WAU—The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has launched a six-month disarmament operation in Wau County of Western Bahr el Ghazal State to remove illegal firearms in the hands of civilians and improve security.
Major General Wol Dhel Theip, the SSPDF’s Fifth Infantry Division Deputy Commander overseeing the operation in Wau County, confirmed that the exercise has started as part of the implementation of a presidentially declared State of Emergency.
He said security forces would target individuals illegally possessing firearms and those using weapons to threaten residents and loot private property.
In an interview with Voice of Hope Radio, Theip said the emergency measures would also cover Warrap, Lakes and Unity states.
He urged all civilians holding unauthorised firearms to surrender them through local chiefs or the police, warning that those who refused would face action from security forces.
“Guns are dangerous to citizens and to elections. Those who take people’s things are using unlawful guns, which is why the State of Emergency is targeting unlawful guns,” he said.
The commander appealed to residents to remain calm, stay in their homes during the operation and allow disarmament teams to carry out their duties.
The operation is the latest army attempt to disarm civilians after previous campaigns struggled to collect illegal firearms.
During a January 2024 disarmament exercise in Wau town, security forces reported collecting 130 firearms. Previous efforts have faced resistance from some communities who express concern that surrendering their weapons could leave them vulnerable to attacks.
