Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The government of South Sudan’s Warrap State has withheld the salaries of 12 civil servants in response to the alleged forcible seizure of weapons from military personnel by unidentified suspects. The decision aims to pressure those involved to return the stolen arms.
On Wednesday, Mr. Malith Marach Mawien, the Acting Director General of Wildlife in Warrap State, confirmed to this publication from Kuajok that a special committee has been established to investigate the incident.
The committee was tasked with determining the whereabouts of the weapons, which were reportedly taken by force from military personnel in various locations across the state, including Gogrial West and Tonj.
The 12 implicated civil servants have been given a one-month ultimatum to return the weapons, failing which their salaries will remain withheld.
“The salaries cannot be released until the weapons are returned,” Marach stated firmly. “I urge those whose names are on the government’s list of suspects, particularly government employees from Gogrial West, Tonj, or other areas in Warrap State, to comply. If you know you are accused of taking these weapons, return them immediately, or you will not receive your salary. This money belongs to the government, and we will enforce accountability.”
The decision comes amid ongoing security challenges in Warrap State, which has been plagued by violent conflicts, banditry, cattle theft, and ambushes.
Last month, members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) were ambushed and disarmed by unidentified assailants, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such incidents. The proliferation of illegal weapons has exacerbated these issues, prompting the state government to adopt stringent measures to curb the violence and recover the stolen arms.
In addition to withholding salaries, the Warrap State government is implementing other measures to address the situation, though specific details on these actions were not disclosed.
The committee’s investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the seizure of the weapons and identify those responsible. Authorities hope that these efforts will deter further acts of violence and restore stability in the region.
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