A video showing the acting mayor of Juba City slapping a female street vendor has sparked outrage among women’s rights activists. While these activists recognize the Central Equatoria Government’s efforts in improving Juba City and appreciate the acting mayor’s recent initiatives, they are deeply concerned about his violent behavior.
The video captures the acting mayor not only assaulting a female vendor but also threatening other vendors with a pistol near the Seventh-Day Roundabout.
Reacting to this, a joint statement by 11 women’s rights activists and organizations said,
“We observed with great concern the acting mayor’s unacceptable behavior which constitutes a violation of human rights. We demand his immediate removal and legal action against him.”
They further demanded a public apology.
“The acting mayor should publicly apologize to the assaulted female vendor and to all South Sudanese women for failing to respect their dignity and equal rights,” they added.
Moreover, the activists urged the national and state governments to ensure that any official who abuses or violates human rights is held accountable. They also emphasized the need for designated areas for female vendors to sell their products, ensuring their economic well-being.
Prominent groups like Women Organization for Justice and Equality, Women Empowerment Initiative South Sudan, and Alba Foundation for Women and Girls, among others, have endorsed these demands. The activists believe that action from the state government is crucial to ensure the safety and respect of its citizens.
