Citizens in Sudan’s South Kordofan, Blue Nile, East Darfur, and West Kordofan States have expressed dissatisfaction about the proliferation of arms in the hands of citizens and militia, saying it contributed to surging crime rates.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, several citizens reported increasing crime rate due to the proliferation of arms, saying military garrisons are built near residential areas.

“First of all, we can say that the proliferation of arms in the hands of the citizens has caused insecurity” said one of the citizens. “Now all tribes in South Darfur have sophisticated guns, and this is dangerous, this has caused tribal conflicts,” he added.  

The locals called on the local authorities to collect the guns from the citizens and demobilize the militias, while urging the government to protect the citizens and their property.