Northern Bahr el Ghazal alarmed by rise in abandoned newborns

JUBA – Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have raised alarm over a growing trend of young girls and women abandoning newborn babies on the streets in several towns across the state.

Speaking on the eve of International Women’s Day celebrations in Aweil Town, Police Commissioner Gabriel Guot Maliet said the practice is becoming increasingly common, particularly among girls who become pregnant through unwanted pregnancies.

Maliet said the situation is alarming, noting that some infants are being abandoned in extremely dangerous conditions.

“There is a new trend happening now. Young girls and women are giving birth and leaving the babies on the streets,” Maliet said. “One baby was found on Sunday wrapped in a polythene bag, and another is currently receiving treatment at the hospital in Aweil Town.”

He described the act as both inhumane and contrary to the cultural values of the community.

“This has never been part of our culture. It is an uncultured and inhumane act,” he said, urging families and communities to strengthen guidance and support for young girls to prevent such incidents.

The police commissioner also called on women and community leaders to play a greater role in advising young girls and discouraging such behaviour. He reflected on how communities once adopted coping mechanisms during difficult periods of war, including marrying off girls at a low bride price due to widespread hardship.

“Now it is time to act in a good spirit and avoid abandoning babies,” he said, emphasizing the need for communities to restore values that protect children and families.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the state’s Women’s Union, Agau Khon, encouraged women to focus on empowerment and economic participation as a way of addressing social challenges.

“As women, we must champion the fight for our rights and strive for competitive job opportunities,” Khon said. “We should not shy away from competing with men but instead work together to fight poverty in our communities.”

Despite the calls from authorities and women leaders, it remains unclear whether such appeals will deter the growing number of cases involving abandoned newborns in the state. Officials say community awareness and stronger family support systems will be key to addressing the troubling trend.