The South Sudan army is drafting new elements by force in some parts of Unity State.
Local witnesses told SCR News that SPLA soldiers were making a house-to-house search for young men in Leer since Thursday.The soldiers even attempted to round up some teachers attending an in job training session.
The forced conscripts were gathered at the Commissioner’s compound. However, students and teachers were later released. Only unemployed young men remained under military watch until they had their names taken.
Commissioner Stephen Gaker said the recruitment was a normal procedure.
He told SCR News correspondent that the government of South Sudan wanted 342 young recruits from Leer County and almost the same number also from the other counties.
He added that the conscripts were not taken by force, but volunteered.
There was some shooting during the ongoing operation but there were no reported casualties.