Aweil woman abandons newborn in bushland, citing economic hardship

AWEL – A woman in Aweil, the capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, abandoned her newborn baby boy in nearby bushland, citing economic hardship as the reason, police said on Thursday.

The woman’s identity is not being disclosed. According to police spokesperson Guot Guot Akol, the baby’s cries alerted residents who found him and reported the incident.

“The baby was heard crying yesterday near a road but hidden in some bushes,” Akol said. “Residents found the newborn and contacted the police. Officers were dispatched to the scene.”

Akol said the woman is currently undergoing questioning. The baby was taken to Aweil hospital for medical attention.

“The Criminal Investigation Department officers questioned the woman,” Akol continued. “She admitted to abandoning the child due to financial difficulties. The baby’s father is also missing.”

Adut Deng, a pediatrician at Aweil hospital, said both the mother and child have received basic hygiene care and new clothing.

“The mother and baby are in stable condition,” Deng said. “They are receiving care at the hospital.”

Local authorities urged residents not to resort to abandoning newborns due to economic hardship.

“The poverty affecting our citizens is leading some to take drastic measures, even attempting suicide or abandoning their children,” a statement from the authorities said. “These actions are heartbreaking.”