The disarmament campaign, targeting the state capital Malakal, began on Tuesday, April 22, in response to recent clashes and escalating security concerns.  

By Chuol Chanyong

Security agencies in Upper Nile State said they have confiscated approximately 500 illegal weapons, including Kalashnikov (AK-47) rifles and PKM machine guns, within just 24 hours of launching a house-to-house disarmament operation in the city of Malakal.  

James Koang Chuol, the Governor of Upper Nile State, said the operation aims to restore law and order by removing weapons from unauthorized individuals. “We conducted this operation in Malakal due to the high influx of weapons. Many people in the city were carrying arms, so we decided, in coordination with security agencies, to launch a disarmament   campaign,” he said as quoted by the Eye Radio

“The disarmament was successful, as we collected all weapons, even from employees in government offices.”  

The disarmament campaign, targeting the state capital Malakal, began on Tuesday, April 22, in response to recent clashes and escalating security concerns.  

According to Governor Koang, the security operation was a direct response to recent clashes across the state and areas surrounding Malakal, which heightened tensions among residents.  

However, Koang confirmed that the situation has now stabilized, stating, “Our goal is to ensure no individual possesses weapons without a license. The campaign collected around 500 weapons, ranging from Kalashnikovs to PKMs, all from private homes.”  

The disarmament campaign is part of broader efforts by state authorities to disarm civilians, rebuild public trust in law enforcement, and promote lasting peace in Malakal and surrounding areas.

End of military operations in Upper Nile

Meanwhile, the governor announced the end of military operations in the area, a day after the SSPDF captured Ulang and Nasir from the White Army.

“Now the military operations in Ulang and Nasir have ended, what remains is the role of humanitarian work,” he said.

This is what the youth and I will do; we will focus on the citizens’ return to their homes and start with the humanitarian support.”

He made the statement while addressing a group of youth in the area on Tuesday, who had come to thank the government for restoring peace in the area.

Governor Koang appreciated the youth for supporting peace and stability in the state and expressed hope for the great contributions of the youth towards the state’s development process.

“We commend the role played by the youth of the state during this period, especially as the military role has come to an end,” he stated.

 “My sincere appreciation to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the local authorities in the state for continuing their role in defending the state.”

The youth called on civilians who fled those towns to return home and go about their daily activities, as security forces remain steadfast in protecting them and their property.  

Impressed by the youth’s call for peace, Governor Koang assured them of his administration’s commitment to improving service delivery and promoting unity among the state’s diverse communities

“Now the military operations in Ulang and Nasir have ended, what remains is the role of humanitarian work,” said James Koang Chuol, the Governor of Upper Nile State.