On Monday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang announced the government’s plan to implement both voluntary and forced disarmament in Mayom County and Warrap State to curb criminal activities, including cattle raiding and revenge killings.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions among Unity State residents, prompting calls for a peaceful disarmament process amid the ongoing political crisis. The initiative is scheduled to begin in six months.
Youth leaders support the government’s decision to collect firearms from civilians who are taking the law into their own hands. However, they warn that the process must remain constitutional and not be exploited by the army to commit abuses in communities.
“Disarmament is not inherently bad, but we urge the government to ensure it is nonviolent,” Thiep said. “Sometimes, when the army arrives, some soldiers act independently, ignoring directives from security headquarters. This can lead to incidents like rape or indiscriminate shootings.”
Thiep acknowledged problematic youth activities, such as cattle raiding, which he said undermine peace in the country. He believes removing guns from unauthorised individuals will enhance security and foster better relations between Unity State and its neighbours.
Youth leaders also cautioned that the disarmament should not be limited to Mayom and Warrap states. They advocate for a nationwide effort across all ten states to prevent armed youth in other regions, such as the Ruweng Administrative Area, from exploiting disarmed communities.
“If only Mayom or Warrap youth are disarmed, others, like those in Ruweng, will still have weapons,” Thiep explained. “A nationwide disarmament is necessary for fairness and effectiveness.”
Thiep noted that his leadership and local authorities have already begun engaging youth to voluntarily surrender their firearms before the government’s process starts. Some youth leaders have agreed to participate in the voluntary collection.
“This year, our youth have become increasingly hostile, crossing borders to raid cattle from neighbouring Warrap State,” he said.
Maj Gen. Lul stated that forceful disarmament operates under a presidential decree declaring a state of emergency. Youth in Mayom and Warrap have been given one week to voluntarily surrender their weapons to civilian authorities.
“All armed youth must comply with the presidential decree, or they will face harsh and punitive measures,” Lul warned.
Some residents accuse unnamed politicians of supplying civilians with weapons used in criminal activities. Last year, UNMISS documented 1,019 violent incidents affecting 3,657 civilians, with 1,561 killed and 1,299 injured.
