Police in Aweil detain over 100 youths over “inappropriate” clothing

AWEL – Police and security forces in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, detained over 100 young men on Wednesday for wearing clothing and hairstyles deemed “inappropriate” by authorities.

Pick-up trucks patrolled markets and business districts from morning until noon, apprehending youths with earrings and dreadlocks.

The operation reportedly followed directives from Inspector General Atem Marol Biar, who recently visited the Greater Bahr el Ghazal state.

An anonymous eyewitness told Sudans Post those authorities accused the youths of adopting “Western styles” and being part of disruptive groups.

“They were punched and thrown into vehicles already full of officers,” the eyewitness recounted. “The vehicles went to Maper-Akot-Aru market and returned with young men who looked distressed and confused about the accusations.”

The eyewitness added that some detainees appeared to be unaware of the new dress code, potentially recent returnees.

Attempts to reach state officials for comment were unsuccessful. The ministry of information directed inquiries to the police, but the spokesperson was unavailable.

The crackdown has sparked dismay among young people, who claim limited or no prior communication regarding the ban on specific clothing and earrings, beyond an earlier announcement this year.