SSPDF: Wau County Disarmament State Emergency Declared

• Heavily armed South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) troops have been deployed to Wau County for a disarmament exercise.
• The operation follows a presidential order from Salva Kiir issued several months prior.
• A six-month state of emergency will be declared concurrently in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, Lakes, and Unity states.
• The disarmament targets civilians carrying illegal firearms, who are deemed criminals by military authorities due to the absence of opposition forces.
• Citizens are urged to surrender illegal guns to local chiefs or police to avoid severe consequences from the SSPDF.

The presidential directive for a six-month state of emergency establishes a rigorous legal framework for the disarmament process across the four designated states.

The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) recently initiated a significant security operation, deploying heavily armed troops to Wau County within Western Bahr el Ghazal State. This deployment marks the active implementation of a comprehensive disarmament exercise, which was originally ordered by President Salva Kiir several months prior. Major General Wol Dhel Theip, serving as the Deputy Commander for the SSPDF’s Fifth Infantry Division, confirmed that this military action is being conducted concurrently with the formal declaration of a state of emergency.

This emergency declaration, a direct presidential directive, is set to remain in effect for a period of six months. Its primary focus is the collection of illicit firearms from civilian hands across a broader region. General Dhel explicitly stated that the state of emergency will encompass not only Western Bahr el Ghazal but also three other key states: Warrap, Lakes, and Unity, underscoring a coordinated, multi-state effort to address the widespread issue of unauthorized weaponry and enhance regional stability.

The presidential directive for a six-month state of emergency establishes a rigorous legal framework for the disarmament process across the four designated states. Major General Wol Dhel Theip provided a clear justification for the operation, stating that any individuals found in possession of firearms are to be regarded as criminals, particularly given the confirmed absence of any active opposition forces within the state. This interpretation grants security forces the explicit authority and right to confiscate any weapons deemed illegal from the populace.

General Dhel issued a stern warning to the public, emphasizing that the SSPDF would respond decisively and without leniency to those who fail to comply by surrendering their weapons. The disarmament teams are specifically tasked with targeting individuals who are not only carrying unauthorized guns but are also implicated in the looting of citizens' properties. To facilitate compliance and avoid harsher consequences, individuals holding illegal firearms have been strongly urged to voluntarily hand them over to local chiefs or police authorities.

The primary objective driving this extensive disarmament operation is to significantly improve the overall security landscape within Wau County, thereby fostering a more stable and secure environment essential for the conduct of future peaceful elections. Authorities have consistently highlighted that the proliferation of illegal firearms poses a direct and substantial threat, not only to the safety and well-being of ordinary citizens but also to the fundamental integrity and fairness of the electoral process. The connection between unauthorized weapons and criminal activities, such as the theft of property, further reinforces the necessity of these emergency measures.

In light of these critical strategic goals, the authorities have issued a public appeal, urging all residents to maintain calm and extend their full cooperation throughout the duration of the disarmament exercise. This collective effort is considered vital for the successful execution of the operation and the ultimate achievement of enhanced security and stability across the affected regions.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Western Bahr el Ghazal and other affected states must advise clients on their rights and obligations during the six-month state of emergency declared for the SSPDF disarmament operation, particularly concerning the surrender of firearms and potential legal consequences of non-compliance.

Source: Reporting based on local South Sudanese sources.