Over seven rape cases reported in Yambio on festive season

YAMBIO – The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State has launched an investigation into a spate of rape allegations reported in and around Yambio during the recent Christmas and New Year festive season, raising renewed concerns about gender-based violence in the state.

In a statement issued on 5 January 2026, the ministry confirmed that at least seven women have reported being raped in separate incidents between late December 2025 and early January 2026.

Two of the alleged assaults reportedly occurred in Yambio town during the Christmas period, while a third case involved a minor who accused a soldier of raping her on 28 and 30 December 2025.

Inspector Oliver Paiyansi, an officer attached to the ministry’s Special Care Unit, said the reported cases also include incidents from the Ibba area, suggesting that the problem is not limited to the state capital.

He said all survivors who came forward were taken to a special care unit and referred to women-led organisations for psychosocial support, counselling, and legal assistance.

“The support we are providing includes counselling, trauma healing services, and linking survivors with partners for legal procedures,” Paiyansi said.

He added that the festive season often presents heightened risks, as increased social activities, alcohol consumption, and reduced family supervision can expose women and girls to abuse.

Paiyansi noted that underreporting remains a major challenge, driven by fear, stigma, and the widespread practice of families seeking financial settlements instead of pursuing justice through formal legal channels.

The ministry, he said, is working to improve community awareness and communication, encouraging survivors and witnesses to report cases without fear of reprisal.

The Director of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in WES, Livia Constantino, echoed these concerns, citing difficulties in accessing some communities and convincing families to cooperate with authorities.

“Our priority is to provide psychosocial support and ensure that survivors receive the care they need,” she said, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Meanwhile, Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong said police were yet to receive full details regarding some of the reported incidents, but pledged to follow up.

“We have not yet received the details and information about the two women who were raped, but we will make sure that if that is true, the perpetrators will be held accountable,” he said.

The ministry has not disclosed the identities of the suspects, and no arrests or convictions have been reported to date. Authorities say investigations are ongoing in coordination with law enforcement agencies.

The reported incidents have reignited public concern over the safety of women and girls in Western Equatoria, particularly during festive periods, with officials calling for stronger protection mechanisms and a collective effort to break the silence surrounding sexual violence.