Disarmament exercise launched in Wau ahead of December elections
Authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal State have launched a disarmament exercise in Wau County to improve security ahead of the December electoral process.
State Police Spokesperson Colonel Santino Udhol Mayen said the exercise began on Tuesday and targets civilians illegally possessing firearms.
He said the exercise follows the integration of former armed forces into the national army and other organised security institutions.
“There’s just an ongoing disarmament process going on. This has been declared a since last year by the president. The same disarmament is ongoing. And also, the same things have been taking place on this side of Tonj County,” he said.
Mayen said anyone holding a firearm without authorisation is subject to disarmament. He added that the exercise is progressing without major security incidents.
The police spokesperson described the security situation in Wau town and the neighbouring counties of Raja and Jur River as relatively calm, with residents going about their daily activities.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces, saying the exercise aims to protect civilians and promote peaceful coexistence.
“So, I want to ask the population to remain calm, cooperate with the organized forces. This is being done to make sure that our civilians are living in peace with their neighbours. They should not see any random movement of people with unauthorized guns. That’s why the government is taking this,” he stated.
“And this is the resolution and initiative by the state government to make sure that the population of Western Bhar El Ghazal State should go celebrate the December and the December election process without any disturbance.”
Mayen also urged residents to report suspicious activities to the police or the nearest security checkpoint.
He said the exercise is part of efforts to implement the president’s disarmament directive and allow residents to take part in the December electoral process peacefully.
