Lakes state caretaker governor initiates license on firearms

February 16, 2013 (RUMBEK) – The newly-appointed caretaker Governor of South Sudan’s Lakes state, Major Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol has initiated a policy licensing all firearms in the region.

Dout, a military governor, recently appointed through a decree by South Sudan president, Salva Kiir, has imposed a fee of SSP150 ($80) on each firearm in the hands of individuals in the state.

The governor, while addressing the public in Rumbek, the state capital said the new policy is part of his security reform mechanism, applicable only to those who resist the forceful disarmament exercise.

“I said all firearms [have] to be registered [and] all youth who resist disarmament must register their arm with 150 SSP,” said the acting governor.

The new fee, he stressed, will enhance efforts by state authorities control guns, adding that it will be paid annually.

Dout, however, warned that those who fail to comply would have their gun removed and handed over to the South Sudan’s security forces.

Almost a month since he took over office, the caretaker governor has initiated a series of security reforms in the state, known for its cycle of violence. Critics, however, accuse the new governor of using a military approach to governance, as opposed to the softer stance of his predecessor, Chol Tong Mayay.

(ST)