The Government of South Sudan through its joint operation forces in Juba has collected 230 weapons including 64 Pistols from households during the recent disarmaments at Juba Capital.
To address the growing threat of armed violence, the government of South Sudan, through the Joint Operation Forces, launched a national disarmament campaign in 2023. The initiative aims to collect illegal firearms from civilians, reduce crime, and strengthen community safety across the country.
This month, the Joint Operation Forces reported significant progress in the campaign after seizing more than 200 weapons within the capital, Juba. The confiscated arms included ammunition, machine guns, pistols, Arrows known as (Danga), Knaves (Sakakin), and Pangas.
Speaking during a press briefing, the South Sudan People’s Defense Force Operation Commander Lt. Gen. Koang Thou said the disarmament exercise is part of the government’s broader effort to “restore peace, stability, and public confidence in state security institutions.”
Lt. Gen. Kaong stated that the guns belonging to SSPDF are 49, National Security 40, Police 35, Numberless 15, No name 68, unconfirmed Unit 22 making the total of 230 plus 64 pistols.
The operation commander explained that unformed units are those who might have in uniform and do not belong to any unit of the forces, but claiming to be a soldier.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police Gen. Abraham Manyuat Peter thanks the joint operation forces for the effort they are doing in collecting the guns in the hands of civilians in the city. Adding that anyone who is a soldier should always keep his or her gun in their unit.
He emphasized that anyone keeping a gun in the house is counted as a criminal, citing that this exercise will continue to make sure that the criminal act is cleared in Juba.
Manyuat described the Red Belt as a criminal group citing that there is no need for any civilians to take law in his or her hand to protect citizens in the State.
The Chief of Defense Force General Paul Nang Majok ordered the operation commander not give back any guns which are numberless including unconfirmed ones, adding that unless those join the army.
“Unknown should not be given back because we don’t know who hold the gun, unconfirmed, anyone taking gun and move with it in the area is the responsibility of the operation, such person the operation should look for, if he or she does not have unit should be taken to any unit which is okay with the person.”
General Nang described the “red Belt” as one of criminal actors” who are destroying the country claiming to be protecting the community but have ranks and guns.
“I told the red belt that anyone who wants to become a soldier should join the army, and anyone who doesn’t want to become a soldier should surrender the gun to the army and remain as civilians,” He added.
He also ordered the investigators to investigate those who were found with the machine gun called LG to know where they got the weapons from, adding that it’s one of the most dangerous guns which is not supposed to be kept in the houses.
The Chief of Defense Force commended the joint operation for the job they are doing in Juba, encouraging them to continue with the operation in a peaceful manner.
“For South Sudan to move forward, we must ensure that guns are no longer in the hands of civilians,” the spokesperson said. “Disarmament is not about punishment it is about protecting our people and building a peaceful future.”
However, the campaign has also faced challenges. Some residents have expressed fears that handing over their weapons could leave them vulnerable to attacks in areas where local disputes remain unresolved.
Despite these challenges, the recent seizure marks a major milestone for the Joint Operation Forces. Security experts say that if sustained, the campaign could help pave the way for lasting peace and development in the world’s youngest nation.
As South Sudan continues its journey toward recovery, disarmament is being viewed as a crucial step toward ending years of violence and restoring hope among communities long affected by war.