Members of the Eastern Equatoria Legislative Assembly have tabled a motion against the unnecessary carrying of firearms by authorised forces off duty in the state.
Angelo Lomoi Joseph, a MP representing Budi County, moved the motion citing cases of soldiers loitering with guns at drinking places and causing chaos, Emmanuel Radio reported.He said it was unacceptable for organized forces to move with guns in market places using them to settle personal scores.
The legislator cited the recent killing of Torit County commissioner’s bodyguard, Felix Otuduha.
Other MPs suggested that the state government carried out a general disarmament of civilians arguing that the region cannot develop unless illegal guns are controlled.
Speaker Ambrose Emmanuel Ocholimoi said the state can only carry voluntary disarmament like that of Lakes state.
The speaker said there is no law against illegal possession of guns in South Sudan.
He suggested that MPs should enact a law making it illegal for individuals to possess unauthorized weapons.