Backlash in Aweil as residents decry alleged military conscription

AWEIL – Residents of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State capital, Aweil, have voiced growing opposition to what they describe as forceful conscription of young men into the military, amid viral social media claims that local authorities are enlisting youth for frontline deployment in an escalating conflict.

The allegations have sparked public anger, with some residents accusing the state government of recruiting their sons for a war they consider unjustified.

A youth who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, and preferred to be identified as Simon Peter, described the alleged recruitment drive as unfair and dangerous.

“What the government is trying to do through the 3rd Infantry Division in Wunyiik is a bad move. They are luring people into the army and sending them to the frontlines for no cause. What are we defending the nation from?” he asked.

He further accused authorities of using young people to protect political interests. “They are acting to protect their seats. Now they are using a ploy to drag youth into a disservice — fighting our brothers in Nuer land for what reason?” he said.

Another resident, who gave the name Bol Emmanuel, said memories of past recruitment drives remain fresh and painful in Aweil. He recalled the 2013 call-up that led to the formation of the Mathiang-Anyor militia, which resulted in heavy youth casualties.

“The last call-up that created Mathiang-Anyor is something Aweil cannot endure again. We lost many young people during the 2013 and 2016 wars. We cannot protect the nation alone. Why is Aweil always on the frontline?” he asked.

As debate intensifies in the community, some residents claim that young men already serving in the army have been disembarking from vehicles before reaching frontline areas, fearing redeployment.
The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State government has strongly denied the allegations of forced recruitment.

In a press statement seen by this outlet, the state’s Minister of Information and spokesperson, Gabriel Deng Yel, dismissed the claims as misleading.

“The Government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State categorically rejects the unfounded allegations circulating on social media about mass recruitment of citizens. Such allegations are baseless and intended to mislead the public,” the statement read.

The minister clarified that the directive in question was issued by the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division and concerns disciplinary measures targeting soldiers who left service but remain on the payroll without returning to duty after official leave.

“This process commenced before General Charles Madut Akol was appointed governor on December 11, 2025, and strictly concerns disciplinary matters, not forced military recruitment,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, community voices continue to express distrust. Aweil elder Garang Deng Aguer last week issued a statement echoing residents’ concerns, urging national leaders to address rising hate speech targeting the Aweil community and calling for peace-building among neighbouring states, including Warrap and Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

As tensions simmer, it remains unclear how long the controversy over alleged enlistment will persist, especially as reports emerge of soldiers leaving frontline positions, abandoning equipment and uniforms — a sign of growing unease within the ranks.