The alarm was raised on Wednesday by Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan and Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, who accused some members of the security forces of gross misconduct since the exercise began in late October.
Bol’s statement followed the circulation of a video showing an elderly woman being threatened at gunpoint by a man believed to be an officer of the National Security Service (NSS).
The officer allegedly demanded money from the woman during a house search. The disturbing footage, which has gone viral on social media, has intensified public condemnation of the operation.
According to Bol, what was meant to be a community safety initiative has instead turned into a source of fear for civilians.
“This exercise was, from the start, marred by unprofessional conduct from some security forces, including intimidation, extortion of money and other assets, and violence against unarmed civilians,” Bol said.
He further revealed that humanitarian workers were not spared, with some reporting harassment during door-to-door searches.
The Executive Director described the incident involving the elderly woman as just one example of a broader pattern of abuse.
“She pleaded for her life, and it was overwhelming for her and her family,” he said. “She is not the only one—many similar cases, some undocumented, have happened and are still happening throughout the operation.”
The civil society leader called on the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Governor of Jonglei State to urgently investigate the reported abuses and hold those responsible accountable.
“We are alarmed that this process is quickly veering off its mandate and inflicting both physical and psychological harm on citizens,” Bol added.
He also appealed to residents of Bor town to remain vigilant, look out for one another, and report any incidents of abuse to civil society organizations for documentation and follow-up.
The disarmament campaign, launched in late October to reduce the circulation of illegal firearms, has faced mounting criticism from local communities and observers who accuse security forces of using excessive force and acting without oversight.
What began as a government-led effort to restore peace and stability in Bor County is now drawing backlash over alleged human rights violations and a growing sense of fear among civilians.
The disarmament exercise in Jonglei follows the declaration of the community vigilante group, the Red Belt, as a rebel by CDF Gen. Paul Nang in late October. The government also initially clarified that force will be used during disarmament when there is resistance.
However, the situation on the ground paints a different picture, that of citizens facing abuse despite compliance with security protocol.
