South Sudan’s Military Sets Deadline for Voluntary Disarmament in Conflict Zones
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces have set a one-week deadline for armed youth in Warrap State and Mayom County to voluntarily disarm, with failure to comply resulting in forceful action. This initiative follows a state of emergency declared by President Salva Kiir amid rising violence.
In a decisive move to address escalating violence, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have set a one-week deadline for armed youth in Warrap State and Mayom County to voluntarily disarm. Announced by SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang, military personnel have already been dispatched to enforce this ultimatum, underscoring a serious push for stability in these conflict-prone areas.
This call for disarmament comes in the wake of a six-month state of emergency recently declared by President Salva Kiir. Indeed, it appears that the government is responding to increasing communal violence that plagues these regions, making security a top priority. The decree, which the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation shared, empowers the government to bolster security forces and implement necessary measures to restore order.
Major General Ruai provided details in his announcement on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need for compliance.
“In line with immediate enforcement of presidential decree on the declaration of state of emergency for six months in Warrap State and Mayom County, SSPDF command would like to announce the arrival of forces tasked with responsibility of conducting two types of disarmament, voluntary and forceful,” he stated. The urgency of the situation has made it crucial for armed youth to voluntarily surrender their weapons to civilian officials or SSPDF forces within a week.
Should individuals fail to comply by this deadline, the military will employ forceful disarmament measures, a prospect that raises concerns about potential violence. Once that grace period passes, General Ruai warned that punitive actions might be taken against those refusing to surrender their arms. “Upon the elapse of the one week grace period, SSPDF forces will launch coordinated and simultaneous forceful disarmament exercises,” he said.
In an effort to mitigate conflict, the SSPDF has called upon community leaders to play a pivotal role in encouraging the youth to peacefully hand over their weapons. Their message is clear: resistance to disarmament could exacerbate instability and lead to further turmoil in the region. The situation is tense, and the coming week will be critical for the safety and peace in these areas of South Sudan.
In summary, South Sudan’s military has initiated a one-week voluntary disarmament period for armed youth in specific conflict zones, following an emergency state declaration due to rising violence. Major General Ruai stresses that failure to comply will result in forceful disarmament, and community cooperation is encouraged to prevent further unrest. The coming week is pivotal as South Sudan grapples with these security challenges.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
