The report explores some of the issues facing male youth in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Bentiu Protection of Civilian (POC) site and in both urban and rural areas of Rubkona county. First, the report explores meanings of “youth” as a social category and dynamics of youth and violence in the current war. It considers ‘types’ of youth and lack of meaningful livelihoods, drawing on the different yet interrelated challenges for urban and rural youth. Second, it explores the dynamics of young men who are joining what are often referred to in South Sudan as ‘nigga’ groups in the Bentiu POC, the social meanings behind these groups and the motivations to join them, the criminalization of groups, and its tenuous connections to the wider political conflict. Third, it considers the challenges young men are facing in establishing themselves as adults with regard to marriage, cattle and bridewealth. Forth, the report discusses voluntary and forced recruitment of young people in organized armed forces, young men’s concerns and involvement in violence. The report concludes with a discussion of existing humanitarian activities targeting youth and possible recommended activities, which could motivate changes in behaviour, before offering some recommendations to DRC/DDG youth engagement programming.