effort involving government institutions, local communities, development partners and young people themselves.
“Investing in our youth is essential to building peaceful, productive and resilient communities,” the minister said, urging all stakeholders to work together to create opportunities that empower young people and steer them away from crime.
