By Nakwam Rose
Activist has raised concerns about armament of civilians, contributing to high crime rate in various communities in South Sudan.
Edmund Yakani, executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress (CEPO) raised the matter following a deadly cattle raid on Monday.
The raid in a cattle camp in Tonj, Warrap State, perpetrated by armed youth, suspected from Mayom County, resulted in loss of property and lives.
President declared a State of Emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County due to ongoing violence, but Yakani argues that this alone is not a solution to the escalating crisis.
“These armed cattle raids have led to the deaths of 15 people and left 24 injured. Unfortunately, these incidents are occurring despite the declared state of emergency covering Warrap State and Mayom County,” Yakani stated.
He emphasizes that armed violence requires a durable, long-term resolution. He highlights the urgent need for comprehensive disarmament of both communities, noting that neglecting one community could lead to continued raids by armed neighbors.
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have announced a seven-day ultimatum for the residents of Warrap State and Mayom County to surrender illegal weapons or face forceful disarmament.
Yakani insists that this disarmament must be consistent and extended to other communities to prevent future vulnerabilities.
“We call on the government to take responsibility for comprehensive disarmament among armed communities and extend these efforts to others, ensuring no community is left vulnerable,” he said.
Yakani also praised the SSPDF for their actions in disarming and arresting tax officers in Warrap State who had established illegal checkpoints and were collecting illicit funds from civilians.
In a recent reform, the SSPDF Chief of Staff issued an order on April 25 to remove all illegal checkpoints across the country to combat rampant fraud; however, some checkpoints appear to still be operating.
Yakani expressed gratitude to the defense forces for their prompt legal actions against this fraudulent activity and urged law enforcement agencies in other parts of the country to follow suit.
“Thanks to the leadership of the SSPDF for arresting 14 tax officers who established illegal checkpoints in Warrap State. We hope that all other forces across the country will act in the same manner,” Yakani noted.