The Lost Boys of Sudan

The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 marked the end of Africa's  longest civil war between the government of Sudan and Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA). A few years prior to the signing of the CPA, the SPLA started to demobilize children from their ranks. South Sudan is now an independent state and demobilization is still going on. This study examines the reintegration process of the demobilized youth into life as civilians and students in schools in Malakal, South Sudan. The main findings of the study shows that in general, Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (CAAFG) do not get specific attention in Malakal. However, there are both international and national policy documents that address them. They are labeled and stigmatized by the society and some suffer from trauma. Half of them have lost one or both parents and they struggle to get money for school and basic living. They are the future of South Sudan and need a good education to rebuild Africas 54th state which got its independence July 9th 2011.