By James Chatim

Authorities in Warrap State on Tuesday confirmed progress as some armed youth started surrendering their weapons voluntarily to the state government.

Early this month, South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) ordered for the voluntary surrender of arms to the government, issuing a one week ultimatum between June 9 to June 16, to armed civilians to willingly give up the weapons or face forced disarmament.

The ultimatum came following President Salva Kiir’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Warrap and Mayom County due to rising communal violence and insecurity in the region.  

Speaking to The City Review on Tuesday, Mamer Bath, the Information Minister or Warrap State said some of the youth had complied with the order. However, he cautioned that those that will not comply will be dealt with according to disarmament procedures.

 “The youth are responding to the call according to the disarmament procedures,” Information Minister Bath said.

“Some of them voluntarily surrendered their weapons to the government. The government disarmament forces will deal with non-compliants,” he added.

Under the emergency measures, security forces gain expanded powers, including warrantless searches, curfews, and detentions without charge.

Speaking at the army headquarters in Juba, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said troops had already been deployed to conduct both voluntary and forced disarmament.

“In line with the immediate enforcement of the presidential decree declaring a state of emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County, the SSPDF command announces the arrival of forces tasked with conducting two types of disarmament,” he said.

 “All armed youth in Warrap State and Mayom County are given a grace period of one week to voluntarily hand over their weapons. If they fail, we will launch coordinated and simultaneous forceful disarmament.

 “The SSPDF appeals to local communities and traditional leaders to support this initiative by encouraging youth to surrender arms peacefully,” he added.

Violence and insecurity in Warrap and Mayom County is purportedly reported to stem from a combination of factors including cattle raiding and inter-communal conflicts.

In Warrap, conflicts often involve cattle raiding, disputes over land and water, and clashes between different communal sections.

While in Mayom County of Unity State, violence is also fueled by cattle raiding and revenge killings.