By William Madouk
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has issued a strong warning against carrying firearms during Christmas and New Year Holidays.
In a press briefing held yesterday, the army spokesperson , Maj-Gen Lul Ruai said that anyone not part of the deployed joint security forces found in possession of a gun will have the weapon confiscated and will face serious legal charges.
“In coordination with other organized forces, SSPDF, as the lead security agency has finalized and rolled out all the necessary arrangements and preparation to enhance security and protection,” said Gen. Lul.
“The other important announcement goes to our SSPDF and members of other organized forces that from today onward, if you are not on duty directives and orders have been issued by CDF that put your gun in the unit store,” he added.
General Lul has stated that only those on duty are permitted to carry firearms.
He warned, “If anyone is found carrying a gun while not on duty, that gun will be confiscated, and the individual will be arrested and charged.”
He also mentioned that President Salva Kiir has ordered the removal of all roadblocks and illegal tax collection points along highways and interstate roads.
“All illegal roadblocks/checkpoints along the following roads; Juba-Nimule Highway, Juba-Bor Road, Juba-Kajo Keji Road, Juba-Maridi Road have been removed,” he noted.
To prevent the re-establishment of illegal roadblocks and checkpoints, the SSPDF is currently deploying standby forces along the major roads mentioned, he said.
“On the implementation of security measures during the Christmas period and New Year’s Eve, as of today (Thursday), 19 December 2024, Joint Security Forces will commence deployment within and around Juba town with the massing of security personnel around major roundabouts, markets, transport hubs, recreational centres, and religious sites,” he added.
“Joint security forces will conduct vehicular and foot patrols with special focus on hotspots areas known for higher rates of criminal activities.”
SSPDF command urged all citizens and foreign nationals to cooperate with security forces as well as report any suspicious activities for preventative and pre-emptive measures to be taken.
Regarding the security situation in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State, Gen. Lul said the army has deployed a battalion-sized force in the area to restore law and order.
“Finally, SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces and Assistant Chief of Defense Forces for Operations/Commander of Joint Security would like to wish all the people of South Sudan a Merry Christmas and Happy Prosperous 2025 in advance,” the statement concluded.