JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) said on Monday it will launch an investigation into alleged recruitment of child soldiers.
This came after footage went viral on social media over the weekend showing SSPDF soldiers recruiting children into the army.
A shocking video showed an SSPDF officer distributing guns and uniforms to children in an unknown location in the country.
Reports indicate that the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), along with affiliated militias, are rounding up street children in major cities for forced recruitment.
Major General Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF spokesperson, stated that the military has not yet verified the authenticity of the images and videos circulating online showing children being recruited, trained, and armed.
“We are aware of the videos and photos that have been circulating on social media. As of now, we have not been conducting any recruitment involving children,” Lul told journalists at a press conference held in Juba on Monday.
“I also raised this matter with the Chief of Defense Forces this morning. It is now under review and will be subject to verification. We have mechanisms to investigate these claims.”
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict during the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hand Day.
However, a report released in April 2025 by War Child highlighted grave concerns, warning that an estimated 5.4 million children and youth in South Sudan remain vulnerable to violence and potential recruitment by armed groups due to ongoing instability.
UNICEF has also consistently raised alarms, noting that children recruited into armed forces often suffer extensive abuse and exploitation.
These children are not only forced to fight but are frequently used as porters and spies and even subjected to gender-based violence.
