Joint forces ordered to disarm civilians in greater Tonj

The Chief of Defence Forces, General Santino Deng Wol, has ordered the deployment of joint security forces to Greater Tonj in Warrap State to disarm civilians and recover illegal firearms.

General Deng Wol announced the deployment during a briefing with joint forces comprising the SSPDF, police, national security services and other agencies at Giada Military Barracks on Friday.

The Director General of the International Security Bureau of the National Security Service also attended the briefing.

General Deng Wol said the operation will target individuals illegally possessing firearms and activities contributing to insecurity and lawlessness in Warrap State.

The military chief told the forces to deliver results, stressing that no one is above the law.

“We want to know what is happening in Warrap and you’re going to need to have results. This country has men, government and law personnel, and that’s why you are going to Warrap,” he said addressing the soldier.

“No one is above the government law. And for the ten soldiers, we want them back. If we will get them by force, let it be government. Whoever was caught will be handed over to the police and the law will follow,” he added.

Meanwhile, General Akech Tong Aleu warned the forces against misconduct and urged them to protect civilians during the operation.

“We don’t want to hear our soldiers were killed or misbehaved. The place you are going to is a place of state of emergency. Take care of the citizens and yourself. Listen to your superior,” he said.

The deployment follows a recent surge in deadly intercommunal violence and cattle raids in parts of Tonj East, Tonj South and Tonj North counties in Warrap State.

The military and the state government previously launched a disarmament operation after a state of emergency was declared in Warrap and neighbouring Mayom County. However, violence has continued.

A border dispute between communities in Gogrial East County in Warrap State and communities in Jur River County in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has also added to tensions in the area.

The military has not said when the new disarmament force will be deployed to the affected areas.