Fear and Hope in Juba: 623 Arrested in Battle Against Gang Violence

β βCentral Equatoria State (CES) security forces have arrested 623 individuals suspected of affiliation with notorious street gangs in Juba as part of a sweeping anti-crime operation across the capital . β βThe suspects are allegedly linked to high-profile gangs such as 4SGβ―Slime, Westβ―Coast, ODA, Killers Gang, Black Devils, among others. β βWhile detailed profiles of the detainees remain pending, officials emphasize the operation is in direct response to a recent surge in heinous criminal activity including a particularly disturbing gang rape in the Shirikat area of Juba, which sparked national outrage and hastened the crackdown. β βIn the wake of the arrests, CES Governor Rabiβ―Emmanuel Mujung has renewed calls for reformatory schools aimed at providing vocational training and rehabilitation for youth implicated in gang activities. β βThis includes proposals for a holistic strategy pairing enforcement with social and mental health support a key element raised during recent securi...