The authorities’ campaign to collect weapons in the western sector of South Kordofan earlier this month saw a weak response from the citizens. 

A number of sources in the Misseriya homeland told Radio Tamazuj that the campaign led by the security authorities made little difference in spite of financial incentives promised by the security services in return for handing over weapons. They pointed out that not more than ten people so far have handed over their guns at the headquarters of Division 10 in Babanusa.

The aim of the on-going campaign is to collect from civilians heavy weapons such as Doshkas, RPGs and machine guns.

Civilians have made their surrender of weapons contingent on improvements in security in the region and resolution of tribal conflict and the war in the state. The state’s central and eastern parts are affected by the war against SPLA-N insurgents while the far western section saw heavy fighting between sections of the Misseriya Arabs and Rizeigat Arabs of Darfur last month.  

Radio Tamazuj learnt that the commander of the Division 10 Major General Kamal Maaruf held a meeting with native administration leaders urging the surrender of guns in civilian hands. One of the leaders reportedly openly disagreed with him over whether the situation was secure enough for disarmament.

Security authorities have announced that the campaign which began last week will continue until the end of November. Civilians will be subject to inspections after the campaign ends and could be fined or face other legal consequences for having kept their weapons.