200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
By Bonifacio Taban Kuich
October 31, 2011 (BENTIU) – Payinjiar county, one of the counties of Unity state most affected by illegal arms, has been peacefully taking part in a disarmament programme.
The programme, which took place with the support of local chiefs has now assembled 200 AK 47 machine guns.
A Unity state-wide disarmament programme began in September.
A meeting was conducted earlier in October attended by the commissioner of Payinjiar county, Peter Gai Joak; the South Sudan People’s Army (SPLA) Brig. Gen. Peter Hoth Chuol; and 15 district chiefs.
In his address to the local chiefs, Joak said “we want these rampant killings to come into an end and the community will return back to their normal lives.”
“It is only South Sudan’s national army that has the right to possess arms for the defence of the country,” he added.
Hoth, the head of the disarmament forces, appealed to the people to “work hand in hand so that all arms are collected.”
The chiefs expressed their gratitude towards those involved in the disarmament.
A team from the UN Mission in South Sudan visited the county this week to observe the progress of the programme.
Cattle related conflict continues to be significant threat in the region. In September a raid in Warrap state 30 people were killed.
The South Sudan army was engaged in a similar disarmament operation in Lakes state in September.
In October clashes with the rebel group, South Sudan Liberation / Movement have left in multiple civilian casualties in Unity state.
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Nuerone Mafitabu
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
That is good,Thanks for those who are collecting those gun.
Every were in south sudan is having guns,the most places is those animals keepers.
Gunkills
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
The team that carriage collection of illegal weapons should be aware. There are some others who have more then one gun and when the collection of guns come. They gives one gun to show he have given his gun while, he have remain with one gun to keep terrorizing their neighbors.
AUGUSTINO DENG
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
I am sure if that disarmament continued throughout in Unity State I believe for sure that they will not get anything in Biemnom County of Dinka Ruweng Community. This is the most ever peaceful place in Unity State. The Ruweng Dinka of Biemnom are not violence people at all.
By Augustino Deng. Jech la mer from Tharpam.
unity state boy
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
Let be peaceful disarmament like what they did in Lake state ,but am sure Commissioner of PJR county Peter Gai Joak will do that nothing will affect the civilian of Payinjiar county and also the community of PAYINJIAR COUNTY they are good people they will cooperated with Government to handover their guns .
SSLA supporter
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
Disarmament in the SPLA/M corrupt RoSS is a mission impossible dream as it is complicated by corruption by SPLA arm dealers that gamble and retail arms to citizens of RoSS for a cash. Thus disarming those innocent civilians while the SPLA thugs carry on trading with arms is like cutting the tail of the snake while leaving the head (SPLA) without a scratch and claim it is over!
SSLA supporter
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
The so-called disarmament should have been carried out nationwide and simultaneously to avoid disadvantaging certain region, ethnic group, tribe, clan that may become vulnerable from attack and looting by members of different groups that have not yet been disarmed or awaiting disarmament! The so-called government of RoSS must provide protection to those disarmed citizens and their assets….
SSLA supporter
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
….including their livestock to avoid their victimization by their rivals.
Guandong
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
Let this current disarmemant to take place in other states instead of great upper nile state, b/s we don’t need what has happened to lou-nuer to happen again, after their arms were being collected, then Murlei uses to attack and kill them while govnt was not doing anyting to protect them.
SSLA supporter
200 illegal AK47s collected in Unity state
Guandong!
You are absolutely right.The so-called disarmament would have been carried out surprisingly and throughout the RoSS and at the same time to avoid victimization of certain tribes by their rivals that are not yet disarmed. Civilians carry firearms because of insecurity in the country, so for the government to disarm them their security must be insured otherwise forget it.