Gov’t warns polygamy, neglect drive children to streets in South Sudan

BENTIU – A senior government official from South Sudan’s ministry of gender, child and social welfare has attributed the rise in street children to irresponsible polygamy practices and economic hardship.

Speaking during a visit to Unity State’s capital Bentiu on Tuesday, the Director of Child Welfare at the ministry, Celine Grace Peter, identified men marrying multiple wives without considering their ability to care for their children as a major factor pushing youngsters onto the streets.

“The main cause of street children is some men marrying many wives without taking care of the children they produce,” she declared. “Polygamy is triggering street children in South Sudan.”

She highlighted the plight of children neglected by their fathers with too many dependents.

“How can you manage to provide food and other basic needs to the children of 20 wives?” she asked, emphasizing the difficulties families face in such situations.

The official cited economic hardship as another key driver of the issue. With over 2,000 children dropping out of school and resorting to street life in Bentiu alone this year, Celine linked the trend to families’ inability to afford daily meals.

Bentiu town, Bentiu IDP camp, and Rubkona town were mentioned by the senior government official as areas particularly affected. She said that early marriages and pregnancies were also contributing factors.

“Pregnant and underage marriages are fueling street children in many cases,” she stated, urging communities to discourage such practices as young individuals often lack the resources to raise children responsibly.

The official further urged parents to take greater responsibility for their children and called for stricter measures to prevent children from resorting to street life.

“I urge parents to take care of their children to abolish street children in public markets,” Peter stated, “and the state government should impose strong measures to abolish street children from joining street life.”

The situation highlights the complex interplay of cultural practices, economic hardship, and family dynamics in contributing to the issue of street children in South Sudan.