JUBA-South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Thursday banned off-duty soldiers from carrying guns during Christmas holidays across the country.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, SSPDF spokesman, said an off-duty soldier found with a gun during a Christmas festival would be punished.
“In coordination with other organized forces, SSPDF, as the lead security agency, has finalized and rolled out all the necessary arrangements and preparations to enhance security and protection,” Ruai told journalists.
Ruai said those found violating these directives would have their guns confiscated and face a serious charge.
“The other important announcement goes to our SSPDF and members of other organized forces that from today onward, if you are not on duty, directive and orders have been issued by CDF that put your gun in the unit store,” he added.
Ruai said ‘on-duty” would only be permitted to carry guns during this festival.
“If anybody is found carrying a gun and not on duty, that gun will be confiscated and the person will be arrested and charged,” he warned.
He urged the citizens, and foreign nationals to cooperate with security forces by reporting any suspicious activities to security organs to help curb crimes.
He, however, disclosed that the army has deployed a battalion to Tambura County of Western Equatora State where at least 13 people were killed in inter-communal conflict.
“Finally, SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces and Assistant Chief of Defense Forces for Operations/Commander of Joint Security would like to wish all the people of South Sudan a Merry Christmas and Happy Prosperous 2025 in advance,” he said.
