KUAJOK – Authorities in Gogrial East County in South Sudan’s Warrap State have issued a stern directive targeting youth gambling, with the new County Commissioner, William Dechak, announcing an immediate ban on dominoes and similar games he says promote idleness and fuel conflict.
Commissioner Dechak, who took office this week, said the directive is part of his broader plan to encourage productivity among young people and curb behaviours he believes undermine development. He warned that any youth found loitering or playing gambling games during productive hours will face consequences.
“I have made it crystal clear that nobody should be seen playing dominoes when he is supposed to be doing something productive for himself or his family,” Dechak said.
According to the commissioner, the order aims to redirect the energy of young people into activities that contribute to the county’s growth. Those who defy the ban, he warned, will be taken to the riverbanks to join brick-making teams whose work supports public infrastructure development.
Local reactions have been mixed. Some youth welcomed the move, saying it could help steer their peers toward responsibility. Deng Gabriel, a resident, praised the decision and urged young people to embrace it.
“This order will help us focus on supporting our families. Some youths used to stay out late doing nothing useful,” he said. “It will also reduce frequent fights over gambling losses.”
Chief Garang Thiek, an elder, also backed the directive, noting that gambling has distracted young men from traditional responsibilities such as herding cattle. “Some young people refuse to do their duties at home, even looking after cows. When someone sits at a game all day, the cows can get lost,” he said.
However, not all young people agree. Several, who declined to be interviewed openly, expressed concerns that banning gambling could push some into crime, as they rely on small winnings for income.
“Some will cause havoc. Let them wait and see the results of this directive,” one youth said anonymously.
With limited job opportunities across South Sudan, many youths turn to betting and domino games to make small profits. Some residents are urging the government to focus on creating industries and employment opportunities, rather than punishing those struggling to find work.
