Small arms in the hands of civilians pose a real threat to development in Southern Sudan and are responsible for poverty and food insecurity.
This is the message for the Global Week of Action against Gun Violence that started on Monday and concludes on Saturday.Stephen Pande is the contact person for South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA), an umbrella organization of civil society groups that address the question of security and small arms.
Mr. Pande told SCR News that the proliferation of small arms generates poverty and hunger.
He explained that due to insecurity people are afraid to leave their homes and cultivate their fields.
Mr. Pande said SSANSA favours voluntary disarmament after the government promotes a serious consultation with the people.
He explained that a gun in the hands of a civilian is more a source of violence than of personal security.
Mr. Pande urged civilians to hand in their guns for their own protection.
He explained that there are more guns in the hands of civilians than with the organized forces in South Sudan
SSANSA is marking the Global Week of Action against Gun Violence with an awareness campaign about the danger of small arms.
The domestic network is preparing a letter to the Government of Sudan to support an International Arms Treaty.
Mr. Pande said the letter will be presented to the public for signing during a game of basketball Saturday afternoon at Nimera Talata stadium.