South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Chief Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok on Monday issued an order banning military personnel with firearms unless they are on official duty.
A press statement issued by the army spokesperson, Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, said that directives are for immediate execution and that those who contravene them will face punitive measures.
“On movement, the SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces hereby bans unauthorized movement of security personnel with individual/unit firearms. However, individuals/units on official mission/duty are exempted on presentation of an authenticated Departure Order,” the statement reads in part. “Individuals/units in transit with firearms and without Departure Order will have their weapons/equipment confiscated as well and will face both administrative/punitive measures depending on the nature of the offence committed.”
“On registration of firearms, all armed civilians, especially those in areas under the control of government/SSPDF, are hereby directed to immediately commence registration of individual/clan-owned weapons,” the statement added.
The army chief also directed traditional chiefs, boma, payam, and county authorities to conduct and oversee the registration processes.
“After registration of individual/clan-owned weapons is completed, bearers/owners would be allowed to return to their respective areas/villages with their guns,” the press release reads. “While the registration exercise is in progress, armed civilians are only allowed to move with individual/group firearms in areas under their jurisdictions. Individual gun owners are given one month within which to register their guns.”
“After registration, gun owners are directed to voluntarily hand over their guns to concerned authorities at previously designated registration centers,” the statement emphasized, and stated that failure to voluntarily hand over registered guns would result in the conduct of forceful disarmament.
The SSPDF promised to provide maximum protection and security to the disarmed population during and after the comprehensive disarmament is conducted.
“The SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces, would like to renew calls for the rank and file of SPLA-IO soldiers, specifically those who had gone into hiding and the ones scattered all over, to report to the nearest government/SSPDF outposts/barracks in order to resume their normal duties,” the directive stated. “SPLA-IO forces around Juba are directed to report to Digali Training Center for further directives.”
“SSPDF forces are hereby directed to cease all forms of hostilities towards friendly SPLA-IO forces at designated cantonment areas and individuals going about their normal businesses/activities,” the statement concluded.