The command of the 3rd division of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has threatened to carry out forceful disarmament in the areas under its command and control, pledging to provide protection and security to those who have decided to voluntarily hand over their weapons in Gogrial.
The Commander of SPLA’s Third Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Santino Deng Wol welcomed the disarmament on Friday, saying the SPLA and police will jointly provide security to civilians. He added that those who have not handed over their weapons will be forcefully disarmed by the SPLA and that they will not accept any excuses.
The SPLA’s third division was reacting to a request by the authorities in Gogrial State to collect thousands of ammunition and hundreds of firearms from civilians following a week-long disarmament exercise. More than 700 guns were collected from five counties of Apuk East, Apuk West, Apuk South, Aguok North and Aguok Central and the state capital Kuacjok.
Speaking to the media on Friday jointly with the state officials and county commissioners, the county commissioners urged civilians to voluntarily hand over their weapons to the state government, asserting they will not support whoever resists the disarmament exercise.