Gang culture escalates in South Sudan after viral rape video

In June 2025, a disturbing video depicting a gang-rape surfaced on social media in South Sudan, which showed a group of intoxicated young men assaulting a 16-year-old girl in a Juba neighborhood. This heinous act was filmed by the perpetrators, and the girl was singled out because she belonged to a rival gang, making the crime a calculated act of revenge. The incident triggered a government crackdown aimed at addressing the issues of gang violence in the country. However, this crackdown disproportionately affected innocent young people, as many families reported missing children who were caught in the police sweeps. There are growing concerns about forced conscription of youths into the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces amid the ongoing conflict with rebel groups, and alarming reports have emerged about children disappearing and subsequently dying in military barracks. Former gang members, Peter Amule and Alaak Akuei, are now advocating for positive engagement with youth to combat gang violence, stressing that mere force cannot change the situation. They express disappointment at seeing young individuals whom they have worked with fail to leave the gang life, pointing out the need for an approach based on love and educational opportunities. The civil war and its aftermath have created an environment where young people turn to gangs as a means of survival, often influenced by abuse in their homes or the lure of belonging to a community. Amule points out that many young individuals have found themselves with no other options, some opting to flee home only to end up on the streets, which can lead to further abuse. As a result, organizations such as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition have begun reaching out, urging international humanitarian organizations to assist in reuniting these youths with their families. The impact of extended conflict in South Sudan has been devastating, with a generation of young people caught in a cycle of violence and desperation. The collective society needs to rethink its approach to youth rehabilitation to foster safe and productive environments in which they can thrive and disengage from gang life. Ultimately, the situation remains dire, with families in South Sudan caught in the crossfire of gang struggles and a militarized state. The ongoing civil unrest and the serious threats facing today's youth highlight the urgency of addressing the root causes of youth gang involvement, ensuring safe passage for vulnerable children and reintegrating them into society with meaningful support mechanisms.