Aweil East bans 9 hotels over sex trafficking and poor standards

Authorities in Aweil East County in the northern state of Bahr el-Ghazal have closed down nine hotels and lodges over sex trafficking, poor standards and illegal practices.

The repression took place in the main market and in the densely populated residential area of ​​Wanyjok, where various goods were also sold.

Aweil East County Commissioner Diing Aher Ngong confirmed in an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that nine hotels in Wanyjok were closed after a safety committee meeting on Tuesday. The hotels did not meet quality standards and promoted sexual immorality, which is against Dinka Malual norms.

“We have issued notices against nine hotels built with grass and other local materials in Wanyjok market. I have instructed their owners to build concrete structures if they want to continue their business, as the grass structures are prone to fire accidents, leading to heavy losses,” Ngong said.

“Another reason for the closure is sex trafficking involving underage girls, boys and some adults. We have arrested more than 70 children and adults who participated in the sexual activities in the hotels and have brought them to justice,” he added.

A community member from Aweil East County, who asked not to be named, strongly criticized the county government for closing the hotels, saying the hotels had to remain open because they only accommodate travelers.

The source explained that there was nothing wrong with their standards as they reflected the reality in South Sudan.

“The ban by the Aweil East County Commissioner is wrong because the hotels are similar to other hotels elsewhere. There is no problem if the hotels are built with local materials considering the situation in South Sudan,” the source said.

Angelina Agau Thiep, an activist from Aweil, supported the suspension.

“I totally agree that these hotels promote social destruction and prostitution in our state,” she said.

Article 17 of the Constitution of South Sudan defines a child as anyone under the age of 18.

Under the Child Act 2008, every child has the right to be protected from sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, including but not limited to rape, incest and inciting or coercing a child to witness or participate in sexual activity.