The Ministry of Public Service plans to retire the older
workforce, according to a report it has shared with the Office of the President.
On Monday, the minister handed over to President Salva Kiir the
report, whose full details are yet to be made public.
However, Dak Duop Bichiok says the ministry is working on
the process of retiring the older workforce to pave way for recruitment of
young people into the public service.
“The Minister expressed optimism that the retrenchment plan
will help the government improve service delivery in the country,” reads a
statement posted on the presidential Facebook page.
South Sudan youth unemployment rate for 2022 was 19.21%, a
0.69% decline from 2021, according to reports.
Like in most countries, young people in South Sudan are
faced with many challenges, including lack of employment, education, and limited
participation in decision making as they are systematically excluded due to
their age and assumptions that they are inexperienced.
Senior government officials are often accused of sidelining
the youth because they did not participate in the liberation struggle.
“Where were you during the 21-year civil war?” Some leaders are often quoted.
Such a situation has led to frustration among youth and has contributed to youth engaging in violence.