South Sudan’s government has agreed to ban the National Security Service from carrying rifles, AK-47s or other kinds of assault rifles or heavy weapons in Juba, per the terms of a new security agreement signed in Addis Ababa this week.
Members of the National Security Service (NSS) may only carry pistols and they also may not wear military uniforms while inside Juba.
The decision comes in line with the terms of the August peace agreement for demilitarizing Juba.
“The NSS shall not wear military uniform or any other security force uniforms while inside the 25km zone around Juba and shall be limited to the carriage of side arms (pistols) only. All other weapons shall remain in armories,” reads Article 6.8 of the Minutes of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Workshop.
The document was signed on behalf of the government by Lt-Gen. Malek Ruben.