Small arms are the major risk to security in most parts of the Republic of South Sudan and civilians use them to kidnap girls and steal cattle.
Tonj mayor Joseph Anei said youths use small arms given to them to protect their livestock from external aggression in cattle raids, Don Bosco FM reported.He added that the guns in the hands of unauthorized civilians created much havoc and loss of human lives especially among the Dinka people.
Mr. Anei said his county administration formed peace committees in all payams to oversee conflicts as part of intervention strategies.
He remarked that police stations received new officers and numerous guns, including tear gas, to help dispersing fighting crowds.
Mr. Anei urged all civilians to maintain peace for the benefit of the nation.