Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Communities in Tonj North County in South Sudan’s Warrap State have demanded comprehensive disarmament within and beyond the county to protect youth who surrendered their weapons from those who remain armed.
This follows a communal clash on Monday that killed 11 people and left over 20 critically injured.
Paramount Chief Ayii Agiu Kuol of the Nooh community criticised partial disarmament, which has left some communities vulnerable to raids.
“I urged my youth to surrender their guns, and they handed over 15, with more to come. We’re working to convince them,” Kuol said.
The recent violence raised concerns that the declared disarmament, alongside a six-month state of emergency, may not resolve ongoing feuds.
Tonj North County Commissioner Mawein Akec Mawein called on youth to comply with the presidential decree, dismissing claims that their communities would become vulnerable.
“A thorough disarmament is needed. Last week’s cattle raids happened due to partial disarmament, but state authorities are coordinating with national leadership,” he said.
Mr. Mawein noted that one critically injured person, airlifted to Juba for treatment by South Sudan’s Red Cross, succumbed to injuries, raising the death toll to 11.
Warrap State’s press secretary, Makor Mangok Kuot, affirmed the state’s commitment to the presidential orders.
“The orders are effective, and we’re implementing complete disarmament within six months. We urge youth who haven’t surrendered their weapons to do so,” Mangok said.
Residents in Tonj North expressed frustration over the lack of comprehensive disarmament, particularly extending to Mayom County in Unity State, where armed youth allegedly originated last week.
It remains uncertain whether the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) will enforce forceful disarmament if youth on both sides fail to comply.
Tensions remain high in Tonj North County amid violent cattle raids with armed youth from Mayom County in Unity State, despite the imposition of the state of emergency by President Salva Kiir.
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