JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) on Monday prohibited individuals from moving with firearms and mandated nationwide registration of weapons.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, stated that the order issued by Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Pual Nang Majok prohibits unauthorized movement of security personnel carrying either individual or unit firearms.
“On movement, the SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces hereby bans unauthorized movement of security personnel with individual or unit firearms,” Koang said in a statement issued on Monday.
Koang stated that the order exempts individuals or units engaged in an official mission or duty, provided they possess a valid military departure order.
“Individuals or units in transit with firearms and without a departure order will have their weapons or equipment confiscated as well as face both administrative and punitive measures depending on the nature of the offense committed.”
Koang stated that the chief of defense forces has mandated the registration of firearms owned by civilians within areas controlled by the government or the SSPDF.
He said that traditional chiefs, along with Boma, Payam, and county authorities, are tasked with conducting or overseeing the process of firearm registration.
“While the registration exercise is in progress, armed civilians are only allowed to move with individuals or groups in areas under their jurisdictions.”
He stated that any failure to voluntarily surrender registered firearms would lead to forceful disarmament.
“Individual gun owners are given one month within which to register their guns, and after registration, gun owners are directed to voluntarily hand over their guns to concerned authorities at previously designated registration centers.”
He stated that the SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces has reiterated calls for SPLA-IO soldiers who have gone into hiding to report to the nearest government or SSPDF outposts or barracks to resume their normal duties.
