Army retrieves illegal firearms in South Sudan’s Juba

By James Gatdet Dak

September 10, 2009 (JUBA) – Security forces have retrieved thousands of illegally possessed firearms after a comprehensive dawn search of weapons in the semi-autonomous Southern Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Wednesday.

The search that caught Juba residents by surprise was jointly carried out jointly by the forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and other organized forces.

Several thousands of SPLA and police forces were involved in the operation in a house to house search that also targeted vehicles.

Businesses and schools were also closed and movement of people and vehicles was restricted.

Government officials and private business personnel were also prevented from reporting to their offices as their vehicles were being searched and turned back by the forces along the streets.

Thousands of illegally and privately owned weapons including RPGs, PKMs, Kalashnikovs and pistols were retrieved in the town’s residential areas.

Among them also included 12.7 anti-aircraft weapons privately owned by individuals.

The minister of Internal Affairs, Gier chuang Aluong, said the operation was aimed at freeing the town from armed criminal activities.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune by phone, Majak Kuol, a resident of Juba in Atlabara B, said they started a cordon and search operation in the town early this morning. He added the joint operation by the SSPS and SPLA was a peaceful exercise acknowledging having been restricted movement.

An official from the ministry of information who did not want to be named said advisory messages were on Monday sent out to head of departments in various ministries to inform their staff of the conduct.

The same message was extended to all heads of the United Nations agencies including UNMIS to advice their personnel living in and around Juba town of the conduct of this exercise so that they stay in their residence until further notice.

A ring leader of a criminal gang group that was believed to be responsible for a series of killings in the town was also arrested on Monday.

He was identified by the authorities as a former member of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).

This successful operation to get rid of the weapons in the town also came two days before the Friday’s expected conference of dozens of political parties in Juba.

Authorities said the disarmament exercise will continue to all the other areas and states in the region.

(ST)

Ngor Arol Garang contributed to this report